How to Cook Gizzards

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Most people either love or hate gizzards. If you love these small, flavorful parts of chicken, turkey, duck, or goose, try a new way to prepare them. Saute the gizzards with a fragrant curry or stew them with onion and hot sauce. You can also braise the gizzards with Chinese spices and serve them cold as an appetizer. To make classic comfort food, coat the gizzards with a light breading and fry them until they're crisp and golden.

Ingredients

Curried Gizzards

  • 1 pound (453 g) gizzards, rinsed well
  • 2 medium sized onions
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1-inch (2.5 cm) fresh ginger
  • 2 large, ripe tomatoes
  • 1 to 2 fresh or dried chilies or 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • A few sprigs of cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon (9 g) ground coriander
  • 1/2 tablespoon (4.5 g) ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon (3 g) turmeric
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil

Makes 4 servings

Stewed Gizzards

  • 1 1/2 pound (680 g) gizzards
  • 1 teaspoon (6 g) salt
  • 1 teaspoon (3 g) black pepper
  • 2 cups (473 ml) water
  • 3/4 cup (86 g) chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon (15 g) ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon (6 g) hot sauce

Makes 8 servings

Chinese Red-Braised Gizzards

  • 1 pound (453 g) gizzards
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons (45 g) Shao Xing rice wine, or sake
  • 3 lumps rock sugar or 3 tablespoons (12.5 g) brown sugar
  • 1-inch (2.5 cm) piece of ginger, scrubbed clean
  • 2 star anise
  • A 2-inch (5 cm) piece of cinnamon
  • A few chili peppers, optional

Makes 6 servings

Southern Fried Gizzards

  • 1 pound (453 g) gizzards, rinsed
  • 2 stalks celery
  • 1 onion
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons (5.5 g) celery salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) seasoned salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 g) ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 g) dried Italian herb seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon (3 g) garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon Louisiana-style hot sauce
  • 3 cups (709 ml) oil for deep frying
  • 1 cup (130 g) all-purpose flour

Makes 6 servings

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Making Curried Gizzards

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  1. Wash and trim the gizzards . Get out 1 pound (453 g) of gizzards and carefully cut each of the gizzards in half lengthwise. Wash the gizzards thoroughly under cold water. Use your fingers to loosen and rinse away any debris or sediment. Peel away and trim the yellow lining from the gizzards and throw it away. [1]
    • You can use chicken, turkey, goose or duck gizzards for this recipe.
  2. Peel 2 medium-sized onions, 3 cloves of garlic, and 1-inch (2.5 cm) of fresh ginger. Use a sharp knife to carefully chop the onions into rough pieces and set them aside. You'll need to crush the garlic cloves and mince them. Mince the fresh ginger too. [2]
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  3. Pour 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium. Stir in the chopped onions and saute them for about 5 minutes so they soften a little. Add 1 tablespoon (9 g) of ground coriander, 1/2 tablespoon (4.5 g) of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon (3 g) of turmeric, and salt to taste. Stir and cook the mixture for another 1 or 2 minutes. [3]
    • If you'd like to add any other vegetables to your curry, when you stir in the chopped onions. For example, you could add sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or thinly sliced carrots.
  4. Stir in the washed and trimmed gizzards. Turn up the heat to medium-high and cook the gizzards for 3 to 4 minutes. They should brown on all sides. Stir in the minced garlic, minced ginger, and 1 or 2 finely chopped dried chilies (or 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder). Cook the mixture for 1 more minute. [4]
  5. Wash and dice 2 large, ripe tomatoes. Stir these into the gizzard mixture and then pour just enough water into the pan to cover the gizzards. The amount of water you need will depend on the size of your skillet. [5]
  6. Keep the heat at medium-high and stir the gizzard mixture until it comes to a boil. Turn the heat down to low and put the lid on the skillet. Let the gizzards bubble gently for about 1 hour. The gizzards should become completely soft. [6]
    • You may want to check the gizzards occasionally to ensure that they're still simmering. Adjust the heat as needed to keep it bubbling gently. The lid will keep a lot of the liquid from evaporating as the gizzards cook.
  7. Take a few sprigs of fresh cilantro and chop them. Stir the cilantro into the curried gizzards so they wilt a little. Serve the curried gizzards immediately with cooked rice, naan, or couscous. [7]
    • You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Making Stewed Gizzards

