How to Make the Best Turkey Giblet Gravy

When it comes to holiday meals, there’s nothing quite like a perfectly prepared turkey giblet gravy to bring everything together. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering, this gravy recipe will add a rich and flavorful touch to your meal. In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps to make an easy, delicious turkey giblet gravy that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Turkey giblet gravy is more than just a side dish; it’s the ultimate complement to your turkey and mashed potatoes. The giblets, which include the heart, liver, gizzard, and neck, provide a unique, savory depth of flavor that sets this gravy apart from your average turkey gravy. Plus, it’s a great way to use the whole bird and minimize waste. If you’ve never made turkey giblet gravy before, don’t worry! This recipe is simple, beginner-friendly, and guarantees tasty results every time.

Ingredients

• 1 turkey giblets (heart, liver, gizzard, and neck)
• 4 cups turkey stock or chicken broth
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have turkey giblets on hand, you can substitute them with chicken giblets or even omit them for a simpler turkey gravy. For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. If you prefer a thicker gravy, feel free to add a little more flour or butter during the cooking process.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Giblets

Start by rinsing the turkey giblets under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel. In a medium-sized pot, add the giblets (excluding the liver), carrot, celery, onion, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt. Cover with 4 cups of water or turkey stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes. This will create a flavorful stock base for your gravy.

Step 2: Sauté the Liver

While the stock is simmering, take the turkey liver and chop it into small pieces. In a separate pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped liver and cook for about 4-5 minutes until browned. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Once the stock has finished simmering, strain it and set the liquid aside. In a large saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to form a roux. Cook the roux for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden brown. This will thicken your gravy and give it a nice, nutty flavor.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Slowly add your strained turkey stock to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken. Add the sautéed liver, along with any chopped giblet pieces you prefer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Final Touches

For an extra burst of flavor, feel free to stir in fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. If your gravy is too thick, thin it out with a bit more stock or water. Too thin? Cook it for a few more minutes to let it reduce.

Cooking Times

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Serving Suggestions

This turkey giblet gravy is the perfect topping for roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. You can also serve it over biscuits for a comforting meal. The recipe makes enough to serve 6-8 people generously, so feel free to adjust the ingredient quantities if you’re cooking for a larger crowd.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the gravy thickens too much after refrigeration, just add a splash of broth or water while reheating to reach the desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make turkey giblet gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the gravy a day in advance. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat it on the day of serving. If it thickens overnight, thin it with a little extra broth or water.

Can I freeze turkey giblet gravy?

Absolutely! Let the gravy cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.

Conclusion

There’s no denying that a rich, flavorful turkey giblet gravy can take your holiday meal to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or preparing a special family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try, and let us know how it turns out in the comments below. Don’t forget to check out our other recipes for more holiday inspiration!