Learn how to render turkey fat and make turkey cracklings. Clean, natural, whole-food, perfect for using in cooking and baking.
Back to the roots. Making tallow from beef, chicken, pork, or turkey fat is easier and better for you than you might think. Rendered fat is a clean, natural substance that has been used for hundreds of years before it was made bad by companies that make cheap, unhealthy hydrogenated fats.
Rendering turkey fat is super easy. Just cut the skin into small pieces, heat them slowly until all the golden fat comes out, strain them, and put them away. [feast_advanced_jump_to].
As a home cook who loves experimentin’ in the kitchen, I’m always looking for ways to use up leftovers and reduce waste. And when the holidays roll around, one thing I’ve got lots of is turkey fat!
That gloriously golden fat that pools at the bottom of the roasting pan after cooking a turkey is so flavorful, it seems a shame to just throw it out But most folks don’t realize how versatile turkey fat can be It adds rich, savory flavor to all kinds of dishes. So next Thanksgiving when you’ve got turkey fat to use up, try these 10 delicious ideas.
1. Make Homemade Turkey Stock
One of the easiest ways to use turkey fat is turning it into homemade turkey stock. Simply roast the turkey carcass, neck, and giblets in a bit of the fat to build deep flavor. Then simmer the bones, fat, and veggie scraps in water for at least an hour before straining out the solids. The turkey fat adds incredible richness and body to the stock. Use it for soups, stews, gravy, risotto, and more.
2. Saute Hearty Greens
Wilted greens are so satisfying sauteed in turkey fat. The fat adds nuttiness and ensures the greens get beautifully crisp-tender. Kale, spinach, chard collards mustard greens and turnip greens all shine sauteed in turkey fat. Add garlic, shallots or onions too.
3. Roast Potatoes to Perfection
For the creamiest, richest roasted potatoes, toss them in melted turkey fat before roasting. The spuds will come out crispy and caramelized on the outside and indulgently tender inside. Herbs like rosemary, thyme or sage are nice additions.
4. Make the Creamiest Mashed Potatoes
Along the same lines, adding a few tablespoons of turkey fat to mashed potatoes creates the fluffiest, most flavorful spuds ever. The fat gives serious richness.
5. Fry Leftover Turkey for Crispy Deliciousness
Breathe new life into leftover turkey pieces by frying them up in turkey fat. Dip turkey chunks in an egg wash, then coat in breadcrumbs. Fry in hot turkey fat until golden brown, crispy and heated through. Irresistible!
6. Liven Up Lentils and Beans
Add depth of flavor to lentil or bean dishes by cooking them in turkey fat. Saute aromatics like onion and garlic in the fat first then add dried beans or lentils and liquid. The fat adds incredible richness.
7. Make Pie Crusts with Flaky Deliciousness
The next time you make pie, use turkey fat for the flakiest, tenderest crust around. Cut the chilled fat into the dry ingredients, or brush melted fat on the rolled out dough. Turkey fat makes any pie better!
8. Saute Veggies for Extra Flavor
Turkey fat is amazing for cooking vegetables. Saute broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, etc. in hot turkey fat to caramelize them. The turkey flavor takes the veggies to the next level.
9. Fry Up Tater Tots or Hash Browns
Make crispy, indulgent tater tots or hash browns by frying them up in turkey fat. The fat helps them get ultra crispy and adds incredible flavor. Dip tots or formed hash browns in the melted fat before frying.
10. Make Gravy From the Drippings
And of course, turkey fat drippings are designed for making the creamiest, richest gravy ever. Strain the fat from the drippings, then use it to make a roux. Whisk the defatted drippings into the roux and simmer until thick and smooth. Perfection!
With so many uses for turkey fat beyond just discarding it, why not put yours to good use this holiday season? A little turkey fat can add tons of rich flavor to many dishes. Get creative with these mouthwatering ideas!
What do you need?
- All you need is turkey skin. The skin from the breasts of the huge turkey I buy every November is what I use.