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  1. Wash and trim the gizzards . Get out 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) of gizzards and carefully cut each of the gizzards in half lengthwise. Wash the gizzards thoroughly under cold water. Use your fingers to loosen and rinse away any debris or sediment. Peel away and trim the yellow lining from the gizzards and throw it away.
    • You can use chicken, turkey, goose or duck gizzards for this recipe.
  2. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon (6 g) of salt and 1 teaspoon (3 g) of black pepper over the prepared gizzards. Let the gizzards rest for 10 minutes at room temperature to absorb the seasonings. [8]
    • If you'd like to prep the gizzards in advance, you can refrigerate them overnight. There's no need to bring them to room temperature because they've been absorbing the seasonings as they've chilled.
  3. Put the seasoned gizzards into a 3-quart (2.8 liter) saucepan. Pour in 2 cups (473 ml) of water and turn the heat to high. Once the water starts boiling, turn the heat down to medium so the water bubbles gently. Put the lid on the pot and simmer the gizzards for 30 minutes.
  4. Chop enough onion to get 3/4 of a cup (86 g). Add the onion to the pot with the gizzards along with 1 tablespoon (15 g) of ketchup and 1 teaspoon (6 g) of hot sauce. Keep the lid off of the pot and let the mixture cook for 1 hour. [9]
    • Stir the stewed gizzards every once in a while to ensure that everything cooks evenly.
    • Keep an eye on the level of the liquid in the pot. If you'd like a thicker stew, let it reduce as it cooks. For a thinner stew, you might want to pour in more water as the gizzards simmer.
  5. You can serve the gizzards once they're completely soft and tender. Taste the gizzards and add more salt according to your taste. Serve the gizzards over steamed rice or with flatbread. [10]
    • You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Making Chinese Red-Braised Gizzards

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  1. Wash and trim the gizzards . Get out 1 pound (453 g) of gizzards and carefully cut each of the gizzards in half lengthwise. Wash the gizzards thoroughly under cold water. Use your fingers to loosen and rinse away any debris or sediment. Peel away and trim the yellow lining from the gizzards and throw it away.
    • You can use chicken, turkey, goose or duck gizzards for this recipe.
  2. Put the gizzards in a medium-sized saucepan and pour in enough water to cover the gizzards. Stir in the rest of the ingredients. You'll need: [11]
    • 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
    • 3 tablespoons (45 g) Shao Xing rice wine, or sake
    • 3 lumps rock sugar or 3 tablespoons (12.5 g) brown sugar
    • 1-inch (2.5 cm) piece of ginger, scrubbed clean
    • 2 star anise
    • A 2-inch (5 cm) piece of cinnamon
    • A few chili peppers, optional
  3. Turn the heat on to high so the water begins to boil. Turn the heat down to medium so the water bubbles gently. Simmer the gizzards with the lid off of the pot for 1 1/2 hours. The gizzards should become completely tender. Most of the water will evaporate and the mixture will become saucy. [12]
    • Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure that it's not sticking to the bottom of the pan. You may need to adjust the temperature to keep the sauce from burning.
  4. Turn off the heat and let the gizzards come to room temperature. Once they're cool enough to handle, lift them out of the pot and put them on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice the gizzards into thin strips. [13]
    • Avoid slicing the gizzards in advance since they'll lose flavor and dry out if they're kept for long.
  5. Serve the sliced gizzards with cooked noodles or steamed rice. You can serve them as an appetizer or a snack. If you have any whole gizzards left over, refrigerate them for up to one week. [14]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Making Southern Fried Gizzards

