Ever heard of a turkey oyster? No, it’s not a seafood dish! It’s a small, incredibly flavorful piece of dark meat on a turkey, and once you know where to find it, you might just fight over it at Thanksgiving dinner.
What Exactly IS a Turkey Oyster?
Imagine a little, oval-shaped morsel of dark meat nestled on the turkey’s back, near the thigh. Each turkey has two of these “oysters,” one on each side. They’re called oysters because their shape and location are reminiscent of the seafood delicacy. But don’t let the name fool you – they taste like incredibly rich, juicy turkey.
Why All the Fuss About Turkey Oysters?
These little gems are prized for their concentrated flavor and tender texture. Because of their location, they get a good amount of exercise as the turkey moves, developing a richer, more intense flavor than the breast meat. They’re often considered the chef’s treat, the reward for carving the bird.
Where to Find These Hidden Treasures
Okay, let’s get down to the treasure hunt! Here’s how to locate those elusive turkey oysters:
- Locate the Thigh: After you’ve removed the leg and thigh from the turkey, focus on the thigh.
- Find the Hip Joint: Look for the area where the thigh bone connects to the back.
- The Sweet Spot: The oyster is located in a small depression on the back, right next to the hip joint. It’s a small, oval piece of dark meat, usually slightly darker than the surrounding meat.
- Carefully Remove It: Use the tip of your knife to gently loosen the oyster from the bone. Be careful not to shred it!
- Repeat on the Other Side: Don’t forget to find the oyster on the other side of the turkey too!
Tips for Roasting the Perfect Turkey (and Oysters!)
To ensure your turkey oysters are cooked to perfection, follow these roasting tips:
- Brine or Dry-Brine: Brining helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful, especially the breast meat.
- Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature (165°F in the thickest part of the thigh). Overcooking will dry out the meat, including those precious oysters.
- Let it Rest: Allow the turkey to rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
Turkey Oyster FAQs
- Are turkey oysters safe to eat?
- Yes, as long as the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature (165°F), the oysters are perfectly safe to eat.
- Do all turkeys have oysters?
- Yes, every turkey has two oysters, one on each side.
- Are turkey oysters considered a delicacy?
- Many people consider them a delicacy due to their rich flavor and tender texture.
- Can you buy turkey oysters separately?
- No, they are not typically sold separately. They are part of the whole turkey.
- What if I can’t find the turkey oysters?
- Sometimes they can be a little tricky to spot. Make sure you’re looking in the right location, near the hip joint on the back of the thigh. Use a sharp knife to carefully feel around and locate them.
Enjoy Your Turkey Oyster Treasure!
Now that you know where to find the turkey oyster, you can impress your family and friends with your carving skills and insider knowledge. Happy Thanksgiving, and happy hunting!