Baked turkey gizzards are not only melt in your mouth tender but are very filling and make great lunch or an appetizer. Its not a quick dish, yo will need to cook it low and slow in the over for that delicious tender meat.
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. Lets start.
Tender baked turkey gizzards that not only melt in your mouth tender but are very filling and make great lunch or an appetizer. Its not a quick dish, yo will need to cook it low and slow in the over for that delicious tender meat.
Turkey gizzards and hearts are often overlooked parts of the bird that can be transformed into delicious additions to holiday meals or everyday dishes with the right preparation If you’re wondering how long to cook turkey gizzards and hearts to get the perfect texture, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step
Let’s start with an overview of what exactly turkey gizzards and hearts are and why you may want to cook them,
Turkey gizzards are part of the digestive system and are essentially a bird’s stomach muscle. They have a unique texture reminiscent of calamari or octopus with a rich, earthy flavor.
Turkey hearts are as the name implies – the heart muscle of the turkey. They taste similar to a very tender roast or steak and have a mildly gamey flavor.
Both turkey gizzards and hearts are packed with nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. They are budget-friendly ways to add variety to your recipes.
Prepping Turkey Gizzards and Hearts for Cooking
Proper preparation is key to cooking gizzards and hearts correctly Here are the basic steps
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Rinse the gizzards and hearts under cold water and pat dry. This removes any debris or excess moisture.
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Trim off any fat, membranes or discolored portions with a sharp knife.
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For gizzards, make a small slit to open up the cavity and remove any grit or food particles inside.
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For hearts, remove any visible arteries and cut out the tough valves and membranes inside.
Once prepped, the gizzards and hearts are ready for cooking.
How Long to Cook Turkey Gizzards and Hearts
Cooking times can vary based on the method you choose. Here are some guidelines:
Simmering on the Stovetop:
- Place trimmed gizzards and hearts in a pot and cover with water or broth.
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 1 1/2 – 2 hours until very tender, adding more liquid if needed.
Roasting in the Oven:
- Place gizzards and hearts in a baking dish in a single layer.
- Roast at 350°F for approximately 1 hour.
- Flip once halfway through roasting for even cooking.
Grilling:
- Toss gizzards and hearts in oil and season as desired.
- Grill over medium high heat for 6-8 minutes per side.
Slow Cooker:
- Place gizzards and hearts in a slow cooker and add seasonings.
- Cook on low heat for 7-8 hours until extremely tender.
The cooking time can vary a bit based on the size and thickness of the gizzards and hearts as well as your desired level of doneness. Test for tenderness and adjust cooking time as needed.
Tips for Cooking Turkey Gizzards and Hearts
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Browning the gizzards and hearts before simmering or roasting adds deeper flavor.
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Use a meat thermometer to check doneness – cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Add aromatics like garlic, onions, celery, carrots or bay leaves to infuse more flavor.
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Try marinating gizzards and hearts in buttermilk, wine, or a spicy rub before cooking.
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Chop or slice cooked gizzards and hearts before adding to other dishes.
Serving Ideas for Turkey Gizzards and Hearts
Once you’ve mastered cooking times for gizzards and hearts, here are some unique ways to serve them:
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Chopped in gravy or stuffing at Thanksgiving
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Added to chilis, soups or stews for heartiness
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Sautéed with bell peppers and onions for fajitas or tacos
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Grilled skewers with vegetables and teriyaki or jerk seasoning
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Fried rice with kimchi, ginger and sesame oil
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Italian-style sandwich topped with grilled gizzards and hearts
With the proper prep and cooking times, turkey gizzards and hearts can be the unsung heroes of your kitchen. Get creative with these flavorful and nutrient-packed turkey parts!
What is a gizzard
If you dont 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.
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 actually will be surprised of how pretty gizzards look when cut this way( just look at the picture below). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. I dont 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 is no need to use chicken or vegetable broth because turkey will give so much richness to the water after cooking for 2 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. If you will add an extra hour to the cooking time it only going to make gizzards more tender. Just make sure that there is enough water or broth inside so they dont dry out.
Turkey Gizzards and Hearts Soup
FAQ
How long should you boil turkey gizzards?
How long to boil gizzards and hearts?
How do I know when turkey gizzards are done?
How long does it take to boil turkey heart?
How to cook turkey gizzards in oven?
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Clean turkey gizzards well, cut in half and than slice in half again. Place in the baking dish. Cover gizzards with water. They don’t have to be covered entirely though. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and add chopped garlic on top. Cover the dish with foil and place in the oven for 2 hours.
How long to cook turkey gizzards & heart?
The cooking time for turkey gizzards and heart varies depending on the method used and the desired tenderness. Generally, simmering or boiling them will take around 1-2 hours, while frying or grilling can take 15-30 minutes. It’s essential to cook them until they are tender and fully cooked through. Can I marinate turkey gizzards and heart?
How do you cook gizzards in the oven?
Follow these steps: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cleaned and trimmed gizzards in a roasting pan or baking dish. Drizzle the gizzards with olive oil and season them liberally with your favorite spices and herbs. Cover the pan with foil and roast the gizzards for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are tender and well-browned.
How long do you cook red braised turkey gizzards?
Red Braised Turkey Gizzards: (makes enough for an appetizer that serves 6 or more). Place the gizzards in a medium-sized pot and cover with water. Add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a steady simmer and cook for 1 1/2 hours or until the gizzards are fork-tender.