Okay… this is one of my favorite things ever! As boring as that may seem. It just makes life much more… FLAVORFUL.
For the last few years, I’ve made turkey stock and it is a GAME CHANGER. No exaggeration here. The depth of flavor that homemade stock brings to your Thanksgiving meal is INCREDIBLE.
I use it mostly for gravy. My mom taught me how to make incredible gravy and now I can make the best gravy ever. It may even be better than hers.
I also use it for stuffing and any other place in the cooking process where I might need to drizzle some stock or broth. If you ever wonder why certain Thanksgiving meals taste so darn good… this is probably the reason.
These days, I can easily find high quality chicken stock. Because of that, I don’t spend the time every other week or so making my own. Other than making it for chicken soup, which I enjoy doing, I simply don’t have the time for. And I find that I use a lot of stock.
Thanksgiving is the one exception where I highly highly suggest taking the time to make the stock. I do it anywhere from three to four days before and store it in my fridge. We love a lot of gravy in this family, so I usually use it all while preparing the meal. However, if you have extra, you can freeze it or use it in soup. Tons of options for you!.
I find that it’s easiest to make my stock on the day that I dry brine my turkey. This is because I clean up the turkey and remove the neck and giblets and what not. I do purchase turkey wings for the stock, as you can see below, but if you’d like, you can also use the neck for flavor. Since I do it this way, I usually make the stock on Monday or Tuesday of that week.
Back in the day, I used to only brown the neck and make stock. That was good, but this is even better. You will need to purchase turkey wings in addition to everything else, but I assure you it is worth it.
Also note: I realize that it’s 2020 and well… it’s 2020. In a pinch, you can substitute chicken wings for turkey wings if you can’t find any (I’m still doing grocery delivery and pickup, so options can be limited). Same kind of flavor going on!.
So, you’ve cooked a magnificent turkey and ended up with a treasure trove of turkey stock. But now you’re staring at gallons of this golden liquid, wondering what culinary adventures await. Fear not, fellow foodie, for this guide will unlock the endless possibilities of your turkey stock bounty!
Beyond the Basic: Dive into a World of Flavor
While turkey noodle soup is a classic, let’s venture beyond the ordinary and explore the diverse culinary landscape that awaits. From comforting stews to vibrant risottos, your turkey stock is a blank canvas for your creativity.
Warm Up with Hearty Soups and Stews:
- Turkey and Wild Rice Soup: Infuse the earthy notes of wild rice with the rich flavor of your stock. Add chopped vegetables, shredded turkey, and a dollop of pesto for an extra kick.
- Creamy Turkey and White Bean Stew: This comforting dish is perfect for a chilly evening. Sauté onions, garlic, and herbs, then add cannellini beans, chopped kale, and your stock. Finish with a splash of cream for a luxuriously smooth texture.
- Spicy Turkey Chili: Give your chili a unique twist with turkey stock. Add ground turkey, black beans, corn, and your favorite chili spices for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Embrace the World of Grains:
- Risotto with Roasted Vegetables: The creamy texture of risotto pairs beautifully with the savory depth of turkey stock. Add roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, or mushrooms for a colorful and satisfying dish.
- Turkey and Barley Soup: This hearty soup is perfect for a cold day. Barley adds a satisfying chewiness, while the turkey stock provides a rich base. Add chopped vegetables, herbs, and a squeeze of lemon for a bright and flavorful soup.
- Turkey and Quinoa Salad: This light and refreshing salad is perfect for a summer lunch. Combine cooked quinoa, chopped vegetables, shredded turkey, and a vinaigrette made with your turkey stock.
Elevate Your Everyday Dishes:
- Turkey Gravy: Don’t settle for store-bought gravy. Use your turkey stock to create a rich and flavorful gravy that will elevate your Thanksgiving feast.
- Turkey Pot Pie: This classic comfort food gets a boost of flavor with turkey stock. Add chopped vegetables, cooked turkey, and a creamy sauce made with your stock. Top with a flaky pie crust for a satisfying meal.
- Turkey Tetrazzini: This creamy pasta bake is a crowd-pleaser. Combine cooked pasta, shredded turkey, vegetables, and a creamy sauce made with your turkey stock. Top with cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.
Get Creative with Leftovers:
- Turkey Stock Ice Cubes: Freeze your turkey stock in ice cube trays for convenient single-serving portions. Use them to add flavor to soups, stews, or even rice.
- Turkey Stock Risotto Balls: These crispy and flavorful bites are perfect for appetizers or snacks. Combine cooked risotto with shredded turkey, cheese, and your stock. Form into balls, coat with breadcrumbs, and fry until golden.
- Turkey Stock Pancakes: Add a savory twist to your pancakes by using turkey stock instead of water or milk. The result is fluffy and flavorful pancakes that are perfect for a weekend brunch.
Bonus Tip: Don’t forget the power of reduction! By simmering your turkey stock over low heat, you can concentrate its flavor and create a rich and intensely flavorful base for sauces, soups, and gravies
With these ideas as your springboard, let your culinary imagination soar! Experiment with different flavors, textures, and combinations to create dishes that are both delicious and unique. Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to using turkey stock. So, get cooking and unleash the full potential of your culinary treasure!
I’ve adapted a recipe from epicurious over the years and there are a few important things to note that make this turkey stock recipe top-notch.
Roast the wings first. This gives a very rich, golden stock an amazing depth of flavor. The original recipe calls for using a meat cleaver to chop the wings, but I don’t even do that. There are a few benefits if you wish to do it, but I find it’s not necessary.
I brown the veggies in a stock pot to make them extra caramelized and delicious while the wings roast. We’re talking that deep golden brown sear on the onions, celery and carrots.
I salt both the wings and the vegetables while cooking them. However, I don’t season the stock until it’s finished; instead, I taste the stock several times toward the end and add a lot of salt.
I find that straining the stock two or three times removes most of the bits. If you want very clear stock, you can strain it through cheesecloth a few times. I simple use a fine mesh strainer and do it twice or three times. Although my stock does occasionally contain flavor remnants, I don’t mind because I mostly use it for gravy!
Okay so TRUST ME when I say this is how you make the big meal come together. It takes an extra step but I promise it is SO worth it. You will not regret it. And if you do it early in the week, it’s even easier!.
I promise, it’s foolproof!
Best Turkey Stock Recipe
Brad Makes Thanksgiving Turkey Stock | From the Test Kitchen | Bon Appetit
FAQ
What is turkey broth good for?
Does turkey stock taste like chicken?
Can I use turkey stock in place of chicken stock?
How long can you save turkey stock?
What is Turkey stock used for?
It’s the perfect base for soups, stews and other dishes down the line. It doesn’t take a lot of effort for homemade turkey stock. Simply reserve the carcass from your seasoned roast turkey, along with any turkey parts you don’t want to eat like giblets and the neck.
What are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.
Can you make Turkey stock from store bought stock?
Turkey Stock is the base to a great gravy, sauce and stuffing. Make your own for robust flavor and maximum health benefits. This tutorial will show you how to make it with perfect results. You’ll never buy store bought stock again! When is the prime time to make turkey stock? After you make turkey of course, Thanksgiving!
Can turkey bones be used for stock?
Because turkeys are a larger bird, the leftover bones and bits of meat from one are plenty enough for making stock. When preparing your bird for roasting, remember to save the neck bone for stock-making too. Stock- and broth-making is typically dependent on collagen from the bones for thickening, and even roasted bones contain a fair amount.