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Turkey Tails Recipe

Turkey Tails Recipe - Friendsgiving Food Ideas

I first stumbled upon turkey tails quite by accident. A friend served them at a gathering. Intrigued by a dish I had never tried before, I dove in, fork poised, anticipation buzzing in the air.
The crispy skin and tender meat were unlike anything I had ever experienced. To my surprise, turkey tails quickly became a family favorite.
They are not your average turkey cut. Sourced from the last part of the turkey, they pack tons of flavor. And let me assure you, they present endless culinary possibilities. 
In this blog post, I’ll share everything you need to know about turkey tails: what they are, how to prepare them, and why they deserve a spot on your dinner table. By the end, I hope you’ll be as excited as I am to cook with these rich, indulgent ingredients. So let’s dive in!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American
Calories: 1330
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp Creamy Unsalted Butter
  • 5 tbsp Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
  • 3 cups Rich Chicken Stock
  • 2 cubes Savory Chicken Bouillon
  • 2 1/2 lbs Hickory-Smoked Turkey Tails
  • 1/2 cup Sweet Yellow Onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Green Bell Pepper, diced
  • 1/3 cup Crisp Celery, minced
  • 1 tsp Roasted Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Caramelized Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Dried Parsley Leaves
  • 1/2 tsp Zesty Italian Herb Blend
  • 1/2 tsp Fragrant Dried Thyme
  • 1/2 tsp Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Pink Himalayan Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Mustard Powder

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
  1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the onion, bell pepper, and celery into uniform pieces. It’ll help them cook evenly. Take a moment to measure out your spices and stock as well; prep work always makes the cooking process smoother.
Step 2: Brown the Turkey Tails
  1. In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the turkey tails, ensuring they sizzle when they hit the pan. Brown each side for about 5-7 minutes. This creates that beautiful crust, sealing in the flavors.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
  1. Once your turkey tails are golden, remove them from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Stir them around for 4-5 minutes until they soften. This mixture will be the flavor base for your dish.
Step 4: Create the Roux
  1. Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir it in to create a roux, letting it cook for about 2 minutes. This step is essential for thickening your final dish and will contribute to its creamy texture later.
Step 5: Add the Stock
  1. Slowly pour in the chicken stock while continuously stirring the mixture. This will help avoid lumps. Add the two cubes of chicken bouillon, allowing them to dissolve completely. Your sauce will begin to thicken into a beautiful gravy.
Step 6: Add Seasonings
  1. Now it’s time for the stars—your spices. Add in the roasted garlic powder, caramelized onion powder, dried parsley, Italian herb blend, thyme, black pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and ground mustard powder. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 7: Combine Everything
  1. Return the turkey tails to the skillet, ensuring they are well-coated with the sauce. Simmer gently on low heat for about 30 to 45 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. You’ll know it’s ready when the meat is tender and easily pulls apart.
Step 8: Serve
  1. Plate your turkey tails with a spoonful of the rich gravy on top. Pair it with your chosen sides—maybe that refreshing salad or creamy mashed potatoes. Enjoy every last bite!

Notes

  • Choosing Turkey Tails: Look for fresh turkey tails at your local butcher or grocery store. If you can’t find them, don’t hesitate to ask!
  • Slow Cooking Option: You can use a slow cooker for this recipe. Simply brown the turkey tails first, add other ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  • Serving Idea: Think outside the box! Shred the turkey tails and serve them in tacos or burritos. Add a fresh avocado for a delightful twist.
  • Storage: If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Flavor Boost: For added depth, consider marinating your turkey tails in citrus juice, garlic, and herbs for a couple of hours before cooking.