Where to Find Turkey Giblets and How to Use Them

Turkey giblets are a Thanksgiving tradition for many families. These parts add flavor to gravies, stuffings, and other dishes. But if you are new to cooking whole turkeys, you may not know where to find the giblets or what to do with them. This guide will explain everything you need to know about working with turkey giblets.

What Are Turkey Giblets?

Turkey giblets refer to the internal organs of the bird. They usually include:

Liver
Heart
Gizzard
Neck

The liver, heart, and gizzard are usually packaged together in a bag inside the turkey cavity. The neck may be packaged separately.

Giblets are full of nutrients like iron, zinc and B vitamins. Cooks have prized them for the rich flavor they impart to gravies broths, and stuffings for generations.

Why Are Giblets Important for Whole Turkey Recipes?

There are two main reasons to use turkey giblets

Flavor – Simmering the giblets and neck makes a rich, meaty turkey stock. This amps up the flavor of gravy, soup bases and stuffing.
Moisture – The natural gelatin released when simmering giblets helps make gravy silky and luscious. This keeps your turkey and side dishes nice and moist.

So while you can make great gravy with just turkey drippings, the giblets bring it to the next level.

Where to Find Giblets in a Whole Turkey

Turkey giblets are tucked inside the cavity of a whole bird. Here are the two places to check:

1. Main Turkey Cavity

Flip the turkey breast side up.
Reach inside the large cavity at the bottom of the bird, between the drumsticks.
Feel along the walls of the cavity for a small paper or plastic package.

2. Neck Cavity

Look inside the opening at the top of the breast bone where the neck was removed.
You may find the giblets here if they aren’t in the main cavity.

The giblets may be loose or sealed in a bag. Be sure to check both cavities if you don’t immediately find them.

How to Use Turkey Giblets

There are many creative ways to use up turkey giblets. Here are some of the most popular options:

Make turkey giblet gravy – Simmer giblets and neck in chicken or turkey stock. Use the strained liquid as the base for gravy.
Prepare dirty rice stuffing – Sauté giblets with aromatics. Mix into rice, broth, and seasonings for a New Orleans-style dressing.
Boost flavor of turkey soup – Add chopped giblets to your soup pot for an ultra-savory broth.
Make giblet pâté – Sauté liver and seasonings into a spreadable paste. Serve on crackers or toast points.
Fry up giblet snacks – Bread and fry pieces of heart, gizzard, or liver for crunchy, rich bites.

Get creative and try adding chopped giblets to quiches, pot pies, or casseroles too. Their concentrated flavor packs a punch!

How to Clean and Store Turkey Giblets

Proper storage is key for keeping giblets fresh until you are ready to use them. Here are some tips:

Rinse giblets under cold water as soon as you remove them. Pat dry with paper towels.
Separate liver from other giblets if storing over 24 hours.
Place giblets in a sealed container or zip-top bag.
Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Freeze for 4-6 months in freezer bags for longer storage.

Always cook giblets fully to 165°F internal temperature. Discard if they have an off smell or appearance.

Get the Most out of Your Holiday Turkey

Now you know where to find those mysterious turkey giblets when roasting a whole bird. Put them to use making ultra-savory gravies, rich broths, and other creative dishes. With this guide, you can get the most flavor and nutrients out of your Thanksgiving or holiday turkey.

Remove Turkey Neck, Giblets, Heart, Kidney, Liver, Innards, Guts

FAQ

What part of turkey is giblets?

Basically, giblets (pronounced with a soft G, like gin; rhymes with riblets) are what we collectively call any of the edible organs of fowl like turkey (as well as chicken, goose and duck). Giblets generally include the liver, and can include the gizzard, neck, kidneys and heart.

Do all store-bought turkeys have giblets?

Bill explained that all Butterball turkeys do have giblets included, except for the Ready to Roast line of turkeys. If a turkey has giblets, that packaging will often clarify that. If it doesn’t say either way, you should assume the turkey does have at least some giblets.

How to pull giblets out of a turkey?

They should be wrapped in a package found within the bird’s cavity. To remove the giblets, locate the large body cavity between the birds’ legs, reach inside and pull out the package of giblets. One of the golden rules when cooking a Christmas goose or turkey is to remove the giblets before you roast your bird.

Why are there no giblets in my turkey?

The United States Department of Agriculture allows poultry processors to use labels stating that giblets may be missing — or, without giblets (commonly known as wogs in the poultry industry). Giblets may be lost or broken or may have been pulled from the processing line for not meeting inspection standards.

How to cook Turkey giblets?

2. In a large bowl, combine the giblets, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat. 3. Spread the giblets in a single layer in a roasting pan. 4. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the giblets are cooked through and browned. 5. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. 6. Serve with your favorite roasted vegetables. * Fried Turkey Giblets

What are giblets used for in a Turkey?

A: Giblets are the internal organs of a turkey, including the heart, liver, gizzard, and neck. They are often used to make gravy or stuffing. Q: How do I cook giblets?

What are Turkey giblets & neck?

Turkey giblets and neck are a delicious and nutritious way to use up the parts of the turkey that you would otherwise discard. They are packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, and they can be cooked in a variety of ways. This guide will show you how to cook turkey giblets and neck so that they are moist, flavorful, and delicious.

What are giblets & how do you use them?

Giblets are those extra parts of the turkey: the heart, neck, gizzards and liver. Here are a few ways to use them in flavoring your holiday dishes.