Turkey gizzards are one of the more mysterious parts of the bird that often get overlooked during holiday meals. But what exactly are they, and why do turkeys have them? This complete guide will uncover everything you need to know about turkey gizzards, from what they are and how to cook them to their unique texture, flavor and nutritional benefits.
Anatomy of a Turkey Gizzard
The gizzard is an organ located in the digestive tract of turkeys, chicken, and other birds. Scientifically known as the ventriculus, it sits between the crop and the intestine. The gizzard acts as a gastric mill, using strong muscles and grit to grind up food and help with digestion.
Since birds don’t have teeth, the gizzard plays a crucial role in breaking down food for nutritional absorption. It has a powerful muscular wall that churns and crushes food using small stones and other grit that the bird swallows. The gizzard can contract with immense force, grinding the food into small particles before passing it further down the digestive tract.
Turkey gizzards are typically round or oval in shape and about 2 to 3 inches wide. They have a firm texture and are filled with fibrous tissue When raw, the gizzard lining has a grainy, sandy texture on the inside from the ingested stones and grit
Culinary Uses of Turkey Gizzards
While some people may discard them, turkey gizzards can actually be a very tasty and versatile ingredient. They have a unique flavor and texture that lend well to stews, gravies, soups, and other dishes. Here are some of the most popular ways to cook turkey gizzards:
-
Fried or grilled – Gizzards are often breaded and fried or grilled to make a crispy, flavorful snack or appetizer.
-
Soups and stews – The rich, meaty flavor of gizzards makes them an excellent addition to soups, stews, gumbos, and chillis. They add heartiness and texture.
-
Gravies and stuffing – Chopped gizzards are commonly used to boost the flavor of gravies, sauces, and stuffing or dressing.
-
Pickled – Pickled turkey gizzards are a tangy treat, especially popular in the Midwestern United States. They make an excellent bar snack.
-
Braised or simmered – Slow cooking tenderizes gizzards and brings out their unqiue savory flavor. They are perfect in braised dishes.
-
Ground or minced – Ground gizzards can be used like minced meat to make meatballs, burgers, and dumplings.
The rich, irony taste of gizzards pairs well with bold seasonings. Onions, garlic, peppers, and spices like cayenne, paprika, and cumin complement the flavor.
Benefits of Eating Turkey Gizzards
Turkey gizzards provide some excellent nutritional benefits. Here are some of the main health perks:
-
High protein – Gizzards are a lean source of protein. A 3 ounce serving provides around 13 grams of filling protein.
-
Iron – Turkey gizzards contain significant amounts of absorbable heme-iron. This makes them helpful for preventing anemia.
-
Vitamin B12 – Gizzards supply this essential nutrient that aids blood cell formation and nerve function.
-
Choline – This nutrient supports brain, liver, and cardiovascular health. Turkey gizzards are a good source.
-
Glutathione – Gizzards contain high levels of the antioxidant glutathione. This compound fights inflammation and cell damage.
However, gizzards are also high in cholesterol, so they should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Overall, turkey gizzards can add taste, texture, and nutritional value to holiday meals and everyday cooking.
How to Prepare and Cook Turkey Gizzards
Proper preparation is key when cooking turkey gizzards to get the best texture and flavor. Here are some tips:
-
Rinse gizzards well and pat dry. Trim off any fat or membranes.
-
Soak gizzards in buttermilk, vinegar, or another acidic liquid to help tenderize.
-
Simmer gizzards for 1-2 hours until tender. Season the cooking liquid well.
-
Fry or grill gizzards over high heat to get a crispy exterior.
-
Slow cook gizzards in stews, soups, or braised dishes to maximize tenderness.
-
Chop, mince, or grind cooked gizzards before adding to stuffing, gravies, or other items.
-
Marinate cooked gizzards in a flavorful sauce or dressing for added taste.
Cooking times vary based on the method. Fried or grilled gizzards take 15-20 minutes. Simmering tenderizes them after 1-2 hours. Roasting takes about 30-40 minutes at 350°F. Use a thermometer to ensure gizzards reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Well-cooked gizzards are tender with a pleasantly chewy texture and bold, irony flavor. They absorb surrounding seasonings and sauces nicely. Be sure not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.
Creative Ways to Use Turkey Gizzards
Looking for new ways to use turkey gizzards this holiday season? Here are some creative recipes and serving ideas:
-
Skewer grilled gizzards and vegetables for a protein-packed kabob. Brush with a zesty glaze.
-
Dice gizzards and sauté with onions, peppers, and Cajun seasoning for a Southern-inspired hash.
-
Add chopped gizzards to lentil or bean soups for extra protein and texture.
-
Coat fried or grilled gizzards with bold BBQ, Buffalo, or Thai sauces for fun finger food.
-
Stuff cooked ground gizzards into empanadas, ravioli, or potstickers for a flavorful filling.
-
Toss tender braised gizzards with pasta, olive oil, and Parmesan for a rustic Italian pasta dish.
-
Top hearty greens and grain salads with slices of roasted gizzard for protein and crunch.
Don’t let those turkey gizzards go to waste this Thanksgiving. With their unique taste, texture, and nutrition, they are far too delicious to toss out. Get creative with preparation methods and flavor combinations to make gizzards the star of your holiday table. Your guests will be impressed with these underrated yet exceptional bird parts.
If you’re like me, you didn’t grow up eating animal organs like heart or liver.
Maybe you’re a little grossed out by the idea. I completely understand the feeling! But I’m here to tell you they’re not as gross as they’ve been made out to be!
