Demystifying Turkey Oysters – What Are These Mysterious Morsels?

As a long-time turkey lover, I was surprised to recently hear the term “turkey oysters” used to describe a part of the bird Turkey oysters? Are they actually related to seafood or just named oddly? I had to do some digging to uncover the truth behind this quirky turkey terminology

In this article, I’ll walk through exactly what turkey oysters are, where they’re located, how to cook them, and some fascinating folklore around these unique turkey bits. So keep reading to get the full scoop on the oysters of the poultry world!

What Are Turkey Oysters?

Turkey oysters are two small round pieces of dark meat attached to the turkey’s backbone. They are located in the hollows on each side of the backbone just above the tail.

These morsels are sometimes also referred to as turkey testicles or turkey fries, though that’s not anatomically correct – they are simply muscles, not any reproductive organs.

Turkey oysters have a very mild flavor and velvety texture when cooked. They are considered a delicacy by many turkey connoisseurs due to their dark, juicy meat. Let’s take a closer look at their anatomy.

Turkey Oyster Locations and Appearance

When you roast or carve a whole turkey, the oysters can be found nestled into the backbone, partially obscured by the hips on either side. They are petite, oval-shaped muscles roughly the size of a quarter.

Turkey oysters are covered by a thin membrane that needs to be peeled off to reveal the meat. Once peeled, they look like dark balls of ground turkey meat. Their darkness comes from myoglobin, the same compound that makes beef and pork darker in color.

Due to their small size and protected positioning in the backbone, turkey oysters cook up incredibly moist and tender. They are truly one of the best bites of the entire turkey!

How to Cook Turkey Oysters

There are two main methods for cooking turkey oysters:

Roasting: The simplest approach is to roast them right in the backbone cavity while cooking your Thanksgiving or Christmas bird. No prep needed – just let them roast alongside the rest of the turkey. They’ll absorb all the delicious turkey juices!

Pan-frying: For a crispy texture, you can also peel the oysters from a cooked turkey and pan-fry them. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Dredge the oysters in flour, then fry for 2-3 minutes until browned and warmed through. Season with salt and pepper.

Either roasting method produces tender, flavorful turkey oysters that are a treat for the cook to nibble on behind the scenes.

Serving Suggestions for Turkey Oysters

There are many creative ways you can serve up these unique turkey nuggets:

• Chopped over stuffing or mashed potatoes
• Added to turkey noodle soup or rice dishes
• Stuffed into mini taco shells or lettuce wraps
• Mixed into a breakfast hash with veggies and eggs
• Stacked on crackers or mini toasts for an app
• Added to turkey pot pie or shepherd’s pie
• Thrown into a stir fry or fried rice

Let your imagination run wild with these little turkey jewels! They add a pop of moist, dark meat to any dish.

The History and Folklore Around Turkey Oysters

So how did turkey oysters get their intriguing name when they have nothing to do with shellfish? There are a few origin theories:

Shape: Their oval, mollusk-like shape could be reminiscent of oysters.

Rarity: Like finding a pearl in an oyster, turkey oysters are rare and precious morsels only 2 per bird.

Naughty humor: Their position near the rear and two-halves shape causes some to liken them to testicles, leading to ribald nicknames.

Aphrodisiac legend: Ancient Aztecs supposedly regarded turkey oysters as an aphrodisiac, a reputation also held by oysters.

Resemblance to female anatomy: Some claim their duality and oval shape bears a physical likeness to female private parts, accounting for saucy double entendres.

Whatever the backstory, turkey oysters are definitely shrouded in sensual mystique! But at the end of the day, they’re simply delicious pieces of turkey meat to savor.

Turkey Oyster Etiquette – Who Gets These Choicest Bits?

When carving a turkey at the table, proper etiquette says the oysters should go to the patriarch or guest of honor. However, many cooks admit to stealing the oysters for themselves before serving the turkey!

If you want to maintain peace in the family, consider these diplomatic options:

• Roast extra turkey drumettes to set aside as substitute oysters to sneak.
• Whip up an app of fried oysters to pass around and share.
• Openly announce that the oysters will go to whoever makes the best joke or sings a holiday carol.
• Sacrifice your claim to the oysters and let others enjoy their magnificence.
• Cook two small turkeys and give each host couple their own oysters.

With some creative problem solving, everyone can partake in these succulent turkey morsels.

While their name may be puzzling, there’s no mystery around how delicious turkey oysters are. Whether you roast them right on the bone or pan-fry them up crispy, be sure to take advantage of these marvelous turkey morsels. Chances are good you’ll become an oyster fanatic and start requesting turkeys with extra oysters attached!

Now that you’re a turkey oyster expert, go impress your family at the next holiday feast. And if you have any other turkey trivia to share, I’d love to hear it in the comments!