[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text single_style=”1″]One day I was searching for healthy ground turkey recipes and I was surprised to really not find much. So after a little research for ground turkey dinner ideas I came up with this. A quick and healthy weeknight meal, this ground turkey recipe is something my family adores. It’s super-simple to throw together and is a healthy, wholesome way to get dinner on the table quick.
Ground turkey has become an increasingly popular alternative to ground beef. It’s lower in fat and calories, while still providing plenty of protein. But when it comes to cooking ground turkey, many people wonder – do you need to drain it like you would ground beef?
The short answer is no draining is usually not necessary with ground turkey. Let’s take a closer look at why
The Lean Nature of Ground Turkey
Ground turkey is much leaner than ground beef. Even ground beef labeled as 90% lean will have more fat than ground turkey. On average, ground turkey contains about 10% fat, compared to 15-20% for most ground beef options.
Because ground turkey doesn’t have as much fat rendering out during cooking there’s no need to drain off the excess grease like you would with fattier meats.
Draining ground turkey can actually make it dry and less flavorful by removing the small amount of fat and juices that provide moisture and taste.
Fat Content Varies
However, it’s worth noting that ground turkey can range in fat percentage, typically from 7% to 15%.
The leanest options, like 93% fat free ground turkey, will produce very little grease during cooking. But versions with a higher percentage of fat may render out more as the meat cooks.
So if you’re using an 85% lean ground turkey, some draining may be beneficial to remove excess grease and keep the dish lighter. But in general, draining is not required.
Flavor Impacts
In addition to moisture, the small amount of fat present in ground turkey helps provide flavor. Draining it can remove fat-soluble compounds that contribute taste.
So not only can draining make the turkey drier, it can also make it blander. If you do drain your ground turkey and find it lacking flavor, try adding a bit of olive oil or butter to the pan to make up for the lost fat.
Personal Preference
Ultimately, whether or not to drain comes down to personal preference. Some people simply prefer the texture of drained ground meats. If this is you, go ahead and drain away after browning ground turkey to your liking.
Others find drained ground turkey unappetizingly dry and chalky. For best results when draining, be sure not to overcook the meat, and add extra moisture through a sauce or gravy.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Ground Turkey
Here are some additional pointers for cooking moist, flavorful ground turkey every time:
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Use a non-stick pan – This prevents sticking and drying out. Stainless steel is also a good option.
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Cook over medium heat – High heat can cause ground turkey to burn before the inside is fully cooked.
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Break up large pieces – Use a spoon to crumble turkey as it cooks for even cooking.
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Don’t overcook – Cook just until no longer pink, about 165°F internal temperature.
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Season well – Flavorful herbs, spices and salt are necessary to make bland turkey pop.
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Add binders – Eggs and breadcrumbs help hold burgers and meatballs together.
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Include moist ingredients – Mix in a little yogurt, diced onion or shredded zucchini.
FAQs
Still have questions? Here are answers to some common ground turkey cooking queries:
Do you need oil to cook ground turkey?
Yes, adding a bit of oil prevents sticking and helps ground turkey brown properly. Olive, avocado or vegetable oil all work well.
Can you cook ground turkey in liquid?
Absolutely. Braising ground turkey in broth, tomatoes or a sauce keeps it tender and adds flavor. Just make sure it reaches 165°F.
Is ground turkey supposed to be watery?
Raw ground turkey contains moisture so it should not feel overly wet or drip liquid. Discard if you notice stickiness or excessive water.
Do you need to drain turkey grease?
It’s best to drain excess grease from ground turkey to control the fat content. Let cool slightly before pouring into a heat-safe container.
The Takeaway
While you can certainly drain your ground turkey if you prefer, in most cases it is unnecessary and not recommended. Leaving the small amount of natural fat helps keep ground turkey juicy, flavorful and better textured. Just be mindful of slightly adjusting cooking methods for the leanness of the meat.
How to Store Ground Turkey
Lean ground turkey shouldn’t be kept more than a day or two before cooking. After that, any leftovers should be refrigerated or frozen promptly.
Best Ground Turkey Recipe
Not sure how to cook ground turkey? This is the best ground turkey recipe with simple and fresh ingredients that will help you break out of your dinner rut tonight.