I will be the first to admit, pickled turkey gizzards aren’t pretty to look at. Nope, not at all. In fact, if you didn’t know they were pickled turkey gizzards, you might think it’s a kids science project gone really bad. Don’t let looks fool you though, Pickled Turkey Gizzards are really quite delicious.
I have to admit, I have been on a “pickled” roll here lately. Pickled Eggs and now Pickled Turkey Gizzards. What’s next…well not Pickled Pigs Feet, that’s for sure! I have to draw the line somewhere. Maybe Pickled Sausage? Hmm, that’s a thought. Believe it or not, I remember eating pickled turkey gizzards as a kid and liking them.
When I recently made pickled eggs, I remembered also eating pickled turkey gizzards. Something I had totally forgotten about until then. I also remembered I liked pickled turkey gizzards and wondered why I haven’t made these tasty bites for so many years. I thought about it and couldn’t come up with an answer. When you can’t come up with an answer why you haven’t made something in a while, that’s usually a good indication that it’s about time to give it a go.
Turkey gizzards are an underutilized and often discarded part of the turkey that can be turned into a delicious pickled snack when prepared properly. Read on for everything you need to know about pickled turkey gizzards, including a foolproof recipe to make them at home.
For those unfamiliar, turkey gizzards are the stomach or digestive organ of a turkey. They are considered an organ meat, along with other turkey parts like the heart, liver and kidneys.
While gizzards may not sound appetizing at first, they have a rich and slightly chewy texture when cooked, and absorb flavors beautifully when pickled or braised Their mild taste makes them an approachable organ meat to start with
Nutritionally, turkey gizzards are packed with protein, iron, zinc and B vitamins. They are also low in fat and calories compared to other cuts of turkey meat.
Benefits of Pickling Turkey Gizzards
Pickling is a technique that preserves and infuses foods with flavorful brines or vinegars. Some benefits of pickling turkey gizzards include:
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Enhanced flavor – The brine penetrates the gizzards to give them a tangy salty and aromatic taste. Spices and herbs are also easily incorporated.
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Prolonged shelf life – Refrigerated, pickled gizzards can last for months compared to fresh gizzards that go bad within days. The acidic brine prevents bacterial growth.
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Easy to prepare – Simply submerge gizzards in your brine and refrigerate. No cooking is required before pickling them.
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Adds variety – Pickled gizzards make a great addition to relish trays, sandwiches and snack spreads. Their unique texture stands out.
Step-by-Step Pickled Turkey Gizzard Recipe
With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can easily transform turkey gizzards into a delicious homemade snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound turkey gizzards, rinsed
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 dried chili pepper (optional)
Instructions:
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Place the turkey gizzards into a quart-sized glass jar or heat-safe plastic container.
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In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, salt, garlic cloves, peppercorns, bay leaf and dried chili pepper (if using). Bring to a boil.
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Once boiling, immediately remove the brine from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
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Pour the cooled brine over the gizzards until they are fully submerged. Cover the jar or container.
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Refrigerate for at least 5 days before eating to allow the gizzards to pickle all the way through.
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Store pickled gizzards in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
That’s all it takes to make your own pickled turkey gizzards at home! The possibilities are endless when it comes to experimenting with different seasoning blends in the brine as well.
Serving and Cooking with Pickled Turkey Gizzards
Pickled turkey gizzards are versatile enough to be served chilled straight from the jar, or incorporated into hot dishes:
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Slice pickled gizzards and add them to relish trays, cheese boards and charcuterie spreads for a tangy, meaty addition.
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Chop pickled gizzards and add them to tuna or chicken salad for a nutritional boost and new texture.
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Skewer pickled gizzards and quickly grill or pan-fry them to serve as an appetizer.
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Sauté pickled gizzards with onions and bell peppers, then use the mixture as a taco or quesadilla filling.
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Add chopped pickled gizzards to soups, stews and chili during the last 5 minutes of cooking time to heat them through.
So don’t let those turkey gizzards go to waste! With this easy brining recipe, you can unlock their full potential as a flavorful, protein-packed ingredient. Adjust the pickling spices to your tastes and enjoy pickled turkey gizzards as a satisfying snack or addition to meals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pickled Turkey Gizzards
If you’re new to pickling turkey gizzards, chances are you have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs:
How long does it take to pickle turkey gizzards?
For the best flavor and texture, pickle turkey gizzards in the refrigerator for at least 5 days before eating them. This gives time for the brine to fully penetrate the meat. They can be pickled for up to 2 months.
What’s the best vinegar to use for pickling?
Apple cider vinegar and white distilled vinegar work equally well. Cider vinegar offers a slightly more nuanced flavor. White wine vinegar is also an option but may overpower more delicate spices.
Is it necessary to cook the gizzards first before pickling?
No, you can pickle raw turkey gizzards without cooking them first! The brining process essentially “cooks” them. If you prefer a more tender texture, simmer gizzards for 1-2 hours before pickling.
What are some good seasoning additions for pickled gizzards?
Black peppercorns, garlic, bay leaves, mustard seeds, coriander, juniper berries, chili flakes, cinnamon, dill, and allspice are all tasty options.
Can I use the same brine to pickle different meats like chicken gizzards?
Yes, the brine recipe can be used interchangeably for different types of meat. Simply adjust the cooking time if simmering them first.
So now you have all the details on how to make and enjoy pickled turkey gizzards right at home. Satisfy your cravings for this hearty and unique snack!
Other Delicious Ways to Prepare Turkey Gizzards
While pickling is a great preservation method for turkey gizzards, there are many other tasty ways to cook up these nutritional organs:
Slow Cooker Turkey Gizzards
Simmer gizzards with onion, garlic and spices in a slow cooker on low for 5-6 hours until fork tender. The low and slow cooking gives them an ultra tender texture.
Pan-Fried Gizzards
Coat bite-sized gizzard pieces with flour, salt, and pepper then sauté in olive oil over medium-high heat until crispy on the outside. Finish with a squeeze of lemon.
Smoked Turkey Gizzards
Rub gizzards with your favorite BBQ-style seasoning and smoke them with indirect heat at 225-250°F for 1.5-2 hours depending on size. Slice and enjoy.
Braised Turkey Gizzards
Braise gizzard pieces in flavorful liquid like broth, wine or tomato sauce for 1-2 hours until very soft. They absorb the surrounding flavors beautifully.
Fried Rice with Turkey Gizzards
Sauté bite-sized gizzards with aromatics then toss them into fried rice dishes for an extra savory crunch. They pair great with egg too.
Turkey Gizzard Gravy
Simmer chopped gizzards into your favorite turkey gravy while making pan drippings for extra rich and meaty flavor. Strain them out before serving if you prefer.
As you can see, the possibilities are endless when cooking with often underutilized turkey gizzards. Their mild taste and hearty texture make them suitable for countless dishes and cooking methods.
The Takeaway on Cooking with Turkey Gizzards
Turkey gizzards are a nutritional powerhouse ingredient that deserve more love in the kitchen. Don’t let these flavorful and protein-packed organs go to waste after your next turkey dinner.
By pickling, braising, pan frying, smoking and slow cooking gizzards, you can transform them into snacks and dishes with unique texture. Adjust seasonings and cooking times to your personal tastes.
With the endless flavor combinations possible when pickling, this foolproof brining recipe makes enjoying turkey gizzards at home easy and delicious. Allow them to refrigerate for 5+ days to fully develop that signature pickled snap.
So embrace the versatility of turkey gizzards and start cooking! Bring some exciting new textures and tastes into your kitchen routine with these meaty morsels. Your taste buds will thank you.