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  1. Wash and trim the gizzards . Get out 1 pound (453 g) of gizzards and carefully cut each of the gizzards in half lengthwise. Wash the gizzards thoroughly under cold water. Use your fingers to loosen and rinse away any debris or sediment. Peel away and trim the yellow lining from the gizzards and throw it away.
    • You can use chicken, turkey, goose or duck gizzards for this recipe.
  2. Put the gizzards into a large saucepan. Cut 2 stalks of celery and 1 onion into chunks. Add the vegetables to the saucepan along with 2 bay leaves and 1 teaspoon (3.5 g) of the celery salt. Pour in enough water to cover the gizzards by 1 inch (2.5 cm). [15]
  3. Turn the heat on to high and bring the water to a boil. Turn the heat down to low and put the lid on the saucepan. Let the gizzards bubble gently for 2 1/2 hours or until they're completely soft. [16]
    • You might need to pour in water if too much water evaporates and the gizzards aren't covered.
  4. Use a slotted spoon to scoop out the gizzards and place them in a bowl. Scoop out the vegetables and discard them. Pour the stewing liquid into a measuring jug and set it aside. [17]
  5. Sprinkle all of the seasonings over the gizzards in the bowl and toss them gently to coat them completely. You'll need to season them with: [18]
    • 1 teaspoon (5 g) seasoned salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) celery salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 g) ground black pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 g) dried Italian herb seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon (3 g) garlic powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1/2 teaspoon Louisiana-style hot sauce
  6. Pour 1/3 cup (80 ml) of the reserved stewing liquid on the seasoned gizzards. Put the bowl of gizzards in the refrigerator and chill them for at least 30 minutes. Stir them a few times while they chill. [19]
    • You can discard or use the rest of the stewing liquid in another recipe. Pour the leftover stewing liquid into freezer-safe containers and freeze the liquid for up to three months.
  7. Pour 3 cups (709 ml) of oil into a deep-fryer or large saucepan. Heat the oil until it reaches 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). While the oil heats, put 1 cup (130 g) of all-purpose flour into a seal-able plastic bag. Transfer the gizzards to the bag and seal it shut. Shake the bag to cover the gizzards with the flour. [20]
  8. Get one-quarter of the gizzards out of the bag and carefully lower them into the hot oil. Let the gizzards fry for about 5 minutes so they become golden brown. Lay a paper towel on a large plate and transfer the fried gizzards to the towel. [21]
  9. Bring the temperature of the oil back up to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) before you add another quarter of the gizzards. Continue to fry the rest of the gizzards in small batches so they fry evenly. Serve them while they're hot and crispy. Avoid storing leftovers because they'll become soggy. [22]
    • If you crowd the pan with too many gizzards, the temperature of the oil will drop. The gizzards will absorb more oil, won't become as crispy, and will take longer to cook.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Are there any other ways to cook gizzards?
    Julien Miller
    Personal Chef
    Julien Miller is a Personal Chef and the Owner of Cooking with Julien based in Reno, Nevada. Chef Julien specializes in Cajun and Creole cuisines and is also known for cooking delicious hibachi and Southeast Asian dishes. He offers private event catering, meal preparation services, and his famous Louisiana Crawfish Boils. Julien received his Bachelor of Applied Science in Psychology from Portland State University.
    Julien Miller
    Personal Chef
    Expert Answer
    You can also air fry gizzards. Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). Toss the gizzards in a bowl with a bit of oil and your preferred seasonings, such as salt, pepper, or garlic powder. Place the seasoned gizzards in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for about 20–25 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through, until the gizzards are golden brown and crispy. Adjust the cooking time based on your air fryer model and the desired level of crispiness.
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  • Question
    How do I make tender gizzards?
    Lauren222
    Community Answer
    I boiled them for my dog, but they were rubbery. Then I tried slicing them thin, battered them with egg and flour and salt and pepper (as you would fry chicken hearts) and frying them until crisp. I found the frying softened them more, but it's almost not worth the work unless you have lots of gizzards.
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      Things You'll Need

