5 Unexpected Ways to Use Turkey Neck and Giblets

What to Do with Turkey Neck and Giblets

The holidays are over, and you’re left with a leftover turkey. You’ve already carved the meat and made a delicious feast, but what about the turkey neck and giblets? These flavorful parts of the bird are often overlooked, but they can be used to make a variety of delicious dishes.

In this article, we’ll discuss what turkey neck and giblets are, how to cook them, and some of the best recipes that use them. We’ll also provide tips on how to store and freeze these ingredients so that you can enjoy them all year long.

So if you’re looking for ways to use up your leftover turkey neck and giblets, read on!

Turkey Neck Giblets What to do with them
Can be roasted, braised, or smoked. Can be used to make stock, gravy, or soup.
  • Roast the turkey neck with the rest of the turkey.
  • Braise the turkey neck in a slow cooker with vegetables and broth.
  • Smoke the turkey neck over wood chips for a smoky flavor.
Can be used to make a flavorful broth. Can be added to stuffing or other dishes for flavor.
  • Make stock by simmering the giblets in water for several hours.
  • Add the giblets to stuffing or other dishes for flavor.
  • Use the giblets to make gravy or soup.

Introduction

Turkey neck and giblets are two of the most underutilized parts of the turkey. They are often discarded, but they can actually be delicious and nutritious. Turkey neck is a tough piece of meat that is best cooked slowly, while turkey giblets can be used to make a variety of dishes, including gravy, stock, and stuffing.

In this article, we will show you how to cook turkey neck and giblets so that you can enjoy all of the delicious flavors that they have to offer. We will also provide you with tips on how to store and freeze turkey neck and giblets so that you can enjoy them throughout the year.

How to cook turkey neck

Turkey neck is a tough piece of meat that is best cooked slowly. There are a few different ways to cook turkey neck, but the most common methods are roasting, braising, stewing, smoking, and deep frying.

Roasting turkey neck

To roast turkey neck, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Season the turkey neck with salt and pepper, and place it in a roasting pan. Roast the turkey neck for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and cooked through.

Braising turkey neck

To braise turkey neck, heat some oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the turkey neck with salt and pepper, and brown it on all sides. Add some vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and celery, to the pot. Add enough water to cover the turkey neck and vegetables. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender.

Stewing turkey neck

To stew turkey neck, heat some oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the turkey neck with salt and pepper, and brown it on all sides. Add some vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and celery, to the pot. Add enough water to cover the turkey neck and vegetables. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 4-5 hours, or until the meat is tender.

Smoking turkey neck

To smoke turkey neck, soak the turkey neck in a brine solution for 24 hours. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Season the turkey neck with salt and pepper, and place it in the smoker. Smoke the turkey neck for 4-5 hours, or until the meat is tender.

Deep frying turkey neck

To deep fry turkey neck, heat some oil in a deep fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Season the turkey neck with salt and pepper, and dredge it in flour. Fry the turkey neck for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the meat is golden brown and cooked through.

What to do with turkey giblets

Turkey giblets are the internal organs of the turkey, including the heart, liver, gizzard, and neck. They are often discarded, but they can actually be used to make a variety of delicious dishes.

Make gravy

The easiest way to use turkey giblets is to make gravy. To make gravy, melt some butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the turkey giblets and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are browned. Add some flour to the saucepan and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the flour is golden brown. Add some chicken broth to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.

Make stock

Turkey giblets can also be used to make stock. To make stock, place the turkey giblets in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add some water to cover the giblets. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 4-5 hours, or until the giblets are tender. Strain the stock and discard the giblets. The stock can be used to make soups, stews, or sauces.

Use in stuffing

Turkey giblets can also be used in stuffing. To use turkey giblets in stuffing, chop them up and add them to the stuffing mixture. The giblets will add flavor and texture to the stuffing.

Freeze for later use

If you don’t have time to cook turkey neck or giblets right away, you can freeze them for later use. To freeze turkey neck or giblets, place them in a freezer bag and seal it tightly. The turkey neck or giblets can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Donate to a food bank

If you don’t want to use turkey neck or giblets, you can donate them to a food bank. Food banks are always

3. Tips for cooking turkey neck and giblets

Turkey neck and giblets are often discarded after a Thanksgiving turkey dinner, but they can actually be used to make some delicious dishes. Here are a few tips for cooking turkey neck and giblets:

* Rinse the neck and giblets thoroughly before cooking. This will help to remove any bacteria or dirt that may be present.
* Pat the neck dry and season with salt and pepper. This will help to flavor the meat.
* Roast the neck in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour, or until the meat is cooked through. You can also braise the neck in a covered pot with liquid (such as water, broth, or wine) for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
* Stew the neck in a pot with vegetables and liquid for 1-2 hours, or until the meat is tender. You can also smoke the neck over indirect heat for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is cooked through.
* Deep fry the neck in hot oil for 3-5 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through.

