How To Make Turkey Gravy With Giblets
If you’re hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, you need to know how to make turkey gravy with giblets. The giblets include the neck, heart, liver, and gizzard that come with your turkey. They may not appear appetizing, but they are the key to making the most delicious gravy. Follow the steps below to make a gravy that your family and friends will rave about.
Ingredients
To make turkey gravy with giblets, you will need the following ingredients:
- Turkey giblets (neck, heart, liver, gizzard)
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
1. Remove the giblets from the turkey neck cavity and rinse them with cold water. Discard any fat, gristle, or membranes from the giblets.
2. Put the giblets in a medium saucepan and add enough water to cover them by 1 inch. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and simmer the giblets for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until they are very tender. Remove the giblets from the saucepan and let them cool.
4. When the giblets are cool enough to handle, chop them into small pieces and set them aside. Reserve the cooking liquid in the saucepan.
5. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir constantly with a wooden spoon for 5 minutes, or until the flour turns golden brown.
6. Gradually whisk the turkey or chicken broth into the skillet, stirring constantly. Keep stirring until the gravy thickens and comes to a simmer.
7. Add the giblets, white wine, fresh sage, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper to the gravy in the skillet. Stir well to combine everything.
8. Reduce the heat to low and let the gravy simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the flavors meld together.
9. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the gravy is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it.
10. Serve the gravy with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes.
Tips for Making the Best Turkey Gravy with Giblets
1. Use homemade turkey or chicken broth for the best flavor. If you don’t have any, use a good-quality store-bought broth.
2. Don’t skip the step of simmering the giblets in water. This makes them tender and infuses their flavor into the broth.
3. Take the time to chop the giblets into small pieces. This adds texture to the gravy and makes it more interesting to eat.
4. Use unsalted butter and adjust the salt to your taste. You don’t want the gravy to be too salty.
5. Use fresh herbs for the most flavor. Dried herbs are okay, but they won’t give the same depth of flavor.
6. If you prefer a smooth gravy, you can strain out the giblets and herbs before serving. Otherwise, leave them in for added texture and flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I make turkey gravy without giblets?
A: Yes, you can! Simply use store-bought or homemade turkey or chicken broth as the base for your gravy. Melt butter in a skillet, whisk in flour, and gradually add the broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and any additional herbs or spices you like.
Q: How far in advance can I make turkey gravy with giblets?
A: You can make turkey gravy with giblets up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat it gently in a saucepan or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze turkey gravy with giblets?
A: Yes, you can freeze turkey gravy with giblets for up to 3 months. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating and serving.
Q: What do I do with the turkey neck after making gravy?
A: You can use the turkey neck to flavor soup or stock. Simply simmer it in water with some vegetables and herbs for a few hours, then strain out the solids and use the broth in your favorite dishes.