How to make your own Turkey Stock - bone broth recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is homemade turkey bone broth good for you? ›

Bone broth combines the richness of a stock with the drinkability of a broth. It can make a healthy addition to your diet and contains nutrients such as collagen, electrolytes, and various amino acids. Consuming bone broth can help reduce inflammation and build muscle when combined with daily exercise.

While we generally use the terms interchangeably, turkey stock is cooked with only bones for a longer time. It becomes jelly-like when cooled because of the collagen-packed bone marrow that is extracted during the longer cooking process. Don't worry, it becomes liquid again when heated.

Making turkey stock is a great way to use what you have on hand post-Thanksgiving. It's easy and economical: Almost all leftover parts of the bird can be put to use, including the bones, the skin, and small bits of meat attached to the carcass.

Thanksgiving is over, but don't let that turkey carcass go to waste! Make homemade turkey broth. If you have any extra broth, it can be frozen or canned using a pressure canner.

"Depending on how it's made or what's in it, (bone broth) could have large amounts of sodium. That's the only downside," says Zumpano. Some types of bone broth can pack up to 500 milligrams of sodium per cup, which can add up quickly.

"The use of bone broth daily has been shown to decrease appetite due to the high protein content, thus many have noticed weight loss as a side effect," Litt says. However, for this reason, bone broth should not be used daily by children and pregnant women, she adds.

And the Winner Is..

Stock! Whether homemade or store-bought it has more protein and usually less sodium per serving as compared to broth. Plus, the flavor is just better which means you'll start with something tastier and will hopefully use less salt to taste at the end.

Stock has a richer, deeper flavor and mouthfeel, making it better at adding body to a dish, whereas broth might be a better choice when you want to let other flavors to shine.

Turkey Stock is made from primarily from bones while broth is made from more meaty pieces. I find broth usually has more flavor and to be honest, I make both the same way. Either can be done on the stove or in the slow cooker.

Some people go wrong by not simmering the stock long enough to extract maximum flavor from the turkey bones. Others overdo it and end up with an overly concentrated or bitter stock. The key lies in finding the balance and knowing when the stock has simmered long enough.

Can you simmer turkey stock too long? ›

Can you overcook turkey stock? Yes, the culprit is high heat. A really long simmer time (even up to 4-5 hours) is totally fine, as long as it's a gentle simmer and not a fast boil. High heat deadens the flavors of all those wonderful herbs.

Homemade bone broth will last in the refrigerator for about 5-7 days when stored properly in an airtight container. Store-bought bone broth will usually have a longer shelf life and can last up to 10-14 days in the refrigerator, although it's always best to check the expiration date on the label to be sure.

Stock is generally made from bones, and broth is generally made from flesh. In both cases, they are often supported with aromatic vegetables, but in the case of stock, left unseasoned for maximum flexibility in recipes, whereas broth will usually contain at least salt and pepper.

Once prepared, homemade turkey broth can last for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. If you bought a store-bought version that has not been opened, it typically maintains its quality until the expiration date indicated on the packaging. Once opened, it should be consumed within 14 days for best quality.

The bones are full of nutrients and make a tasty broth for a quick meal, soups, and recipes. If it's any consolation, tens of thousands of years before turkey became the bird of choice for Thanksgiving, cooks worldwide have been making broth and soup for its heartiness and warmth.

In addition to bolstering your joints, bone broth promotes a healthy gut, fights inflammation, and supports skin health. You can use your turkey bone broth as a base for soups, stews, and sauces, but sipping a steaming cup of this restorative draft is traditional!

A Thanksgiving Tradition to Savor

Rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and other trace minerals, regularly consuming bone broth has been linked to improved gut health, immune system functioning, and joint pain relief.