4. Recipes for using turkey neck and giblets

There are many different ways to use turkey neck and giblets. Here are a few recipes that you can try:

* Turkey Neck Roast

Ingredients:

* 1 turkey neck
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey neck and pat dry.
3. Season the turkey neck with salt and pepper.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large roasting pan over medium heat.
5. Add the turkey neck to the pan and sear on all sides until browned.
6. Add the onion and garlic to the pan and cook until softened.
7. Add the chicken broth to the pan and bring to a boil.
8. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and bake for 1 hour, or until the meat is cooked through.
9. Let the turkey neck rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

* Turkey Giblet Gravy

Ingredients:

* 1 cup turkey giblets
* 1 cup water
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried sage
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Rinse the turkey giblets and pat dry.
2. Place the giblets in a large pot with the water and chicken broth.
3. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until the giblets are cooked through.
4. Remove the giblets from the pot and set aside.
5. Strain the broth into a clean pot.
6. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
7. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
8. Add the salt, pepper, bay leaf, thyme, and sage to the pan and cook for 1 minute more.
9. Add the flour to the pan and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
10. Slowly whisk in the milk and bring to a boil.
11. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
12. Add the cooked giblets to the gravy and heat through.
13. Serve immediately.

* Turkey Giblet Stock

Ingredients:

* 1 cup turkey giblets
* 1 cup water
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried sage

Instructions:

1. Rinse the turkey giblets and pat dry.
2. Place the giblets in a large pot with the water and chicken broth.
3. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until the giblets are cooked through.
4. Remove the giblets from the pot and set aside

What can I do with a turkey neck?

* Boil it and use the stock for gravy. This is the most common way to use a turkey neck. The neck is full of flavor, and the stock made from it is rich and flavorful.
* Fry it until crispy and serve with your favorite dipping sauce. This is a great way to use up leftover turkey neck. The neck is very meaty, and it can be fried until crispy and golden brown. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard sauce.
* Use it in a soup or stew. The turkey neck can be added to a soup or stew to add flavor and body. The neck will add a rich, meaty flavor to the soup or stew, and it will also help to thicken the broth.
* Make stock with it. Turkey neck stock is a great way to use up leftover turkey neck. The stock is rich and flavorful, and it can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, and sauces.

What can I do with turkey giblets?

* Boil them and use the stock for gravy. The giblets are full of flavor, and the stock made from them is rich and flavorful.
* Fry them until crispy and serve with your favorite dipping sauce. This is a great way to use up leftover turkey giblets. The giblets are very meaty, and they can be fried until crispy and golden brown. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard sauce.
* Use them in a soup or stew. The turkey giblets can be added to a soup or stew to add flavor and body. The giblets will add a rich, meaty flavor to the soup or stew, and they will also help to thicken the broth.
* Make stock with them. Turkey giblet stock is a great way to use up leftover turkey giblets. The stock is rich and flavorful, and it can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, and sauces.

Turkey neck and giblets are two of the most underutilized parts of a turkey. However, they are both packed with flavor and nutrients, and can be used to make a variety of delicious dishes.

The neck can be roasted, smoked, or braised, and can be used in soups, stews, and curries. The giblets can be used to make gravy, stock, or as the base for a flavorful soup.

When cooking with turkey neck and giblets, it is important to remember that they are dark meat, and therefore require longer cooking times than white meat. Be sure to cook them until they are cooked through, but not overcooked, as this will result in tough meat.

Turkey neck and giblets are a great way to use up every part of the turkey, and they are sure to add flavor and nutrients to your next meal. So don’t forget about these two often-overlooked ingredients the next time you cook a turkey!

Here are some key takeaways to remember when cooking with turkey neck and giblets:

* Turkey neck and giblets are packed with flavor and nutrients.
* They can be used to make a variety of delicious dishes.
* Be sure to cook them until they are cooked through, but not overcooked.
* Don’t forget about these two often-overlooked ingredients the next time you cook a turkey!

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!