Baked turkey gizzards are not only very tender, but very filling as well, and they make a great lunch or appetizer. This is not a quick dish; the meat needs to cook slowly in the oven to get that deliciously tender texture.
If you always thought that turkey gizzards are not for you, think twice. They are super nutritious, inexpensive and just delicious when cooked properly. I grew up trying all kinds of meat and offal meat and i love everything about it.
Today we are going to be making oven baked turkey gizzards. The recipe is very simple and also it is a one pot dish. Let’s start.
Deliciously tender, mouthwatering baked turkey gizzards that are packed with flavor and make a great lunch or appetizer. This is not a quick dish—the meat must be cooked slowly in the oven to achieve that tender texture.
Venture beyond the familiar realm of turkey breasts and drumsticks and discover the culinary delights of turkey gizzards and hearts. These often-overlooked parts hold a treasure trove of flavor waiting to be unlocked with the right cooking techniques This guide delves into the world of turkey gizzards and hearts, providing insights on cooking times, delectable recipes, and tips for transforming these humble ingredients into mouthwatering dishes.
Cooking Times for Turkey Gizzards and Hearts:
The cooking time for turkey gizzards and hearts varies depending on the chosen method. When boiling, it usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours until they become tender. If frying, it may take around 15 to 20 minutes until they are crispy and cooked through. Baking or grilling can take approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
Recipe Inspiration for Turkey Gizzards and Hearts:
1. Crispy Fried Turkey Gizzards:
- Clean and boil gizzards for an hour.
- Coat in seasoned flour and deep-fry until golden brown.
- Serve as an appetizer or main course with your favorite dipping sauce.
2. Savory Grilled Turkey Heart Skewers:
- Marinate cleaned hearts in a mixture of olive oil, herbs, and spices.
- Thread onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables.
3. Hearty Slow-Cooked Turkey Gizzard Stew:
- Brown gizzards in oil and add to a pot or Dutch oven.
- Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until tender.
- Add gizzards, broth, bay leaves, and seasonings.
- Simmer for 2-3 hours until gizzards are tender.
- Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Additional Resources:
- Oven-baked Turkey Gizzards: This recipe provides detailed instructions on how to bake turkey gizzards in the oven for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- How To Cook Turkey Gizzards And Heart: This article explores various cooking methods for turkey gizzards and hearts, including frying, grilling, and slow-cooking.
Embrace the culinary potential of turkey gizzards and hearts. With the right cooking techniques and a dash of creativity, these versatile ingredients can be transformed into delectable dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. So, the next time you encounter these often-overlooked parts, remember the tips and recipes provided here and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you wanting more.
How to make baked turkey gizzards
Open the package with your turkey gizzards. Defrost if needed. To defrost just transfer turkey form the freezer to the fridge and thaw overnight. Alternatively leave the package on the counter and it will defrost in a few hours.
Now its time to wash them really well with cold water. Scrub them with your fingers making sure they are very clean before cooking.
Slice gizzards in half and than slice every piece lengthwise. You’ll be really surprised at how appetizing gizzards look when sliced in this way, as the image below illustrates. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. I don’t add any more dry seasoning but you totally can add your favorite. I think dried parsley or cilantro will work well here.
Peel some garlic and mince it or chop finely. Sprinkle all over the meat creating an even layer on top. We want every piece of gizzard to be seasoned with garlic.
Now add some water. There will be no need to add chicken or vegetable broth because the turkey will add so much richness to the water after cooking for two hours. Add just enough water to cover gizzards more than halfway.
Cover the dish with foil and bake turkey gizzards in the oven for 2 hours. Is should be enough time for them to get super tender and juicy. If you have extra large turkey gizzards, bake them for half an hour longer. In fact if you can bake gizzards for as long as you want. Gizzards will only become more tender if you cook them for an additional hour. Just make sure that there is enough water or broth inside so they don’t dry out.
What is a gizzard
If you don’t know what is a gizzard, here is some information for your. A gizzard is a tough muscle that’s part of the digestive tract of a turkey. It can also be found in more animals like ducks and chicken.