How Long to Cook Giblets from a Turkey for Delicious Gravy

When roasting a turkey for a holiday feast, don’t toss those giblets in the trash! Simmering the giblets, neck and liver together makes an incredible gravy that elevates the whole meal. But exactly how long do you need to cook giblets to draw out all those rich, savory flavors?

This guide will walk through giblet cooking times tips and tricks to make the most mouthwatering gravy and recipe ideas for putting those delicious bird bits to use. Let’s dive in!

What Are Turkey Giblets?

First a quick primer on what giblets are. Giblets refer to the edible internal organs of poultry. In a whole turkey, the giblets are typically found in a bag inside the main body cavity.

A standard set of turkey giblets includes:

• Neck: Contains bone, cartilage and some meat. Provides rich flavor.

• Liver: Nutritious with a unique, concentrated flavor.

• Heart: Made up of flavorful dark meat.

• Gizzard: Acts as a bird’s natural grinder. Contains lean meat.

When buying a turkey, double check that the giblets are included. If for some reason they aren’t, ask your butcher for a set. You’ll be glad you did!

Simmer Time for Delicious Turkey Giblet Gravy

So how long should you simmer giblets when making gravy? Here are some general guidelines:

• Neck: Simmer 45 mins to 1 hour until meat is tender and falling off the bone.

• Liver: Simmer 20 to 30 minutes until fully cooked but still intact.

• Heart: Simmer 30 to 45 minutes until fully cooked through.

• Gizzard: Simmer 1 to 2 hours until very soft and tender.

Key tips when simmering giblets:

• Place giblets in a pot and add aromatics like onion, celery, carrots. Cover with water or broth.

• Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer. Skim off any foam or impurities.

• Once fully cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove giblets. Reserve cooking liquid for gravy.

• Chop giblets and return to gravy, or puree in a blender for very smooth gravy.

Full Turkey Giblet Gravy Recipe

Here is a complete recipe to make the most of your turkey giblets:

Ingredients:

• Turkey giblets (neck, liver, heart, gizzard)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 4 cups turkey or chicken broth
• 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse giblets and place in a saucepan. Add onions, celery, carrots. Pour in broth and enough water to cover.

2. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 45 mins to 2 hours, until giblets are fully cooked.

3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked giblets to a cutting board. Reserve cooking liquid.

4. Chop giblets. Return to cooking liquid.

5. Make a slurry by whisking flour with 1⁄2 cup liquid. Whisk slurry into gravy.

6. Simmer 10 minutes until gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper.

7. For ultra-smooth gravy, puree in blender and strain.

This hearty gravy is delicious ladled over turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing!

Cooking the Turkey Neck for Gravy

The neck deserves special attention when making giblet gravy. Simmering the neck produces gelatin that gives the gravy incredible body and richness.

• Rinse neck thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry.

• Place neck in a small saucepan and cover with water or broth.

• Simmer for 45 mins to 1 hour until meat is falling off the bone.

• Remove neck meat from bones. Discard bones. Chop meat.

• Add chopped neck meat to your gravy for incredible depth of flavor!

More Delicious Ways to Use Turkey Giblets

Turkey giblet gravy may be traditional, but don’t stop there. Here are more tasty ways to put giblets to use:

• Make giblet soup stock by simmering giblets in water with aromatics. Use stock for soups, stews and risotto.

• Sauté chopped giblets with onions, garlic and mushrooms for a savory giblet hash.

• Chop and add cooked giblets to turkey stuffing or dressing for extra moisture and flavor.

• Cook, shred and add giblets to turkey pie, pot pie or casseroles.

• Chop the liver and sauté with onions and bacon for delicious liver pâté.

With some simmering time to draw out their flavor, you can transform turkey giblets into rich, delicious gravy and so much more. This holiday season, don’t throw those giblets in the trash – simmer up some gravy gold!