How to Remove Giblets from a Turkey – A Step-by-Step Guide

When preparing a whole turkey for roasting one of the first steps is removing the bag of giblets stored inside the bird’s cavity. While some cooks choose to use them many opt to remove and discard the giblets. If you’re unsure how to properly remove giblets, this step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know.

What are Giblets?

Giblets refers to the internal organs of poultry that are considered edible. Typically, a turkey’s giblets include:

• Gizzard – A muscular organ used for grinding up food. It has a tough texture.

• Heart – The cardiac muscle. It has a firm, dense texture.

• Liver – The largest internal organ It has a soft, creamy texture

• Neck – The long neck of the turkey. It has a fibrous texture similar to dark meat.

Giblets are packaged together and placed inside the turkey cavity by poultry processors before the bird is sold. The giblets can be used to make stock, gravy, or cooked as a side dish. However, many home cooks find them unappealing or too much trouble to deal with, so removing and discarding them is common.

Why Remove Giblets?

There are a few reasons why you’ll want to remove the giblets before roasting the turkey:

• Avoid overcooking: The giblets cook faster than the turkey. Leaving them in can lead to dried out, inedible giblets.

• Prevent off-flavors: The liver in particular can lend unpleasant metallic, bitter flavors.

• Reduce excess waste: Not everyone wants to eat giblets, so removing them reduces unwanted leftovers.

• Food safety: Raw giblets can harbor bacteria like salmonella. Handling them safely prevents illness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Removing giblets takes just a few minutes. Follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare Your Workspace

Clear a clean surface for working with the raw turkey. A cutting board, sheet pan, or clean sink are all good options. Be sure to wash hands, prep tools, and work area thoroughly after handling the raw turkey and giblets.

2. Open the Turkey Cavity

Place the turkey breast-side up. Locate the large opening at the bottom of the bird, between the tail and thigh area. Reach carefully inside the cavity and feel around for a plastic or paper package containing the giblets.

3. Remove the Giblet Package

Gently pull out the entire giblet package in one piece. Don’t open the package – this prevents raw juices from leaking out.

4. Check Both Cavities

Sometimes the neck is placed in the front chest cavity rather than with the other giblets. Reach in to the neck opening and remove the neck if present.

5. Pat Turkey Dry

Blot the cavity with paper towels to remove excess moisture and juices before roasting. Be sure to immediately wash hands, surfaces, towels or anything that touched raw turkey.

6. Cook, Save or Discard Giblets

Once removed, you have a few options for dealing with the giblets:

• Cook giblets as a side dish, stock or gravy.
• Freeze giblets in an airtight bag for another use.
• Discard giblets and neck in the garbage.

Most home cooks find it simplest to discard unused giblets, but they can add flavor when cooked.

Key Tips for Removing Giblets

• Always wash hands immediately after handling raw giblets or turkey.

• Avoid puncturing the giblet package to prevent juices from leaking out.

• Make sure giblets are removed before roasting or grilling turkey.

• Cook giblets thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature if saving them for eating.

What to Do With Saved Giblets

If you want to use the nutritious giblets in your holiday meal, here are some tasty options:

Giblet Gravy

Simmer giblets in chicken or turkey broth until cooked through. Use broth and chopped giblets to make a rich gravy.

Pan-Fried Giblets

Clean and slice giblets. Quickly pan-fry in butter or oil until browned.

Giblet Stock

Simmer giblets in water with aromatics like thyme, parsley, onions and garlic. Strain and use stock for soups or stews.

Baked Giblet Dressing

Chop and combine cooked giblets with bread cubes, onions, celery, broth and spices. Bake as a holiday side dish.

Turkey Neck Soup

Simmer smoked turkey necks with vegetables and seasonings for a rich and hearty soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are giblets safe to eat?

Yes, fully cooked giblets are safe to eat. Be sure to cook them thoroughly to 165°F. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping them away from other foods before cooking.

Can giblets be frozen and saved?

Absolutely. Place raw or cooked giblets in an airtight freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for 4-6 months in the freezer.

What if I can’t find the giblets?

If your turkey is labeled as containing giblets, they should be present. Check both the main cavity and front chest cavity. If still missing, the giblets may have been removed at the processing plant.

Can I stuff my turkey with giblets?

It is not recommended. Giblets can harbor bacteria and may not cook thoroughly if placed inside a stuffed turkey. Cook giblets separately.

What do giblets look like?

Giblets are contained in a small red or white package. They’ll appear as a set of various dark red organs like rounded lobes (liver) and a conical-shaped gizzard. The neck is long and narrow.

Master Turkey Prep with Giblet Removal

Armed with this step-by-step guide, you can quickly remove giblets with confidence. Now your turkey is ready for a delicious, giblet-free roast. Removing giblets is one important way to ensure food safety and ideal flavor in your holiday bird.