How To Cook Turkey Gizzards And Heart

Discover the Delicious Ways to Prepare Turkey Gizzards and Heart

When it comes to cooking a turkey, most people focus on the classic cuts like the breast and the drumsticks. However, there’s a whole world of deliciousness awaiting you in the often overlooked parts of the bird – the gizzards and heart. These cuts may not be as commonly used, but they are packed with flavor and can be turned into mouthwatering dishes. In this article, we will explore some fantastic recipes and techniques to help you make the most out of these often underappreciated turkey parts.

1. Crispy Fried Turkey Gizzards

One of the most popular ways to prepare turkey gizzards is by frying them to golden perfection. Follow these steps to achieve crispy and tender gizzards:

1. Start by cleaning the gizzards thoroughly and removing any excess fat or connective tissue.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the gizzards for about 1 hour until they become tender. This step helps to ensure they are cooked all the way through.
3. After boiling, drain the gizzards and let them cool completely.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, and your favorite spices to create a flavorful coating for the gizzards.
5. Dip each gizzard into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it entirely.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to around 350°F (175°C).
7. Place the coated gizzards into the hot oil and fry them until they turn crispy and golden brown.
8. Once cooked, transfer the gizzards to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
9. Serve your crispy fried turkey gizzards as an appetizer or a main course with your favorite dipping sauce.

2. Savory Grilled Turkey Heart Skewers

Turkey heart, with its rich, robust flavor, is perfect for grilling on skewers. Follow these steps to create irresistible turkey heart skewers:

• Clean the turkey hearts thoroughly, removing any membranes or excess fat.
• Marinate the hearts in a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried herbs, salt, and pepper for at least 1 hour to enhance their flavor.
• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
• Thread the turkey hearts onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
• Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the hearts are cooked through and slightly charred.
• Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
• Serve your flavorful turkey heart skewers with a side of fresh salad or grilled vegetables.

3. Hearty Slow-Cooked Turkey Gizzard Stew

A slow-cooked stew is a fantastic way to make the most out of turkey gizzards’ tenderness. Follow these steps to prepare a hearty turkey gizzard stew:

1. Begin by browning the cleaned gizzards in a tablespoon of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven.
2. Once browned, remove the gizzards from the pot and set them aside.
3. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until they become tender.
4. Return the gizzards to the pot and pour in enough chicken or turkey broth to cover the ingredients.
5. Add bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the stew to a boil and then reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer for at least 2-3 hours. This slow cooking process will ensure tender and flavorful gizzards.
7. Once the gizzards are tender, remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. Serve your mouthwatering turkey gizzard stew with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes.

Next time you find yourself with turkey gizzards and heart, don’t let them go to waste. Try out these delicious recipes and discover a whole new world of flavors. From crispy fried to savory grilled and hearty slow-cooked dishes, there’s a preparation method that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Embrace the versatility of these often overlooked cuts and turn them into gastronomic delights!