Boiling turkey heart is an easy and healthy way to prepare this nutritious organ meat. The heart contains a high concentration of protein, vitamins and minerals. However, boiling is essential to make the dense, muscular meat tender. Knowing the right amount of time prevents over or undercooking. Follow this guide to learn how long to boil a turkey heart for flawless results.
Why Boil Turkey Heart?
There are several benefits to boiling turkey heart
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Breaks down connective tissue and muscle fibers – Boiling gently hydrates and softens the tough muscle structure, turning it tender
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Infuses flavor – The moist heat allows seasonings and aromatics in the cooking liquid to permeate the meat.
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Improves digestibility – Boiling makes the meat easier to chew and digest compared to other cooking methods.
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Kills bacteria – The high heat eliminates any potentially harmful pathogens, making boiled heart safe to eat.
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Retains nutrients – Boiling doesn’t drain nutrients like frying The heart retains its high amounts of protein, iron, zinc and B vitamins.
Factors That Affect Boil Time
When determining how long to boil a turkey heart, there are a few key factors to consider:
Size of the Heart
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Small hearts (4-8 oz) take less time than large hearts (over 1 lb).
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Cut larger hearts in half to allow even cooking. Match sizes for uniform doneness.
Level of Doneness
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Less time yields firmer, sliceable texture while longer boiling makes meat fall-apart tender.
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Overcooking causes mushiness – undercooking leaves meat tough.
Cooking Temperature
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Simmering at a gentle bubble is best. Rapid boiling can cause seizing up.
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Keep the liquid at a low simmer for tenderizing without overcooking.
Step-by-Step Boiling Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked boiled turkey heart:
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Rinse heart and trim any fat or membranes. Cut large hearts in half.
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Place heart in a pot and cover with cold water by 1-2 inches.
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Bring to a boil over high heat. This takes around 15-20 minutes.
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Once boiling, reduce heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
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Simmer 30-60 minutes until fork-tender. Time varies based on size.
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Remove from heat. Allow the meat to rest 5 minutes before slicing.
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Serve warm on its own or add to soups, stews and more.
How Long to Boil Different Sized Hearts
Small Turkey Hearts (4-6 oz)
- Simmer 30-45 minutes
Medium Turkey Hearts (8-12 oz)
- Simmer 45-60 minutes
Large Turkey Hearts (Over 1 lb)
- Simmer 60+ minutes
Pierce hearts periodically with a fork to test for doneness. They are fully cooked when very tender but not mushy. Add more time in 5 minute increments if still tough.
Tips for Maximizing Flavor
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Season the cooking liquid. Aromatic veggies like onions, carrots and celery add flavor.
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Brine before boiling. Soaking in a saltwater brine boosts moisture and seasoning.
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Use bold spices and herbs like garlic, rosemary, paprika and cayenne.
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Finish with a quick sear. This caramelizes the exterior and locks in juices.
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Make a tasty gravy from the seasoned cooking liquid.
Serving and Using Boiled Turkey Heart
The tender, mild-flavored meat offers versatility:
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Dice or shred for chili, pasta sauce, casseroles, soups and stuffing.
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Slice thin for sandwiches, flatbreads, pizza toppings and appetizers.
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Mix with vegetables, grains like rice or quinoa and legumes for healthy bowls.
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Chill and reserve boiled heart in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Reheat before eating.
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Freeze leftovers up to 6 months for longer storage. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Health Benefits of Turkey Heart
This nutritious organ meat provides:
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High quality protein – builds and repairs muscles.
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Iron – prevents anemia and aids oxygen delivery.
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Zinc – boosts immunity and wound healing.
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B vitamins – support energy, mood and brain function.
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Selenium – antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
Boiling turkey heart helps make these nutrients more bioavailable to our bodies compared to other cooking methods.
Learning how long to boil a turkey heart results in tender, flavorful meat every time. Smaller hearts take 30-45 minutes while larger hearts can require over an hour. Test doneness with a fork and adjust the simmering time as needed. With the proper boiling technique, you can enjoy the full nutrition and bold, meaty flavor of turkey heart.
Sous Vide Turkey Hearts, with Broccoli and Onion
Temperature: 155 F / 68 C.
Timing: 4 hours.
- About 1 pound of turkey hearts. My package yielded 17 hearts, which is 5 or 6 per person as a main. Leave whole.
- 1 medium/large onion, diced.
- 1 broccoli crown, base removed or chopped fine. Florets coarsely chopped.
