What Is Turkey and How Can I Use It?
Turkey is easier to cook with than it looks. Here's how to choose, use, and store it, what to substitute, and 373 recipes to get you started.
What is turkey?
A farm raised bird with delicate flesh. Size can vary depending on its breeding or variety.
It is advisable to lard up turkey breast with bacon as it has a tendency to dry out during cooking.
The Spanish called turkeys "Indian chicken" when they discovered Mexico. In Britain the turkey eventually replace the traditional Christmas goose. The turkey still lives in the wild in Canada, US and Mexico but was already domesticated in Mexico during the time of the Aztecs.
In Canada and the United States turkey is the traditional main dish for the Thanksgiving harvest festival. The first US colonist were saved from starvation by the wild turkey. It is typically stuffed with corn bread, roasted and then served with cranberry sauce.
Selection
A good turkey will be young and plump with a short neck. If the birds feet are reddish and scaly it is old. Turkey is usually stuffed and then roasted, most classically for North American Thanksgiving.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 unit (yield from 1 lb ready-to-cook turkey) (112g)Where found
Turkey is usually found in the poultry section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.
Food group
Turkey is a member of the Poultry Products US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.
How much does turkey weigh?
| Amount | Weight |
|---|---|
| 1 unit (yield from 1 lb ready-to-cook turkey) | 112 grams |
| ½ breast, bone removed | 864 grams |
Related
Poultry Products
| In Chinese: | 火鸡 | |
| British (UK) term: | ||
| en français: | la dinde | |
| en español: | el pavo |
Recipes using turkey
There are 373 recipes that contain this ingredient.
The Mr. Turkey Sandwich
Quick, easy and delicious. I only had salami, and that's what I used in the sandwich. Of course a slice of ham and smoked turkey would double the yumminess. I shredded the lettuce, and seasoned it with a bit extra-virgin olive oil, wine vinegar, salt and black pepper. The tomato slices were also seasoned with a pinch of sea salt. The sandwich was so good!
Spicy Pepper Butter Fried Turkey
Deep-fried turkey injected with a spicy pepper butter that seasons the bird from the inside out. The same butter mixture doubles as a baste for an oven-roasted version.
Zesty Meatball Sandwiches- Crock Pot
Try something different for lunch with this scrumptious dish you can use to make amazing sandwiches.
Herb-Roasted Turkey with Citrus Glaze
Herb-roasted Thanksgiving turkey with fresh sage, marjoram, and thyme tucked right under the skin and a lemon-lime glaze brushed on at the end for a glossy, citrus-bright finish. The holiday centerpiece, done simply.
Crockpot Pumpkin Turkey Chili
Crockpot pumpkin turkey chili: lean ground turkey and peppers simmered with tomatoes, real pumpkin, and chili powder. The pumpkin melts in for a velvety, subtly sweet, lighter chili.
Turkey Bacon Pasta Salad
Turn leftover turkey into a refreshing pasta salad with sweet great peas, crunchy celery topped with bacon.
Turkey Meatballs
If you're tired of meat, then try these scrumptious turkey meatballs that are bound to be gobbled up in seconds!
Golden Roast Turkey
This juicy turkey is brushed with butter to give it a glistening look and a tantalizing taste.
Leftover Turkey Club Sandwich
Too much leftover turkey from your Thanksgiving dinner, make these delicious sandwiches, and they are so quick and easy to put together.
Turkey Leftover Soup
Turkey leftover soup is a creamy post-Thanksgiving bisque with wild and white rice, scallions, crumbled bacon, cubed turkey, and a splash of sherry. The Friday lunch that makes Thursday's bird worth it.
Easy Oven Turkey Meatballs
Easy oven turkey meatballs baked then simmered in garden-style pasta sauce with carrots and mushrooms. A leaner take on spaghetti and meatballs that hides spinach right in the meatball.
Mushroom Blue Cheese Turkey Burgers
This is the best turkey burgers I have ever tasted, absolutley delicious.
Glazed Meatloaf
Glazed turkey meatloaf bound with cooked rice and bread crumbs, finished with a sweet ketchup-honey glaze that lacquers the top in the last five minutes. A leaner, lighter take on the diner classic.
Cornbread Sausage Stuffing
Instead of using any old turkey stuffing, try this scrumptious variation that will become your family's new favorite for Thanksgiving!
Turkey Potato Pancakes
Bring home the turkey for breakfast and try this alternative to pancakes that is sure to make you gobble up every bit of it!
Turkey Reuben
Sliced turkey, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and a homemade Russian dressing on buttered rye bread, broiled until golden and gooey. A lighter spin on the classic deli Reuben that's ready in 25 minutes.
Turkey Balls, Veggies & Brown Rice Soup
Use ground turkey to make meatballs, loaded with fresh veggies, and brown rice, this hearty soup is nutritious and delicious.
Super-Moist Roast Turkey
This tender turkey is perfect for Thanksgiving. Especially if you don't want any leftovers!
Perfect Turkey
I have been making Thanksgiving dinner for 14 years and have made turkey several different ways. This turkey recipe is now one of my top two favorites! It was perfect for a non-Thanksgiving turkey craving. I saved the drippings to make gravy for open-faced turkey sandwiches with mashed potatoes the next night. Delish!!! Thanks for making turkey fun during the "off-season"!
Asian Turkey Meatballs
This easy and delicious Asian Turkey meatballs are not only much lower-fat and calories, and they also are packed with deliciousness.
Mom's Big Sub Sandwich
That's right, I have a recipe for a sub sandwich. You may ask yourself why it is necessary. Its because its the best sandwich and a huge crowd pleaser! Trust me.
Herbed Turkey & Dressing
Bring a new look to the holiday with this succulent dish that rounds out any family tradition.
