When you take the turkey’s neck and giblets off, do you ever wonder what to do with them? Most people just throw them away.
Mom always made quick pots of broth from the turkey neck and giblets to use for making gravy or moistening stuffing. She never let anything go to waste. And, thats what I do. This broth is so much more flavorful than anything that comes out of a can or box. It can be cooked in a pot while the turkey is in the oven, and it will be ready to use long before the turkey is done.
Because I use turkey parts that would otherwise be thrown away, I always think of this broth as almost free. Also, I usually have extra herbs, onions, and celery because they come in bigger amounts than I need for my other meal recipes.
For many cooks, the turkey neck and giblets get overlooked when preparing the big bird for holiday feasts. But these parts can be transformed into rich, flavorful dishes that are sure to impress. This guide will walk you through the easy process of cooking turkey neck and giblets to make the most of your bird.
What Are Turkey Neck and Giblets?
The neck is the long, narrow part connecting the turkey’s body to its head. The giblets are the edible internal organs, usually including:
- Heart
- Liver
- Gizzard
Sometimes the giblet packet also contains the kidney These nutrient-dense odd bits are packed with texture and intense turkey flavor
Why Cook Turkey Neck and Giblets?
Turkey neck and giblets may look unappealing, but once cooked, they offer a wonderful way to make use of the entire bird The neck meat becomes tender and succulent The giblets lend rich, meaty flavor to sauces, gravies and stuffings.
Cooking the neck and giblets also allows you to stretch your turkey for more servings. And the rendered fat can be used for flavorful sautéing.
How to Cook Turkey Neck
The turkey neck can be prepared in a few simple ways:
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Simmer in broth: Gently simmer the neck in chicken or turkey broth until very tender, 1-2 hours. Dice or shred the meat.
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Roast: Place the neck on a roasting pan and cook at 350°F for 30-45 minutes until browned and cooked through.
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Grill: Grill the neck over medium heat for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly charred.
How to Cook Turkey Giblets
To cook the giblets:
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Simmer: Gently simmer the giblets in broth or water for 1-2 hours until tender. Chop and use in stuffing or gravy.
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Sauté: Sauté the giblets in a little oil over medium-high heat until lightly browned. Add seasonings like thyme and sage.
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Roast: Place on a roasting pan and cook at 400°F for 20-30 minutes until cooked through. Finely chop and add to dishes.
Tips for Cooking Turkey Neck and Giblets
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Rinse the neck and giblets before cooking. Remove membranes or excess fat.
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Simmer the liver separately to prevent overcooking. Add it halfway through simmering the other giblets.
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Season with aromatics like onions, carrots, garlic, peppercorns, herbs and spices.
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Use the cooked giblets within 1-2 days for maximum freshness and flavor.
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Reserve the fatty neck skin to use for sautéing vegetables.
Delicious Ways to Use Cooked Turkey Neck and Giblets
Once you’ve cooked the turkey neck and giblets, get creative with how to use them:
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Shred the neck meat and mix into stuffing or casseroles.
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Finely chop the giblets to blend into quick breads and cornbread.
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Add diced giblets to gravy for intense flavor.
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Whisk chopped giblets into biscuit dough before baking.
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Sauté vegetables in rendered turkey neck fat.
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Stir shredded neck meat into soup, chili or pasta sauce.
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Mash cooked giblets into creamy mashed potatoes.
Cooking the Neck and Giblets for Richer Flavor
With their concentrated turkey taste and tender texture, the neck and giblets can enrich so many dishes. Simmering and roasting coax out their best flavor. Use this guide to transform the often discarded parts into culinary assets. Your holiday feast will benefit from the added richness the neck and giblets provide.
While the turkey cooks, make this for use in gravy, stuffing, or soup.
- neck & giblets from 1 turkey
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1-2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 sprig fresh sage
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 1-2 celery stocks, cut in 2″ chunks
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns (optional)
- Chicken broth or water, or a mix of the two, 4 cups (32 oz)
Directions Add all ingredients to a 1-1/2 to 2 quart saucepan. Bring to boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and simmer on low heat for at least 1 hour. Pour through a mesh metal strainer to remove solids. Broth may be combined with turkey pan drippings to make gravy. Or, use the broth to moisten stuffing. It also may be used in soup. Broth may be stored in the fridge for 3 days or frozen for several months.
When you take the turkey’s neck and giblets off, do you ever wonder what to do with them? Most people just throw them away.
Mom always made quick pots of broth from the turkey neck and giblets to use for making gravy or moistening stuffing. She never let anything go to waste. And, thats what I do. This broth is so much more flavorful than anything that comes out of a can or box. It can be cooked in a pot while the turkey is in the oven, and it will be ready to use long before the turkey is done.
- Check out my post Step-by-Step Guide To The Best Roast Turkey for a full photo guide on how to roast a turkey.
Because I use turkey parts that would otherwise be thrown away, I always think of this broth as almost free. Also, I usually have extra herbs, onions, and celery because they come in bigger amounts than I need for my other meal recipes.
How to Boil Turkey Neck & Giblets: Cooking with Kimberly
FAQ
Is it okay to cook a turkey with the neck and giblets still in it?
What to do with turkey giblets and neck besides gravy?
What do you do with the turkey neck?
What part of the turkey giblets do you not use?
How do you cook giblets & Turkey Neck in gravy?
Add the chicken stock, then the giblets and turkey bones into the stock. Season with salt, pepper and thyme. 4). Bring to boil then simmer for 45 minutes. Drain the stock, saving the giblets and turkey neck. Remove the meat from the turkey neck. Roughly chop the meat and giblets and put them back into the gravy. 5).
Can you cook Turkey Neck and giblets separately?
While it’s common to use the neck and giblets in recipes that accompany the turkey, you can also cook them separately. You can simmer the neck and giblets in a seasoned broth to make a flavorful stock or use them as the base for a delicious gravy.
How do you make turkey giblet gravy?
Reduce heat to low; stir giblets and hard-cooked egg into gravy. Simmer until gravy is thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. This turkey giblet gravy is made with gizzards, giblets, and savory pan drippings to make the most flavorful gravy for all your Thanksgiving side dishes.
Where do you put giblets in Turkey Gravy?
On a turkey, some of the giblets may be found in the neck cavity as well. Giblet gravy is usually served “chunky”, if you want, you can purée it for a smoother gravy. One traditional option is the addition of chopped hard boiled eggs to the gravy. If you want to try that, chop up 3 hard boiled eggs finely, and add them to the gravy in Step 6.
What to eat with Turkey giblets & neck?
Turkey giblets and neck can be served on their own or as part of a larger meal. Some popular serving suggestions include: * Boiled giblets and neck with gravy. Serve the giblets and neck with a simple gravy made from the cooking liquid. * Roasted giblets and neck with vegetables. Roast the giblets and neck with your favorite vegetables.
How long do you cook a turkey neck & giblets?
So while the turkey is roasting the next day, place the neck and giblets into a medium saucepan, cover it with water by about 2 inches, and bring it to a boil. After it boils, reduce the heat to a strong simmer and cook them for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the meat is totally cooked through.