Forktionary

Turkey Carcass

Meleagris gallopavo Meat (by-product) / Stock Base

Turkey Carcass Meat (by-product) / Stock Base

At a Glance

  • Category Meat (by-product) / Stock Base

The Forktionary Angle

"Maximizing post-feast flavor by transforming a "waste" product into culinary gold."

Definition

The skeletal remains of a roasted turkey, including bones and residual meat, ideal for making rich, flavorful broths, stocks, or soups.

Key Flavor Contributor Collagen from bones
Primary Use Stock / Broth Base
Storage Life (Frozen) Up to 6 months

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Turkey Carcass are:

Umami savory meaty slightly roasted

Chef’s Secret

Roast the carcass and any leftover bits until deeply browned *before* making stock for a richer, more complex flavor. Add a splash of vinegar to help extract collagen.

Best Substitutes

Chicken Carcass

Ratio 1:1

Beef Bones

different flavor profile for stock
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

After roasting your turkey, strip most meat, then freeze the carcass if not used immediately.

Culinary Pairings

Vegetables (onions carrots celery) herbs (bay leaf parsley) noodles rice

Recipes Using Turkey Carcass

After Thanksgiving Turkey Soup image
Course Main Dish Thanksgiving Poultry

After Thanksgiving Turkey Soup

Transform leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a hearty and comforting soup perfect for chilly Wisconsin winters! This recipe uses the entire turkey carcass to create a rich and flavorful broth, then adds tender vegetables and fluffy rice for a satisfying meal. Perfect for using up leftover turkey and ideal for cozy nights in.

See Complete Recipe