This is trick I learned one day when wondering what to do with the extra fat drippings I drain from roasting my turkey. Yes, I use some of the fat for making a roux, but I have learned to save all the seasoned fat drippings from my turkey. I dislike wasting anything.
The holiday season means lots of delicious turkey, and with turkey comes turkey fat. While you may be tempted to throw it out, turkey fat is incredibly versatile and can add tons of flavor to many dishes. Here are 10 creative ways to put turkey fat to good use.
Make Homemade Turkey Stock
One of the easiest ways to use up turkey fat is to make homemade turkey stock. Start by roasting the turkey bones, neck, and giblets in a little bit of the fat. Then add the bones, fat, and vegetable scraps to a pot with water. Simmer for at least an hour, then strain and use the flavorful broth in soups, stews, gravies, and more. The turkey fat adds richness and body to the stock.
Saute Vegetables
Turkey fat is excellent for sauteing vegetables. Melt a little turkey fat in a skillet over medium heat. Then add vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots, onions, etc. Saute until tender and caramelized. The turkey fat brings out delicious flavors and gives the vegetables a beautiful golden brown color.
Roast Potatoes
For the creamiest, richest roasted potatoes, toss them in melted turkey fat before roasting The potatoes will come out crispy on the outside and indulgently tender inside Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the potatoes as well.
Make Gravy
One of the classics – use turkey fat to make gravy! After roasting your turkey, pour the drippings into a fat separator. Then mix a roux with the turkey fat and add the defatted drippings back in slowly to create a silky, delicious gravy.
Fry Leftover Turkey
Fried turkey is an amazing way to breathe new life into leftover turkey. Melt a bit of turkey fat in a skillet then dip turkey pieces in an egg wash. Coat in breadcrumbs then fry the turkey until golden and heated through Irresistibly crispy, juicy turkey!
Saute or Bake Collard Greens
For southern-style collard greens, saute chopped greens in turkey fat along with onions, garlic, and smoked turkey The turkey fat adds incredible richness You can also brush collard greens with turkey fat before baking to add flavor.
Make Turkey Fat Fried Rice
Here’s a brilliant recipe idea – use turkey fat to make fried rice with your holiday leftovers! Saute veggies and rice in hot turkey fat, then stir in diced turkey meat. Finish with a touch of soy sauce. Cheap, easy, and delicious.
Make Pie Crust
The next time you make pie, use turkey fat for the ultimate flaky, tender crust. Cut the fat into the dry ingredients, or even melt a little fat and brush it on the pie crust before baking for an extra flaky texture. Any type of pie benefits from a little turkey fat in the crust.
Cook Beans or Lentils
Add richness to beans or lentils by cooking them in turkey fat. Saute onions and garlic in turkey fat first to build flavor, then add your dried beans and enough water or broth to cover. Simmer until the beans are tender. The turkey fat adds amazing depth.
Make Candles
Here’s a creative way to use every last bit – turn turkey fat into candles! Melt the fat and pour it into a candle jar or mold. Add wicks, let cool completely, then light the candles for a natural, homemade glow. Add essential oils for holiday scents like pine, cinnamon orange, and clove.
As you can see, turkey fat has tons of uses beyond just discarding it after the holiday meal. With a little creativity, you can transform turkey fat into delicious dishes, candles, and more. Next time, think twice before throwing it out!
How To Make hint: what to do with the turkey dripping fat
- 1 When I roast a turkey I do it on a rack. Then I drain off the fat from the drippings and save the dripping fat in a container in the freezer.
- 2 The next time I make turkey, I rub the turkey dripping fat on the turkey instead of using butter or oil. Then I lightly season the turkey, because the turkey fat drippings already have seasonings in it.
- 3 Youll be amazed at the flavor it imparts to your turkey and how rich in flavor the gravy will be.
- 4 I have also used the turkey fat drippings to roast potatoes and carrots in…they come out nice and brown and seasoned with a wonderful flavor.
- Last Step: Dont forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And dont forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
Ingredients For hint: what to do with the turkey dripping fat
- turkey fat you drain from your roasting pan
TURKEY LETTUCE WRAPS | LOW FAT FOOD | Simple to Make Recipe
FAQ
Can you do anything with turkey fat?
What can you do with turkey grease?
What to do with fat from turkey drippings?
What can you do with turkey fat?
Turkey fat can also be used for baking. It can be used to make pie crusts, biscuits, and other pastries. Turkey fat can also be used to grease baking sheets and muffin tins. Turkey fat can also be used to make soups and stews. It can help to add flavor and richness to these dishes. Some of the best soups and stews to make with turkey fat include:
What are some home remedies to reduce tummy fat?
Ginger Green Tea: Ginger green tea is a blend that has been praised for its ability to promote rapid loss of abdominal fat. Green tea has thermogenic action, which can be very effective in the fat burning process, while ginger accelerates metabolism, thus increasing the body’s caloric expenditure. To prepare the tea, mix one teaspoon of dried green tea leaves with one teaspoon of grated fresh ginger and add them to a cup of boiling water. Let it sit for a few minutes until infusion takes place. When it’s warm, drink it throughout the day, without adding any kind of sweetener. Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a very good home remedy for flat stomach, as it helps eliminate accumulated fat thanks to its fiber and at the same time provides the necessary energy to keep us active throughout the day. Oats are considered the “queen of fat burning foods”. Ginger, honey and cayenne pepper: Both ginger and honey and pepper are products that increase the body temperature, effectively accelerating the metabolic rate. For its consumption, it is recommended to make a ginger tea, adding a little honey and cayenne pepper. Almonds: Almonds are a rich source of potassium and are particularly interesting as they are a low-calorie dry fruit, due to their diuretic effect and their fiber content. Almonds make you feel fuller for longer in a healthy and simple way.
What should I do if I eat raw turkey fat?
* Wear gloves when handling raw turkey fat. This will help to protect your hands from bacteria. * Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling raw turkey fat. This will help to prevent the spread of bacteria from your hands to other surfaces. * Keep raw turkey fat separate from other foods.
How do you make turkey fat?
Rendering turkey fat is super easy. Just cut the skin into small pieces, heat them gently until they have released all their golden fat, strain, and store. Rendered fat, lard or schmaltz is low in saturated fats, and it has lots of minerals and vitamins. It contains no trans fats.