Braised Turkey Gizzard
Meleagris gallopavoClinical Encyclopedia
Braised turkey gizzards are a rich source of protein and essential nutrients, often used in various cuisines for their unique texture and flavor. They are particularly high in vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to meals.
Macronutrient Ratio
Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g
Micronutrient DV% Score
Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value
Health Benefits
Possible Risks & Side Effects
How to Prepare & Consume
Best cooked slowly in a braising liquid to enhance tenderness and flavor. Can be seasoned with herbs and spices for added taste.
Smart Selection & Storage
Choose gizzards that are firm and moist with a fresh smell. Avoid any that appear slimy or discolored.
Store raw gizzards in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze them for longer storage. Cooked gizzards can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Myths vs Realities
MythTurkey gizzards are unhealthy.+
MythGizzards are only for poor people.+
MythYou can't cook gizzards well.+
Healthy Recipes
Braised Turkey Gizzards with Quinoa and Spinach
A wholesome dish featuring tender braised turkey gizzards served over a bed of nutty quinoa and fresh spinach, packed with protein and nutrients.
- 1 pound turkey gizzards
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
- 2. Add turkey gizzards, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; cook until browned.
- 3. Pour in vegetable broth, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours until tender. Meanwhile, cook quinoa according to package instructions.
- 4. Stir in fresh spinach into the gizzards just before serving, and serve over quinoa.
Spicy Braised Turkey Gizzards Tacos
Deliciously spicy braised turkey gizzards served in whole grain tortillas with fresh toppings for a healthy twist on tacos.
- 1 pound turkey gizzards
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Whole grain tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
- 1. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
- 2. Add turkey gizzards, chili powder, cumin, and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
- 3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours until gizzards are tender. Shred gizzards and serve in tortillas topped with cilantro and lime.
Mediterranean Braised Turkey Gizzards with Chickpeas
A Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring braised turkey gizzards and chickpeas, flavored with herbs and served with a side of roasted vegetables.
- 1 pound turkey gizzards
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Assorted roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, carrots)
- 1. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- 2. Add turkey gizzards, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper; cook until browned.
- 3. Pour in vegetable broth and chickpeas, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours until tender. Serve with roasted vegetables.
Braised Turkey Gizzards with Cauliflower Rice
A low-carb meal featuring tender braised turkey gizzards served over flavorful cauliflower rice, perfect for a healthy dinner.
- 1 pound turkey gizzards
- 1 head cauliflower, riced
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a pot, heat coconut oil and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
- 2. Add turkey gizzards, turmeric, salt, and pepper; cook until browned.
- 3. Pour in chicken broth, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours until tender. Meanwhile, sauté riced cauliflower until tender and serve gizzards over it.
Braised Turkey Gizzards with Sweet Potato Mash
A comforting dish of braised turkey gizzards served alongside creamy sweet potato mash, offering a balance of flavors and nutrients.
- 1 pound turkey gizzards
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- 1. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- 2. Add turkey gizzards, rosemary, salt, and pepper; cook until browned.
- 3. Pour in chicken broth, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours until tender. Boil sweet potatoes until soft, mash with butter, and serve alongside gizzards.
Braised Turkey Gizzards with Cabbage Slaw
A fresh and crunchy cabbage slaw paired with savory braised turkey gizzards for a delightful and nutritious meal.
- 1 pound turkey gizzards
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
- 2. Add turkey gizzards, salt, and pepper; cook until browned.
- 3. Pour in chicken broth, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours until tender. Toss cabbage and carrot with vinegar and serve alongside gizzards.
Braised Turkey Gizzards with Lentils
A hearty and protein-packed dish of braised turkey gizzards served with flavorful lentils, perfect for a filling meal.
- 1 pound turkey gizzards
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- 2. Add turkey gizzards, cumin, salt, and pepper; cook until browned.
- 3. Pour in vegetable broth and lentils, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours until gizzards are tender and lentils are cooked.
Asian-Inspired Braised Turkey Gizzards
A flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring braised turkey gizzards in a savory soy sauce glaze, served with steamed broccoli.
- 1 pound turkey gizzards
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Steamed broccoli for serving
- 1. In a pot, heat sesame oil and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
- 2. Add turkey gizzards, soy sauce, ginger, and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
- 3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours until tender. Serve with steamed broccoli.
Herb-Infused Braised Turkey Gizzards with Brown Rice
Tender braised turkey gizzards infused with fresh herbs, served over nutty brown rice for a wholesome meal.
- 1 pound turkey gizzards
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- 2. Add turkey gizzards, thyme, salt, and pepper; cook until browned.
- 3. Pour in water, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours until tender. Cook brown rice according to package instructions and serve gizzards over rice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are turkey gizzards?
Turkey gizzards are a muscular organ that aids in digestion in birds, often considered a delicacy in various cuisines.
How should I cook turkey gizzards?
They are best braised or slow-cooked to ensure tenderness, often simmered in broth or sauce.
Are turkey gizzards healthy?
Yes, they are high in protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious option when prepared properly.
Can I eat turkey gizzards if I have high cholesterol?
While they are nutritious, they are also high in cholesterol, so moderation is key for those with cholesterol issues.
What do turkey gizzards taste like?
They have a rich, savory flavor and a unique chewy texture, often described as more intense than regular meat.
How do I clean turkey gizzards?
Rinse them under cold water and remove any membranes or fat before cooking.
Can I freeze cooked turkey gizzards?
Yes, cooked gizzards can be frozen for up to three months; ensure they are stored in an airtight container.
What dishes can I make with turkey gizzards?
They can be used in stews, soups, or served as a main dish with sides like rice or vegetables.