How to Get the Giblets Out of a Frozen Turkey

Getting the giblets out of a frozen turkey can be tricky, but with a few simple steps, you can easily remove them before cooking your bird.

Wait for the Turkey to Defrost

It’s difficult to remove a giblet package from a fully frozen turkey. The giblets are often wrapped in paper and stuffed inside the neck or body cavity. When the turkey is rock solid, that package can be nearly impossible to find and extract.

So first wait until the turkey has sufficiently defrosted during thawing before attempting to remove the giblets. For every 5 pounds of turkey it takes about 24 hours to thaw in the refrigerator. A 15 pound turkey would take around 3 days in the fridge.

You can also submerge the wrapped frozen bird in a bucket or sink full of cold water to speed up defrosting. Change the water every 30 minutes and allow about 30 minutes per pound. Check the turkey’s temperature by inserting a meat thermometer in a few spots – it should read between 32-40°F when ready.

Unwrap and Inspect the Turkey

Once thawed, remove the turkey from its plastic packaging. Flip it upside down and slit open the plastic wrapping with a knife. You may need to cut the metal or plastic trussing around the legs too. Peel off all the packaging and discard it since it touched raw meat.

Place the turkey in a roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet to catch any juices that may drip. Thawed turkeys can be quite messy!

Now inspect the main cavity. The neck may be tucked inside already loosened from defrosting. If not, leave it for now and keep looking for the giblets.

Locate and Remove the Giblets

The giblets could be tucked in the neck cavity or the main body cavity. Reach carefully into both areas with your hands to locate the giblet packet.

Sometimes it’s wrapped in paper, other times in plastic. Try to grasp it whole without ripping it open if you can. Slowly pull it out of whichever cavity it was hiding in.

If you can’t find the giblets after checking thoroughly, they may be missing. Processors are supposed to label the turkey if giblets are not included. If still not there, just carry on cooking without them.

Deal with the Giblets and Neck

Once extracted, you have a few options for dealing with the giblets and neck:

• Reserve to make gravy or stock. Chop and simmer the giblets in liquid to impart flavor.

• Cook them under or inside the turkey. This adds richness to the pan juices.

• Bread and fry them for a crispy snack.

• Discard them if you don’t want to use them.

For the neck, you can add it to stock with the giblets. Or braise, roast, or smoke it for snacking. Otherwise toss it out if unwanted.

Prepare and Cook the Turkey

With the giblets removed, pat the outside of the turkey dry with paper towels. Be sure to wash any surfaces and utensils that touched the raw poultry with hot soapy water to avoid contamination.

Season the bird simply with salt and pepper, or get creative with a flavorful spice rub. Truss the legs, tuck the wings, and roast the turkey until the thighs reach 165°F and the breast 170°F. Let it rest before carving.

Now you can cook up your holiday bird giblet-free and enjoy! Removing them first ensures they don’t overcook inside the turkey or impart any unpleasant flavors.

FAQs About Turkey Giblet Removal

What are giblets?

Turkey giblets refer to the internal organs of the bird that are edible. This includes the neck, heart, gizzard, and liver. They are usually wrapped together in a packet inside the raw turkey.

Why remove giblets from a turkey?

Giblets should be removed because they require different cooking times than the whole turkey. Leaving them in can lead to overcooking and a liver-y flavor. Taking them out allows you to cook them separately.

Where are giblets located in a turkey?

Giblets can be tucked inside the neck cavity or the main body cavity of a raw turkey. Sometimes they are wrapped in paper or plastic. Reach carefully into these areas to extract them.

Can you cook a turkey with the giblets still inside?

It’s not recommended to cook a turkey with the giblets still inside. They will likely overcook at the high oven temperatures needed to roast the whole bird. For food safety and flavor, always remove them first.

What if I can’t find the giblets in my turkey?

If you can’t locate the giblets after thoroughly checking the neck and body cavities, they may be missing from your bird. Processors are required to note on the label if giblets are not included in the turkey package. If not there, simply cook the turkey giblet-free.

Removing the giblets from a thawed turkey before roasting isn’t too difficult. Just take your time, and inspect the bird carefully using your hands. With the giblets extracted, you can cook your turkey to perfection this holiday season.