Shredded turkey, I know what you think. What? I love to get turkey breasts to cook and shred for recipes, and let’s not forget about the leftover turkey from Thanksgiving dinners! The meat is great for making amazing dinners in the oven, smoker, or crockpot.
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When leftover turkey is used for a holiday meal, the flavor of the bird often permeates the dish. Lean white meat is found in whole turkeys; dark meat is nutritious but not as nutritious as white meat. Turkey can be put into almost any recipe using chicken. When turkeys are on sale at the grocery store during the holidays, I always buy extra of them.
**Wheather watchers, bonus points** Turkey breast is zero points, and turkey is a low-point lean protein overall!
Shredded turkey is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches and salads to casseroles and soups. It’s also a great way to use up leftover turkey after Thanksgiving or any other holiday meal.
There are two main methods for shredding turkey: using two forks or using an electric mixer Both methods are easy and effective, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs
Method 1: Using Two Forks
This is the classic method for shredding turkey, and it’s a great option if you don’t have an electric mixer. Here’s what you need to do:
- Remove the skin from the turkey.
- Cut the turkey into large pieces.
- Place the turkey pieces in a large bowl.
- Use two forks to shred the turkey meat. Start by pulling the meat apart in one direction, then turn the forks and pull in the opposite direction. Continue shredding until the turkey is in small pieces.
- Transfer the shredded turkey to a clean bowl.
Method 2: Using an Electric Mixer
This method is much faster than using two forks, and it’s a great option if you have a lot of turkey to shred. Here’s what you need to do:
- Remove the skin from the turkey.
- Cut the turkey into large pieces.
- Place the turkey pieces in the bowl of your electric mixer.
- Attach the paddle attachment to the mixer.
- Turn the mixer on low speed and mix until the turkey is shredded.
- Transfer the shredded turkey to a clean bowl.
Tips for Shredding Turkey
- Use a sharp knife to cut the turkey into pieces. This will make it easier to shred the meat.
- Don’t overcook the turkey. Overcooked turkey will be dry and tough.
- Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before shredding. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making the turkey easier to shred.
- If the turkey is still hot, use two forks to shred it. Using an electric mixer with hot turkey can damage the mixer.
- Add a little bit of broth or gravy to the shredded turkey to keep it moist.
How to Use Shredded Turkey
Shredded turkey can be used in a variety of dishes, including:
- Sandwiches: Add shredded turkey to your favorite bread with mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
- Salads: Toss shredded turkey with your favorite salad greens, vegetables, and dressing.
- Casseroles: Add shredded turkey to your favorite casserole recipe.
- Soups: Add shredded turkey to your favorite soup recipe.
- Tacos: Use shredded turkey as a filling for tacos.
- Burritos: Use shredded turkey as a filling for burritos.
- Enchiladas: Use shredded turkey as a filling for enchiladas.
Shredded turkey is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. With these two easy methods, you can shred turkey quickly and easily. So next time you have leftover turkey, don’t throw it away! Shred it up and use it in one of your favorite recipes.
Additional Resources
- How to Shred Turkey (the Easy Way!)
- How To Easily Shred Chicken, Turkey Or Beef
Keywords: how to shred turkey, shredded turkey, turkey recipes, leftover turkey, easy recipes, Thanksgiving recipes, holiday recipes
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to shred turkey?
There are two main methods for shredding turkey: using two forks or using an electric mixer. Both methods are easy and effective, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Can I shred turkey in a food processor?
Yes, you can shred turkey in a food processor. However, be careful not to overprocess the turkey, as this will make it dry. Start by cutting the turkey into large pieces and placing them in the food processor. Pulse the turkey until it is shredded to your desired consistency.
How long does it take to shred turkey?
It will take about 10-15 minutes to shred a pound of turkey.
What can I use shredded turkey for?
Shredded turkey can be used in a variety of dishes, such as sandwiches, salads, soups, and casseroles. It can also be used as a filling for tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.
How do I store shredded turkey?
Shredded turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To freeze shredded turkey, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and label it with the date.
How do I reheat shredded turkey?
To reheat shredded turkey, you can either microwave it or bake it in the oven. To microwave the turkey, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. To bake the turkey, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the turkey in a baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
how to shred turkey
Allow your turkey to cool. After cooking, shred or store in chunks in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can store food in the freezer for up to 90 days.
Storing leftovers properly requires the right tools! My preferred storage method is if the leftovers can be sealed in a food saver. If not, then an air-tight container or Ziploc bag for the fridge is the way I go. The air-tight container and a freezer Ziploc bag are the next best bet for freezing the leftovers. I also use a food scale to measure portions into serving sizes.
How To Make Shredded Turkey In The Crockpot
I enjoyed a petite 48-ounce turkey breast that I had planned to make for dinner. No, as you can see, I didn’t have a perfectly shaped turkey breast for dinner; instead, I had chunks of it. Size did matter in this case. Rather, I followed my Crockpot Shredded Chicken recipe instructions to make shredded turkey breast for use in other recipes.
Simmer the turkey breasts in a mixture of broth and minced garlic for approximately four hours on low heat in the Crockpot. Take out and shred using your kitchen aid mixture or meat claws. I used 48 ounces of boneless turkey breast, 4 cups of chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