      For Curried Gizzards:

      • Knife and cutting board
      • Measuring cups and spoons
      • Digital scale
      • Large skillet with a lid
      • Spoon
      • Bowl

      For Stewed Gizzards:

      • Knife and cutting board
      • Measuring cups and spoons
      • Digital scale
      • Spoon
      • Bowl
      • Measuring jug
      • 3-quart (2.8 liter) saucepan

      For Chinese Red-Braised Gizzards:

      • Knife and cutting board
      • Measuring cups and spoons
      • Digital scale
      • Medium saucepan
      • Spoon
      • Bowl
      • Slotted spoon

      For Southern Fried Gizzards:

      • Knife and cutting board
      • Measuring cups and spoons
      • Digital scale
      • Large saucepan
      • Spoon
      • Bowl
      • Slotted spoon
      • Measuring jug
      • Seal-able plastic bag
      • Deep fryer, optional

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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about cooking, check out our in-depth interview with Julien Miller .

      References

      1. ↑ https://delishably.com/meat-dishes/gizzards
      2. ↑ https://delishably.com/meat-dishes/gizzards
      3. ↑ https://delishably.com/meat-dishes/gizzards
      4. ↑ https://delishably.com/meat-dishes/gizzards
      5. ↑ https://delishably.com/meat-dishes/gizzards
      6. ↑ https://delishably.com/meat-dishes/gizzards
      7. ↑ https://delishably.com/meat-dishes/gizzards
      8. ↑ https://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/629/Tender-Stewed-Chicken-Gizzards90806.shtml
      9. ↑ https://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/629/Tender-Stewed-Chicken-Gizzards90806.shtml
      1. ↑ https://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/629/Tender-Stewed-Chicken-Gizzards90806.shtml
      2. ↑ https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2009/11/the-nasty-bits-turkey-gizzards-confit-rillettes-chinese-red-braise-recipes.html
      3. ↑ https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2009/11/the-nasty-bits-turkey-gizzards-confit-rillettes-chinese-red-braise-recipes.html
      4. ↑ https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2009/11/the-nasty-bits-turkey-gizzards-confit-rillettes-chinese-red-braise-recipes.html
      5. ↑ https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2009/11/the-nasty-bits-turkey-gizzards-confit-rillettes-chinese-red-braise-recipes.html
      6. ↑ https://allrecipes.com/recipe/213193/southern-fried-chicken-gizzards/
      7. ↑ https://allrecipes.com/recipe/213193/southern-fried-chicken-gizzards/
      8. ↑ https://allrecipes.com/recipe/213193/southern-fried-chicken-gizzards/
      9. ↑ https://allrecipes.com/recipe/213193/southern-fried-chicken-gizzards/
      10. ↑ https://allrecipes.com/recipe/213193/southern-fried-chicken-gizzards/
      11. ↑ https://allrecipes.com/recipe/213193/southern-fried-chicken-gizzards/
      12. ↑ https://allrecipes.com/recipe/213193/southern-fried-chicken-gizzards/
      13. ↑ https://allrecipes.com/recipe/213193/southern-fried-chicken-gizzards/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make Southern Fried Gizzards, start by washing the gizzards in cold water and removing the yellow lining. Next, combine the gizzards, vegetables, salt, and water in a pan, bring to a boil, and reduce the heat to low to simmer for 2.5 hours. Then, separate the gizzards, discard the vegetables, and set aside the liquid. After that, coat the gizzards in seasonings and chill them in the liquid for 30 minutes. Finally, coat the gizzards with flour and fry them in oil for about 5 minutes until they become golden brown. For more tips, like how to make curried gizzards, read on!

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        Dec 29, 2020

        "I love these recipes. And the seasonings and flavors are great. Every time I have spare gizzards, I use this ..." more
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