First off, what are turkey giblets? They are the heart, liver, and gizzard. If you purchased a Whiffletree whole turkey, you found all three of those in the cavity of the turkey.
Poultry organs (and all animal organs) have amazing health benefits. They’re very high in protein, which is essential for our bodies to get enough of for everyday functions. You’ll also get the benefits of vitamins A and B, iron, and CoQ10. In a nutshell, giblets are a health powerhouse!
What about the flavor, you may ask? I personally don’t love the flavor of organs alone, but once you add in garlic and butter, they taste amazing! So, here’s how to make a delicious, nutrient-dense giblet gravy.
Nutrient-Dense Giblet Gravy Recipe
What you’ll need:
Turkey neck 3.5 cups water Turkey giblets 2 garlic cloves, minced ⅓ c. flour Drippings from roasted turkey 6 Tbsp butter Salt to taste
If you’re looking at the giblet gravy recipe from one of our previous blog posts, you’ll notice the way I do it here is a little bit different. Both are great ways of making it, so it’s up to you which way you prefer! You’ll also notice the recipe says to sear the neck along with the giblets. If you already have chicken or turkey bone broth made and on hand, definitely go ahead and do that! I didn’t have any already handy, so here’s what I did.
I reserved the turkey neck from my whole turkey and put it in a medium saucepan with 3.5 cups of water and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. I brought it to a boil over medium high heat before turning to low, letting it simmer for about an hour. (Or you can put all this in a small crock pot and cook it overnight before making the gravy, but maybe add a little more water so too much doesn’t simmer away. You want to end up with 3 cups of broth).
Once the turkey broth was complete, I melted 2 Tbsp butter in another saucepan over medium heat, and then I added the turkey giblets, searing for a few minutes on each side before adding in the turkey broth. I brought the broth to a boil before turning the heat down to low and letting it simmer for about 30-40 minutes.
After simmering, I drained the broth into a bowl and took out the giblets and finely diced them, removing any gristle. Next, I melted 4 Tbsp of butter over medium low heat, then tossed in the minced garlic and cooked until fragrant. Then I added in the ⅓ cup of flour and whisked to make a roux. I let that cook until browned for a couple minutes, constantly stirring, then slowly poured in the broth and reserved roasted turkey drippings, whisking the entire time to keep any clumps from forming. I reduced the heat to low and stirred for a few minutes while it thickened to my desired consistency. I took it immediately off the heat, added in salt to taste, and stirred in the diced giblets.
And there you have it! A delicious giblet gravy. Trust me, no one will complain about the fact that there are chopped up giblets in there! It tastes amazing and adds so much flavor to the roasted turkey. And you can feel good that you’re getting a bunch of amazing nutrition into your loved ones!
If you missed the original recipe from one of our previous blog posts, click HERE to see it.
How To Process A Gizzard
FAQ
What is gizzards turkey?
In case you’re wondering, gizzards are the muscular, thick-walled part of a bird’s stomach. If you eat other offal, like tongue and sweet breads, these are definitely for you! Gizzards are salty and they take on the flavor of whatever they are cooked with so they make a great addition to any traditional stuffing.
Are turkey gizzards healthy?
Health Benefits
They’re very high in protein, which is essential for our bodies to get enough of for everyday functions. You’ll also get the benefits of vitamins A and B, iron, and CoQ10. In a nutshell, giblets are a health powerhouse!
Are turkey gizzards organ meat?
Giblets are the edible organs of fowl, such as chicken and turkey. These organs include the gizzard, the heart, the kidneys, the neck, and the liver. For this recipe, most people use the giblets leftover from their whole turkey. You can also often purchase giblets at your local grocery store or butcher.
What are the rocks in a turkey gizzard?
Rocks collect in a bird’s gizzard and they are used to mill food into smaller pieces for more thorough extraction of nutrients. Over time the rocks (technical term is gastroliths for any stone used in digestive tracts) wear down and pass out of the gizzard requiring replacement.
What is a turkey gizzard?
The turkey gizzard is a small, muscular organ located in the digestive tract of the bird. It plays a crucial role in the turkeys digestive process. Unlike humans, who chew their food thoroughly, turkeys swallow their food whole. The gizzard breaks down food into smaller pieces that are easier to digest by grinding it up.
Why should you use turkey gizzards?
There are several reasons why you might want to consider using turkey gizzards: Flavor: Gizzards add a unique and delicious flavor to dishes. Versatility: They can be used in a variety of ways, from appetizers to main courses. Sustainability: Using all parts of the turkey is a way to reduce food waste.
Do turkeys eat gizzards?
Unlike humans, who chew their food thoroughly, turkeys swallow their food whole. The gizzard breaks down food into smaller pieces that are easier to digest by grinding it up. In many cultures, the turkey gizzard is considered a delicacy and is often used in cooking.
How to cook turkey gizzards?
Tips for Cooking Turkey Gizzards: Marinating: Marinating gizzards in buttermilk or a spicy marinade can help to tenderize them and add flavor. Cooking methods: Gizzards can be fried, baked, stewed, or grilled. Seasoning: Season gizzards with your favorite spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper.
What does a gizzard do in a bird?
The gizzard is a small, muscular organ found in the digestive tract of turkeys, chickens, and other birds. Since birds do not have teeth to chew and break down food, the gizzard performs this vital function. It contains small stones and grit that help to grind up food before passing it further along the digestive system.
Are turkey gizzards dangerous?
When cooked properly, turkey gizzards pose no significant health risks. However, it is crucial to handle and cook them with proper food safety practices to avoid the risk of foodborne illnesses. Where can you buy turkey gizzards?