Have you ever removed the neck and giblets from a turkey and wondered what in the world to do with them? Most often they get thrown away.
My mom, who could never let anything go to waste, always used the turkey neck and giblets to make a quick pot of broth to use for making gravy or moistening stuffing. And, thats what I do. This broth is so much more flavorful than anything that comes out of a can or box. You can simmer a pot of it while the turkey is in the oven, and it will be ready to use long before the turkey is finished cooking.
I always think of this broth as being virtually free, because I use turkey parts that would otherwise be discarded. And, I normally have leftover herbs, onions, and celery, since those often come in larger quantities than I need for my other recipes for the meal.
Turkey giblets are a delicious and nutritious part of the bird that is often overlooked. The giblets, which include the heart, gizzard, liver and neck, are full of flavor and can add richness to gravy, soup stock and stuffing. But to get the most out of your giblets, it’s important to cook them properly on the stove. Here’s everything you need to know about cooking turkey giblets on the stovetop.
What are Turkey Giblets?
For those unfamiliar with the term, turkey giblets refer to the organs and neck that come packaged inside the bird’s cavity Specifically, giblets include
-
Heart – Small and cone-shaped, the heart is all muscle and incredibly flavorful.
-
Gizzard – This is the turkey’s stomach muscle that grinds food. It has a tough lining that needs removal before cooking
-
Liver – The largest organ the liver has a delicate texture and strong flavor.
-
Neck – Packed with collagen, the neck adds body and rich taste.
These parts are full of nutrients like iron, zinc, copper and B vitamins. And when simmered, they impart deep, concentrated turkey essence that can elevate soups, gravies and more.
Why Cook Giblets on the Stove?
There are a few advantages to cooking giblets on the stovetop rather than oven roasting them inside the cavity:
-
Better temperature control – Gentle simmering allows the giblets to cook evenly without drying out.
-
More concentrated flavor – Simmering extracts flavors that get absorbed into the cooking liquid for rich broth.
-
Time savings – Giblets can cook while the turkey roasts, so they’re ready when you need them.
-
Food safety – Thorough simmering kills any bacteria present on raw giblets.
How Long to Cook Turkey Giblets on the Stove?
The cooking time can vary based on the size and quantity of giblets, but on average expect 1-2 hours of simmering until tender. Smaller pieces like the heart and liver may be done sooner than larger gizzards and necks.
To test doneness, pierce the giblets with a fork. They should be very tender with no resistance. If still tough, continue simmering and checking every 15 minutes until fully cooked through.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Giblets on the Stove
Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked turkey giblets every time:
1. Rinse the Giblets
Run the raw giblets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. This removes any blood, juices or debris.
2. Simmer in Water
Place giblets in a pot and add enough cold water to cover by 1-2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat then reduce to a gentle simmer.
3. Cover and Cook
Cover the pot with a lid to help retain moisture and heat. Let giblets simmer for 1-2 hours, checking tenderness periodically with a fork.
4. Remove and Drain
Once fully cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer giblets to a plate or bowl. Reserve the nutrient-rich cooking liquid for broth.
5. Let Cool and Chop
Allow giblets to cool slightly before chopping or dicing as needed for your recipe.
Tips for Maximizing Flavor
-
For richer flavor, swap some water for chicken or turkey broth. Up to 50% broth can be used.
-
Add aromatics like onion, carrots, celery, garlic and fresh herbs to the cooking liquid. Their flavors will infuse the giblets.
-
Use the strained giblet cooking liquid as the base for gravy, soup stock or sauce.
-
Sauté chopped cooked giblets with aromatics to enhance flavor before adding to stuffing, gravy or casseroles.
-
If pressed for time, giblets can be cooked 1-2 days ahead and refrigerated until needed.
Expert Answers to Common Giblet Questions
Cooking turkey giblets may be new territory for some cooks. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Can I speed up the cooking time by boiling giblets?
No, boiling can cause uneven cooking and toughening. Low, gentle simmering is best. Be patient for tender, flavorful giblets.
Should I cook the liver separate from other giblets?
