What to do with giblets

If you’re an amateur chef who loves cooking poultry, you’ll likely have encountered giblets before. But you may be wondering what they are and what you should be doing with them. Don’t worry, our butchers are here to help with our guide to giblets and how to use them.

What are the giblets?

Giblets come with different types of poultry, including chicken, turkey and duck. They are edible internal organs and parts of the birds that are typically removed before cooking. With some birds, they’re wrapped in a small bag and placed in the bird’s cavity.

What is in giblets?

Giblets typically include the following:

• The neck
• The liver
• The heart
• The gizzard
• Other organs

What to do with the giblets

Giblets may not seem appetising, but they’re an absolute flavour sensation that can be used in several different ways.

If the giblets are still in the bird, they should be removed and cleaned. To do this, rinse in clean, cold water to remove any blood and debris.

If they’re in a bag, they will have been cleaned but can benefit from an additional rinse. Make sure you wash your hands after handling any raw poultry.

Then you can use the giblets for the following:

• Giblet gravy – One of the most common uses of giblets is in gravy. Chop the giblets or add them to a muslin bag and add to the drippings for a rich, tasty gravy. Strain before serving if chopping
• Giblet stock – boil the giblets in water with vegetables and herbs for make a delicious stock that can be stored for several days in the fridge or frozen
• Giblet stuffing – Dice the giblets, then gently fry before adding to a stuffing for a unique, exciting stuffing

Not a fan of giblets yourself? They make a nutrient-rich snack for dogs once cooked.

Why use the giblets?

Here are a few benefits of using giblets in your cooking:

• They have a rich, tasty flavour
• They’re a great source of protein and low in fat
• They’re filled with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, collagen, iron, zinc and more
• They’re great for digestion

Browse our Michelin-quality meat today, including chicken, turkey and duck with free delivery on orders over £40.