- It is thick and full of fat. I only trim away a few dried and leathery edges.
- You can use any skin from the birds body. The faster it goes, the less fat you will lose and the thinner your skin.
- You can render as much skin as you want; the amount is completely up to you. I had 1 kg/ 2. This time I used 2 pounds, but I often use a small pot to render very little chicken skin.
- I had 2 full jars of 400 ml/ 13. 5 fl. oz/ 1 ¾ cups each.
How to use it?
- Use for sauteing, frying, or deep frying. It gives food a great smell, and as we already said, it has a high melting and cooking point, which makes it a healthier choice than butter, for example.
- Any kind of rendered fat is great for making soups, stews, and goulash. I also use it for scrambled or fried eggs. You should try Hungarian Beef Goulash, Pörkölt, and Pork and Potato Stew.
- Use for baking, for making pie crusts, for instance.
- You can use it to make either duck confit or potato confit.
- It will taste great if you make popcorn. I couldn’t believe it until I tried it.
- Spread it thinly on bread or toast, and then sprinkle salt on top. Add some paprika for a change.
What can I do with leftover turkey fat?
FAQ
What is turkey fat good for?
What can I do with turkey grease?
Can you use turkey fat for anything?
What can you do with turkey fat?
* Cooking: Rendered turkey fat can be used as a substitute for butter or oil in a variety of recipes. It can be used to saut vegetables, fry chicken, or make biscuits. * Baking: Rendered turkey fat can be used to make pie crusts, biscuits, and other baked goods. It adds a rich flavor and moisture to baked goods.
What are some home remedies to reduce tummy fat?
Ginger Green Tea: Ginger green tea is a blend that has been praised for its ability to promote rapid loss of abdominal fat. Green tea has thermogenic action, which can be very effective in the fat burning process, while ginger accelerates metabolism, thus increasing the body’s caloric expenditure. To prepare the tea, mix one teaspoon of dried green tea leaves with one teaspoon of grated fresh ginger and add them to a cup of boiling water. Let it sit for a few minutes until infusion takes place. When it’s warm, drink it throughout the day, without adding any kind of sweetener. Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a very good home remedy for flat stomach, as it helps eliminate accumulated fat thanks to its fiber and at the same time provides the necessary energy to keep us active throughout the day. Oats are considered the “queen of fat burning foods”. Ginger, honey and cayenne pepper: Both ginger and honey and pepper are products that increase the body temperature, effectively accelerating the metabolic rate. For its consumption, it is recommended to make a ginger tea, adding a little honey and cayenne pepper. Almonds: Almonds are a rich source of potassium and are particularly interesting as they are a low-calorie dry fruit, due to their diuretic effect and their fiber content. Almonds make you feel fuller for longer in a healthy and simple way.
What should I do if I eat raw turkey fat?
* Wear gloves when handling raw turkey fat. This will help to protect your hands from bacteria. * Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling raw turkey fat. This will help to prevent the spread of bacteria from your hands to other surfaces. * Keep raw turkey fat separate from other foods.
How do you use turkey fat drippings?
Here are some ways you can use them: One of the simplest ways to utilize turkey fat drippings is by incorporating them into gravies, sauces, or dressings. The concentrated flavors of the drippings can elevate the taste of these accompaniments, making them more flavorful and delicious.
How do you make turkey fat?
Rendering turkey fat is super easy. Just cut the skin into small pieces, heat them gently until they have released all their golden fat, strain, and store. Rendered fat, lard or schmaltz is low in saturated fats, and it has lots of minerals and vitamins. It contains no trans fats.
Can you cook with rendered turkey fat?
Rendered turkey fat is a healthier alternative to butter or vegetable oil. It is high in monounsaturated fats, which can help to lower cholesterol and improve heart health. However, it is important to cook with rendered turkey fat safely to avoid cross-contamination and food poisoning. Here are some tips for cooking with rendered turkey fat safely: