6 Ways to Use Turkey Drippings Besides Gravy

ByMike Thompson Turkey Cooking

What to Do with Turkey Drippings Besides Gravy?

Turkey drippings are a delicious and flavorful byproduct of roasting a turkey. While they are often used to make gravy, there are many other creative ways to use them. In this article, we will explore some of the best ways to put turkey drippings to good use. We will also provide tips on how to store and freeze them so that you can enjoy them all year long.

So whether you have a lot of turkey drippings or just a little bit, read on for some great ideas!

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Turkey Drippings Use Instructions
Make gravy
  • Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and whisk until smooth.
  • Gradually whisk in 1 cup turkey drippings.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
 A photo of a plate of gravy
Make pan sauce
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add 1/2 cup turkey drippings.
  • Add 1/2 cup chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add 1/2 cup chopped carrots and cook until softened, about 5 minutes more.
  • Add 1/2 cup chopped celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes more.
  • Add 1/2 cup chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until reduced and thickened.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
 A photo of a plate of pan sauce
Make stock
  • Place the turkey carcass in a large stockpot.
  • Add 1 gallon water, 1 onion, chopped, 2 carrots, chopped, 1 celery stalk, chopped, and 1 bay leaf.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 4-6 hours, or until the meat falls off the bones.
  • Strain the stock and discard the solids.
  • Use the stock in soups, stews, or sauces.
 A photo of a bowl of stock

Introduction

Turkey drippings are the flavorful liquid that comes from roasting a turkey. They are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. In addition to making gravy, turkey drippings can be used to make pan sauces, roast vegetables, make soups, add to rice or risotto, use as a marinade, make stock, and freeze for later use.

Using Turkey Drippings for Other Dishes

* Make gravy. Turkey drippings are the perfect base for a rich and flavorful gravy. Simply whisk together the drippings with some flour, broth, and seasonings to create a delicious gravy that will make your turkey dinner even more special.
* Make pan sauces. Turkey drippings can also be used to make delicious pan sauces. To make a pan sauce, simply add the drippings to a hot skillet or saucepan and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly. Then, add in some aromatics such as shallots, garlic, or mushrooms and cook until softened. Finally, whisk in some broth or wine and reduce until thickened.
* Roast vegetables. Turkey drippings can be used to roast vegetables to give them a delicious flavor boost. Simply toss the vegetables in some drippings and roast them in a preheated oven until tender and browned.
* Make soups. Turkey drippings can be used to make a variety of soups, such as turkey noodle soup, turkey chili, or turkey stew. Simply add the drippings to your favorite soup recipe and simmer until heated through.
* Add to rice or risotto. Turkey drippings can be added to rice or risotto to give them a rich and flavorful taste. Simply stir in some drippings to the rice or risotto as it cooks.
* Use as a marinade. Turkey drippings can be used as a marinade for meats, poultry, or fish. Simply whisk together the drippings with some oil, vinegar, and seasonings and pour over the meat, poultry, or fish. Marinate for several hours or overnight before cooking.
* Make stock. Turkey drippings can be used to make a delicious stock. Simply simmer the drippings with some vegetables, herbs, and spices for several hours. Then, strain the stock and use it in soups, stews, or other dishes.
* Freeze for later use. If you have leftover turkey drippings, you can freeze them for later use. Simply pour the drippings into an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the drippings overnight in the refrigerator before using them.

Storing Turkey Drippings

To store turkey drippings, let them cool completely before storing. Then, store the drippings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Turkey drippings are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. By using turkey drippings, you can save money and create delicious and flavorful dishes.

What to Do with Turkey Drippings Besides Gravy?