- Butter for sauteeing.
- 3 tablespoons tamari (or coconut aminos for that soy-free, Paleo, Whole30 option)
- 6 tablespoons au jus from the sous vide turkey hearts.
- 1 teaspoon dried tarragon.
- salt and pepper to taste (I added no extra salt, and about 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper).
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce – adjust for more if you like
Sous vide those turkey hearts. I simply made sure they lay as a single layer in their bag. Reusable silicon is recommended. I didn’t add anything else to the bag, but I did leave the fat caps on the hearts. Seal by immersion, or by vacuum (if using plastic).
Shortly before the hearts are done, prep everything else.
Sauté the onion in butter on medium heat, until the onion gets soft, then add the broccoli, tamari, au jus sauce from the finished turkey heart package, tarragon, salt and pepper. Cook another five or so minutes, or until the broccoli reaches your preferred texture, mixing regularly.
Add the still-hot hearts and any hot sauce, stir a minute or two, plate and serve.
More fun with turkey hearts: Turkey Heart Omelet!
For this, you’ll want to take two cooked (via sous vide) turkey hearts, chop them up, with whatever ingredients you like, and make breakfast. I used three eggs, but two eggs in a smaller skillet will work just as well.
We’ll assume you’ve already sous vide-d your turkey hearts via the first part of the recipe above.
Serves: 1 for breakfast!
An Aside: Turkey Heart Omelet
- 3 eggs, de-shelled and beaten.
- 2 sous-vide turkey hearts, chopped up.
- Bok choy, shredded, to choice.
- Oyster mushroom, shredded, to choice.
- Asiago cheese, about 2 ounces
- Ground black pepper as desired.
Assemble your omelet as usual – I do cook the bok choy and mushroom a bit before adding to the beaten eggs nestled into the skillet.
PS: I fully meant to make a savory apple dish LAST Friday for the Fourth (American as Apple Pie), but I’ve been busy getting the previous home in order for sale. It will appear later this month, once I make it again – did a simplified version but not yet ready for Prime Time…
Link Parties:
How to Boil Turkey Neck & Giblets: Cooking with Kimberly
FAQ
How long does it take to boil a turkey heart?
Step 5. Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes, until the turkey heart is tender.Dec 1, 2023
How long should turkey be boiled for?
Allow the turkey to cook in the pot. Cook times range from 45-55 minutes for a 12-13 pound bird to one hour-one hour and 15 minutes. for a 15-18 pound turkey.Nov 12, 2015
How long to boil turkey organs?
Do you boil the giblets? Yes, you have to boil the giblets and neck to cook them before you start making the gravy. They simmer in water for about an hour.Sep 20, 2024
How long does it take to boil a turkey breast?
Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer with the cover on, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until internal temperature of meat is 165 F.Oct 1, 2021
How long do you boil Turkey heart & liver?
Additionally, if you’re using the heart and liver as a base for stuffing, you can boil them for 15-20 minutes to ensure they are thoroughly cooked before combining them with other ingredients. Remember, the key to cooking turkey heart and liver is to always ensure they are fully cooked before consuming.
How do you cook a Turkey Heart on a grill?
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill the hearts for 4-6 minutes per side until they are nicely charred and cooked through. Sautéing: Heat a tablespoon of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey hearts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Can you cook a Turkey Heart in the oven?
Yes, you can cook turkey heart in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), place the marinated heart in a baking dish, and roast for approximately 20-25 minutes or until it reaches the desired internal temperature. **Are there any alternative cooking methods?** Definitely!
How do you cook a Turkey Heart in a crock pot?
Submerge the turkey hearts in the simmering water, and cover to cook. Cook the turkey hearts for about two hours. Poke a meat thermometer probe into the heart, and remove the heart from the simmering water when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The heart will also have a soft, tender texture when cooked completely.
Can you leave boiled turkey liver & heart whole?
You may leave the heart and liver whole if they are not too big. Doing so enhances the presentation of the boiled turkey liver and heart dish. The next step is to wash the heart and liver again thoroughly in cold water. This ensures that any remaining dirt or debris is washed out.
How long do you boil heart & liver?
If you’re making soup or stew, you can boil the heart and liver for up to 1 hour to infuse the flavors into the broth. Additionally, if you’re using the heart and liver as a base for stuffing, you can boil them for 15-20 minutes to ensure they are thoroughly cooked before combining them with other ingredients.