Turkey liver is an underappreciated gem that deserves more attention in the kitchen. As a highly nutritious organ meat, turkey liver provides a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and protein for very few calories. If you’re not sure what to do with turkey liver, don’t let it go to waste! Read on for 7 tasty ways to cook turkey liver and start taking advantage of this healthy, budget-friendly ingredient.
Why You Should Eat Turkey Liver
There are several excellent reasons to eat turkey liver
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It’s packed with nutrients. Ounce for ounce, turkey liver contains more nutrients than muscle meat It’s rich in protein, iron, copper, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, and vitamins A, B12, D, E and K.
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It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The taste of turkey liver is not as strong as beef or lamb liver, making it more approachable if you’re new to organ meats.
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It’s inexpensive and sustainable. Turkey livers are very budget-friendly. Using the whole bird reduces food waste.
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It’s versatile. Turkey liver can be cooked in many different ways and incorporated into various dishes.
7 Tasty Ways to Cook Turkey Liver
- Pan-Fried Turkey Liver and Onions
Pan-frying turkey liver in butter or bacon fat until crispy on the outside and pink inside pairs perfectly with caramelized onions. The sweet onions balance the rich flavor of the liver. Serve it over mashed potatoes or toast for a satisfying meal.
- Smooth Turkey Liver Pâté
Blend sautéed turkey livers with butter, brandy, herbs, and spices for a luxurious spread. Enjoy it on crackers or baguette slices. Stir in dried fruits or nuts before blending for more texture and flavor.
- Dirty Rice with Turkey Liver and Giblets
Sauté chopped turkey liver and giblets to start, then make dirty rice as usual. The turkey parts add extra richness. Cook the rice with veggies in the browned turkey drippings.
- Turkey Liver Curry
For an Indian-style twist, gently stew turkey liver pieces in an aromatic curry sauce along with onions, carrots, peppers and tomatoes. Serve it over steaming white rice.
- Turkey Liver Tacos
Spice up turkey liver taco-style with cumin, chili powder, garlic and oregano. Pile the savory liver into corn tortillas with fixings like onion, cilantro and salsa.
- Grilled Turkey Liver Skewers
Alternating turkey liver cubes with vegetables and fruits on skewers makes a fun grilled appetizer. Brush with a teriyaki or herb oil while cooking.
- Turkey Liver Crostini
Top toasted bread slices with sautéed chopped turkey liver, caramelized onions, fig jam or goat cheese for an elegant appetizer.
Tips for Cooking Turkey Liver
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Look for livers that are firm and deep red. Avoid any with greenish discoloration.
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Remove the thin outer membrane before cooking.
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Cook quickly over high heat to keep it tender.
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Don’t overcook, or it will become tough and dry.
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Pair with sweet ingredients to balance the strong flavor.
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Insanely, surprisingly delicious. They taste almost exactly like the escargots served at Ludo Lefebvres Petit Trois, except, perhaps, even better. Made it with 1 turkey liver and 5 slices bread, and cilantro. The definitive answer to what to do with the turkey liver?
Had a turkey liver that I didn’t know what to do with and found this recipe. It’s Thanksgiving Eve and I didn’t have a baguette in hand but I did have pumpernickel bagels. A delicious combination. Served with a salad, it’s a great light dinner. This just might become a new Thanksgiving Eve dinner
Absolutely delicious! I made it with just 1 turkey liver and 1/2 the quantities stated. Accompanied it with a tossed salad and glass of Sancerre for a perfect light dinner, just wonderful.
Insanely, surprisingly delicious. They taste almost exactly like the escargots served at Ludo Lefebvres Petit Trois, except, perhaps, even better. Made it with 1 turkey liver and 5 slices bread, and cilantro. The definitive answer to what to do with the turkey liver?Private notes are only visible to you.
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Pan-fried Turkey Liver
FAQ
What is turkey liver good for?
This is a good source of protein (40% of your Daily Value), vitamin a (991% of your Daily Value), and vitamin b6 (56% of your Daily Value).
Why not use turkey liver in gravy?
Let’s delve into each. By “giblets,” we mean the turkey neck, heart, gizzard, and liver. In this recipe, we decided to skip the liver because its taste can verge on bitter and metallic in a stock or gravy. The rest of the giblets, however, are full of savory turkey flavor.
Can you make pâté from turkey liver?
Don’t Throw it Away, make Turkey Liver Pâté! Serve this turkey liver pâté as an appetizer before Thanksgiving dinner, or simply as a sandwich spread. Simply pack the mixture into a bowl or glass jar, cover, and refrigerate.
Can you use turkey liver in stock?
Don’t use the liver for this – it will add a bitter taste to your broth. To make extra broth, or to give it a stronger flavor, you can buy extra turkey parts from the butcher and throw those into the stockpot as well. You might be able to get some extra turkey necks or feet for free (or very, very cheap).