Turkey drippings are a delicious and flavorful byproduct of roasting a turkey. They can be used to make a variety of dishes, from gravy to soups to sauces. Here are some ideas for using turkey drippings besides gravy:

* Make gravy. This is the most common use for turkey drippings, and it’s a great way to use up all the flavor in the drippings. To make gravy, simply whisk together 1 cup of turkey drippings, 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
* Make soup. Turkey drippings can be used to make a flavorful and hearty soup. Simply add the drippings to a pot of chicken broth, along with your favorite vegetables and seasonings. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
* Make a sauce. Turkey drippings can be used to make a delicious and versatile sauce. Simply whisk together 1 cup of turkey drippings, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
* Drizzle over roasted vegetables. Turkey drippings can be used to add flavor and moisture to roasted vegetables. Simply drizzle the drippings over your favorite roasted vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.
* Use as a marinade. Turkey drippings can be used as a flavorful marinade for chicken, pork, or beef. Simply whisk together 1 cup of turkey drippings, 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Marinate your meat in the mixture for several hours, or overnight, before cooking.
* Make a pan sauce. Turkey drippings can be used to make a quick and easy pan sauce. Simply add the drippings to a hot skillet or frying pan, along with your favorite vegetables and seasonings. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

These are just a few ideas for using turkey drippings besides gravy. Experiment with different recipes and find your favorite ways to use this delicious and flavorful ingredient.

Tips for Using Turkey Drippings

When using turkey drippings, there are a few things to keep in mind:

* Use turkey drippings sparingly. Turkey drippings are quite rich, so it’s important to use them sparingly. A little bit goes a long way.
* Add turkey drippings to dishes at the end of cooking. Turkey drippings can burn easily, so it’s important to add them to dishes at the end of cooking. This will help to prevent them from burning and ruining your dish.
* Experiment with different ways to use turkey drippings. There are many different ways to use turkey drippings. Experiment with different recipes and find your favorite ways to use this delicious and flavorful ingredient.

Safety Tips

When handling turkey drippings, there are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

* Be careful not to burn yourself. Turkey drippings are hot, so be careful not to burn yourself when handling them.
* Keep turkey drippings away from children and pets. Turkey drippings can be a choking hazard for children and pets, so it’s important to keep them away from them.
* Discard any turkey drippings that have been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Turkey drippings can quickly become contaminated with bacteria, so it’s important to discard them if they’ve been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

By following these tips, you can safely enjoy all the delicious flavors of turkey drippings.

What can I do with turkey drippings besides gravy?

* Use them to make a pan sauce. After removing the turkey from the oven, pour the drippings into a skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the flour is golden brown. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* Drizzle them over mashed potatoes. Once the mashed potatoes are done, stir in a few tablespoons of turkey drippings. The drippings will add flavor and richness to the potatoes.
* Make a turkey noodle soup. After the turkey is cooked, remove the meat from the bones and shred it. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the shredded turkey, turkey broth, vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and onions), and noodles. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* Use them to make a stuffing. For a flavorful stuffing, add some of the turkey drippings to the bread mixture. The drippings will help to keep the stuffing moist and flavorful.
* Freeze them for later use. If you don’t have time to use the drippings right away, you can freeze them for later use. Simply pour the drippings into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them over low heat.

How do I store turkey drippings?

The best way to store turkey drippings is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I use turkey drippings to make gravy?

Yes, you can use turkey drippings to make gravy. To make a basic gravy, you will need:

* 1 cup of turkey drippings
* 1 cup of chicken broth
* 2 tablespoons of flour
* 1 teaspoon of salt
* 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

To make the gravy, whisk together the flour and salt in a small bowl. In a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat, add the turkey drippings and bring to a simmer. Slowly whisk in the flour mixture until the gravy has thickened. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

turkey drippings are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. From gravy to soups to sauces, there are endless possibilities for using turkey drippings. By following the tips in this article, you can make the most of this delicious byproduct of Thanksgiving dinner. So next time you’re cooking a turkey, don’t forget to save the drippings! You might be surprised at how many different ways you can use them.

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

However, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, what truly fuels my passion is the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. That's why I created this platform. This site is not just a testament to my journey but a beacon for all those who are looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventures. Whether you're a beginner eager to get started or a seasoned pro seeking advanced tips, you'll find a wealth of information here.

From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!