How to Make Tasty and Tender Turkey Gizzards

Turkey gizzards are an underrated and often overlooked part of the bird that can make for a delicious and nutritious meal when prepared properly. If you’ve ever wondered how to make tasty and tender turkey gizzards, you’ve come to the right place! In this comprehensive guide we’ll walk through everything you need to know to turn this tough and chewy cut into a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy.

What Exactly Are Turkey Gizzards?

Before jumping into cooking methods, let’s start with a quick overview of what turkey gizzards are. Basically, the gizzard is a muscular part of the turkey’s stomach that helps grind up food. Since gizzards are constantly contracting to pulverize food, they are made up of dense, tough muscle fibers.

When properly prepared these muscles become tender and take on the flavors of seasonings beautifully. When undercooked though, gizzards will remain extremely chewy and tough. The key is low and slow cooking to break down those tough fibers.

Buying and Prepping Turkey Gizzards

Turkey gizzards are readily available year-round, often sold in 1-2 pound packages either fresh or frozen. They tend to be more abundant around the holidays when whole turkeys are being processed.

Look for gizzards that are smooth and firm with no visual blemishes. Rinse them well under cold water before cooking. You may need to trim off any veins or connective tissue, but otherwise they just need a good scrubbing.

Defrost frozen gizzards overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. Once thawed, pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels so they will sear and cook properly.

Flavorful Seasonings for Turkey Gizzards

When it comes to seasoning turkey gizzards, you can get as creative as you like! Here are some classic flavor pairings that work exceptionally well:

• Garlic, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, thyme
• Rosemary, sage, oregano, red pepper flakes
• Cajun seasoning, cayenne, smoked paprika
• Lemon pepper, garlic, parsley
• Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic

The options are truly endless. Use your favorite spice blends or come up with your own unique combinations. Just make sure to generously season the gizzards to infuse them with as much flavor as possible.

Cooking Methods for Tender Turkey Gizzards

Now let’s get to the good stuff – how to transform those rock-hard gizzards into fork-tender deliciousness. Here are some of the most popular and effective cooking methods:

Braising/Stewing

Low and slow braised gizzards are irresistibly tender. Brown the seasoned gizzards first in batches to develop fond. Then simmer in broth or water with aromatics for at least 2-3 hours until extremely tender.

Baking

Baking is an easy hands-off approach. Place seasoned gizzards in a baking dish, add a small amount of broth or water, cover tightly with foil and bake at 300°F for 2-3 hours.

Pressure Cooking

A pressure cooker cuts the cooking time significantly. Cook seasoned gizzards for 20-30 minutes under pressure then allow the pressure to release naturally for best results.

Deep Frying

For quick crispy gizzards, cut them into bite-size pieces and deep fry at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until browned and crispy. Make sure the oil is hot before adding them.

Slow Cooker

Throw the gizzards in a slow cooker with seasoning and broth, cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. The long cooking renders them perfectly tender.

No matter which cooking method you choose, the key is to cook the gizzards for an extended period of time at a lower temperature. This gives the tough muscle fibers time to break down completely and results in the characteristic melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Serving Suggestions for Turkey Gizzards

Once you’ve tackled how to make tender and tasty turkey gizzards, it’s time to serve them up! Here are some simple ideas for how to enjoy your gizzards:

• Over steamed rice or mashed potatoes
• In gravy or sauce over pasta
• Mixed into stuffing or dressing
• Chopped and added to soup or stew
• Tacos with crispy fried gizzards
• Slider sandwiches with gizzard patties
• Gizzard skewers as an appetizer
• Gizzards and greens salad

Get creative and try incorporating them into your favorite recipes in place of other meats. Their rich, slightly earthy flavor pairs perfectly with creamy, starchy sides and gravies.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Gizzards

Like any meat, properly stored leftover cooked gizzards will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Place them in an airtight container to prevent drying out. Reheat gently in the microwave, stir fry, or gravy.

For longer term storage, cooked gizzards can be frozen for 2-3 months. Allow to thaw overnight in the fridge before using. Reheating from frozen may require some extra moisture like broth or sauce.

Common Questions about Cooking Turkey Gizzards

If you’re new to working with turkey gizzards, chances are you have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

Are turkey gizzards healthy?

Turkey gizzards are low in fat and calories while providing protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Enjoy them as part of a balanced diet in moderation.

Do I need to pound or tenderize the gizzards?

Tenderizing methods like pounding or scoring can help, but the most important factor is the long cooking time to break down the tough muscle.

Can I use an Instant Pot to make tender gizzards?

Yes! The pressure cooking function of the Instant Pot works great. Cook for 20-30 minutes then allow pressure to release naturally.

What’s the best way to bread and fry gizzards?

For crispy breaded gizzards, dip bitesized pieces in flour, then egg wash, then seasoned breadcrumbs before frying at 350°F.

Should gizzards be cooked with the heart and liver?

You can cook gizzards with other turkey organs like the heart and liver if desired. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Satisfying and Nutritious Turkey Gizzards

Follow this guide and you’ll see how surprisingly easy and rewarding cooking turkey gizzards can be. Don’t be intimidated by this underused cut. With the proper prep and cooking methods, you can enjoy affordable, tasty gizzards that are loaded with nutrition.