Yes, the liver cooks faster than gizzards or neck. Remove it after about 30 minutes of simmering so it doesn’t overcook.
Can I use the giblet cooking liquid for gravy?
Absolutely! Strain the liquid into a gravy base. It adds rich turkey flavor better than broth from a can.
Can I cook giblets in advance?
You can cook giblets 1-2 days ahead of time. Let cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
If giblets overcook and become tough, can I still use them?
Chop or shred extremely overcooked giblets and use them in long simmered dishes like soup where tenderness isn’t as important.
Cooking Turkey Giblets with Ease
From gravy to stuffing and more, turkey giblets are a treasure trove of flavor not to be overlooked on Thanksgiving or any time you roast a bird. With the proper gentle simmering time of 1-2 hours on the stove, you’ll be rewarded with tender, tasty giblets that make other dishes shine. Trust me, this easy cooking method will become your go-to for holiday feasts. Enjoy those delicious giblets!
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)
- 4 cups (32 oz) chicken broth or water (or a combination of the two)
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.
Have you ever removed the neck and giblets from a turkey and wondered what in the world to do with them? Most often they get thrown away.
My mom, who could never let anything go to waste, always used the turkey neck and giblets to make a quick pot of broth to use for making gravy or moistening stuffing. And, thats what I do. This broth is so much more flavorful than anything that comes out of a can or box. You can simmer a pot of it while the turkey is in the oven, and it will be ready to use long before the turkey is finished cooking.
- For a detailed photo tutorial on how to roast a turkey, check out my post: Step-By-Step Guide To The Best Roast Turkey
I always think of this broth as being virtually free, because I use turkey parts that would otherwise be discarded. And, I normally have leftover herbs, onions, and celery, since those often come in larger quantities than I need for my other recipes for the meal.
How to Boil Turkey Neck & Giblets: Cooking with Kimberly
FAQ
How long should giblets be cooked?
Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the giblets begin to tenderize, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.Feb 18, 2024
How do you cook turkey giblets on the stove?
Place the giblets in a saucepan and cover with 1.2 litres/2 pints water. Add the bay leaf, thyme, peppercorns and onion. Bring to the boil and skim off any scum. Reduce the heat and then simmer for 45 minutes.
How long to boil turkey gizzards on the stove?
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and place the gizzards in the boiling water. …
- Place the gizzards in a medium-sized pot and cover with water. …
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 3 hours or until the gizzards are fork-tender.
How long to boil turkey giblets for stuffing?
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 cook Turkey giblets?
Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the giblets are browned on all sides. Turkey giblets are the internal organs of a turkey, including the heart, liver, gizzard, and neck. They are often discarded, but they can actually be a delicious and nutritious addition to your meal. Giblets are a good source of protein, iron, and other nutrients.
What temperature should Turkey giblets be cooked to?
Properly cooked giblets should have an internal temperature of at least 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat. Once they are finished boiling, you can use them to make gravy, stuffing, or other delicious dishes. The boiling time of turkey giblets varies depending on their size.
How to cook Turkey giblets in a crock pot?
To simmer turkey giblets, you will need: Instructions: 1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the water, salt, peppercorns, bay leaf, onion, garlic, thyme, oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. 2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour. 3. Remove the giblets from the pot and let cool.
What to do with boiled turkey giblets?
Alternatively, you can add a combination of herbs and spices such as thyme, sage, rosemary, garlic, and onion powder to the pot for added flavor. Another way to add flavor to boiled turkey giblets is to make a broth or stock. Once the giblets have finished boiling, strain the liquid and save it to use as a base for soups, gravies, or sauces.
How long do you cook giblets in a crock pot?
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let them simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour until they are tender. 4. Remove and chop the giblets: Once the giblets are cooked, remove them from the saucepan and allow them to cool slightly.
Can you eat cooked turkey giblets?
Turkey giblets can be a great addition to soups and broths, adding depth of flavor to your dish. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly before adding them to the soup. 4. How long can I store cooked turkey giblets? Cooked turkey giblets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.