Turkey liver with onions, apples, and mashed potatoes is the most delicious way to cook turkey liver. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes.
You have some turkey liver, and you dont know what to do with it? Learn how to cook turkey liver in the simplest and most delicious way. It is crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and ready in less than 10 minutes. For a change, you will need more time to cook the sides than the main.
Ive been buying a turkey from a farmer in the village every year now for quite a long time. Every year, in November, I spend hours dividing a huge bird (this year, it weighed 26 kg/ 57 lbs) into manageable portions, which I then freeze.
And the first things I cook with parts of that bird are the livers and a turkey bone broth with some of the bones.
Turkey liver is an underappreciated yet nutritious and tasty cut of meat. However improperly cooked liver can turn out rubbery and unpalatable. The key is knowing exactly how long to boil turkey liver to achieve fork-tender melt-in-your-mouth texture and avoid overcooking.
With the right timing and a few handy tips you can master cooking tender, flavorful turkey liver every time. This complete guide covers everything you need to know.
Why Cook Turkey Liver?
Before jumping into boiling techniques, let’s overview why you should consider adding turkey liver to your diet:
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Nutrient-dense – Packed with protein, iron, vitamin A, folate, copper, and other vitamins and minerals. Much more than turkey breast.
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Budget-friendly – As an organ meat, turkey liver costs just a fraction of breast or thigh meat.
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Sustainable – Eating organ meats like liver makes use of more of the animal.
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Versatile – Turkey liver works in everything from appetizers to main entrees.
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Satisfying flavor – When cooked right, turkey liver has a rich, meaty taste.
Choosing the Best Turkey Livers
Not all turkey livers are equal in taste and texture. Here is how to select the best:
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Freshness – Raw livers should look moist with no dry spots. Avoid livers that are slimy or foul smelling.
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Color – Opt for livers that are deep burgundy red without brown or grey spots.
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Size – Medium livers around 1⁄2 pound are ideal. Large livers may be tough.
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Weight – Choose livers that feel solid and heavy for their size. Light livers can be mushy.
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Packaging – Livers sold in their own packaging maintain freshness better than those bundled with other parts.
Prepping and Cleaning Turkey Livers
Thorough prep ensures tender livers and eliminates any undesirable flavors:
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Rinse – Run livers under cold water to wash away blood and surface bacteria. Pat dry.
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Trim – Using a sharp knife, cut away any connective tissues, discolored spots or green bile deposits.
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Halve – For more even cooking, cut larger livers in half horizontally before boiling.
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Soak (optional) – Soaking 30 minutes in milk or buttermilk reduces strong livery taste.
Step-by-Step Guide to Boiling Turkey Liver
With prepped livers ready, follow these steps for foolproof boiling:
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Use a large pot – Crowded livers will not cook evenly. Make sure livers can move freely while boiling.
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Cover with cold water – Use enough water to submerge livers by 1-2 inches.
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Bring to a boil – Heat water to a rapid boil over high heat. The faster the boil, the less toughness.
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Reduce heat – As soon as water reaches a boil, lower to maintain a gentle simmer.
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Cook covered – Keeping the pot covered helps livers cook faster and more evenly.
Can you reheat it?
- Theoretically, yes, but it will become dry, and frankly, cold liver tastes much better than dry liver.
- It is better to serve the leftovers in a sandwich or on top of a salad.
- Always keep the leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container and up to 2 days.
- Cooked turkey or chicken liver is not really suitable for freezing. I tried it, and once thawed, it was crumbly and not very appetizing.
Cooking times for turkey liver
- It is all about the thickness; this is the most important thing you have to know. It doesnt matter how large it is, just how thick.
- You will only have to cook it for a few minutes, about 2 minutes for a regular-sized one and 3 for something as thick as I had.
- The livers I had were about as large as ¾ of my hand and about 4.5-5 cm/ 1.8-2 inches thick at their thickest part. I cooked them for exactly 3 minutes per side and had them crispy and dark on the outside and tender and slightly pink on the inside.
- Some people like them slightly bloody, but I am not into that. Slightly pink is just the way I like them.
- If you like them cooked through, add another 30 seconds to 1 minute to the cooking time. However, keep in mind that if the liver is overcooked, it will become tough and chewy. And so dry you will have difficulties swallowing it.
- Pat dry and sprinkle with flour to coat.
- Pat or shake gently to remove the excess flour.
- Heat the oil (or fat) in a nonstick or cast-iron pan.
- Fry on one side for 3 minutes, flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Read the above for more information regarding cooking times.
- Flour the livers before frying them. About 1 tablespoon of flour would be enough; coat them and then pat them gently to remove the excess. The flour will make them nice and crispy.
- Only season them after cooking.
- Many people soak beef or pork liver in milk before cooking to remove the bitterness. This is not necessary when cooking turkey or chicken liver; they are not bitter at all. And they are much more tender than any other kind.
- As preparing the liver only takes minutes, start with cooking the onions and apples. And with the mashed potatoes.
How to Boil Turkey Neck & Giblets: Cooking with Kimberly
FAQ
How long does it take to boil turkey livers?
Soak the liver into water/milk for 1 hour. Then rinse it out and cook it in salted boiling water for 40 minutes.
How long should liver be boiled for?
Soak the beef liver for 20–30 minutes before cooking and then rinse it thoroughly. COOKING: Add it to boiling water. Cook for 40 minutes on low heat.
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 to boil turkey liver for dogs?
3 Easy Ways to Cook Liver for Your Dog | How To Cook Liver For Dog Food | How To Cook Liver For A Dog. Boiling is a simple and nutrient-preserving method. Place liver in boiling water for 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Once cool, cut into bite-sized pieces or serve as is for a nutritious, easy-to-eat treat.
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 liver in a pan?
Pan-frying is one of the quickest and easiest ways to prepare turkey liver. It takes just 3-5 minutes total. Pat livers dry and season liberally with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour for a crispy texture. Heat 1 Tbsp oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add livers and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
How do you cook Turkey liver on a grill?
Grilling imparts a smoky flavor to turkey liver. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the liver with oil and season it with your favorite herbs and spices. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Baking: Baking is a gentler cooking method that results in moist and tender liver. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How to serve boiled turkey heart & liver?
Tips for Serving Boiled Turkey Heart and Liver: 1. Presentation is Key – When serving boiled turkey heart and liver, presentation plays a crucial role. You can slice the heart and liver and serve it on a platter with a garnish such as parsley or lemon wedges.
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.
How long does it take to boil Turkey Neck & Giblet broth?
Use broth to make gravy, moisten stuffing or add to soup. This simple yet flavorful turkey neck and giblet broth takes advantage of oft unused parts of the bird. With the proper 45 minute to 1 hour boil time, you can extract maximum flavor to enhance your holiday recipes.