Turkey or turkey meat refers to a variety of poultry. This is one of the oldest species of chicken domesticated birds that have taken root well in the farm. The meat of this animal is considered healthy and dietary. Meat of young chickens is mainly appreciated.
Rules for cooking meat
It's no secret that in meat it is important to maintain beneficial properties during cooking. Prolonged heat treatment can destroy vitamins, minerals, and even proteins.
Poultry meat has always been valued as the most low-calorie and dietary. It was used in medical nutrition, as well as in nutrition. The main thing is not to spoil the meat during cooking and storage. If it is a poultry, then do not immediately freeze it after gutting. The meat should be completely cooled in the refrigerator or other cool place.
Do not forget to cover the product during defrosting or cooling, otherwise the meat will airy from above and become stiff. It is always worth observing the cooking time, because with prolonged stewing the meat, although it becomes softer, can lose useful properties. It is important not to eat raw or not fully prepared poultry - this can be harmful to health.
Useful properties of turkey
Turkey, whose caloric content is about 89-93 kcal per 100 grams, can become a source of iron for you. The thing is that the content of this trace element in the dish is so great that this type of meat is recommended to be consumed with a lack of this trace element in the body.
The beneficial properties of turkey meat do not end there, because the product contains almost 6 grams of saturated fatty acids and 20 grams of protein. It is noteworthy that in this meat there are no carbohydrates at all, which makes it indispensable for some diseases of the endocrine system. A sufficiently low content of fat and cholesterol contribute to an increase in the energy value of this meat.
Turkey Diet
By and large, all that you want to cook them for this bird will be dietary. Even fried meat in calories will be inferior to all other dishes. Turkey cutlets, whose calorie content is much lower than pork, will be more healthy and tastier.
Calorie content
Nutritionists believe that the best option for cooking meat is roasting or stewing (can be steamed). Dietary dishes from turkey, cooked in the oven or steamed, can be divided into 2 types: directly poultry meat and offal. The highest calorie content of turkey wings is about 170 kcal per 100 grams of raw meat. The smallest calories in a breast are 130 kcal per 100 grams. Many neglect turkey liver, heart and stomachs, although these parts are no less tasty and healthy. The liver of this bird is about 276 kcal per 100 grams, but the body will spend much more energy on digesting this product. Turkey, whose caloric content as a whole does not exceed 200 kcal per 100 grams of raw meat, is not only a dietary product, but also very healthy.
Cutlets
From poultry meat one of the most juicy and meaty meatballs is obtained. Of course, the chopped version of cooking minced meat for turkey is not entirely suitable - the meat will be tough. It is not recommended to mix poultry with other meat products, especially bacon. This not only affects the taste, but also increases the calorie content.
To prepare juicy and fragrant cutlets, you need to take: 500 grams of turkey fillet, as well as half a glass of fresh milk, medium carrots and onions, 4 tablespoons of oatmeal, sunflower oil, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper.
We turn the meat into minced meat, into which we add onions and carrots. They should also be passed through a meat grinder or grated. Pour oatmeal with hot milk and leave to swell for 20-30 minutes. Many people prefer to fry onions and carrots beforehand, however if you want the dish to turn out as dietary as possible, then this is not worth doing.
Mix the minced meat with oatmeal and form cutlets. Then each must be sprinkled with breadcrumbs on all sides and fry. Then cutlets can be slightly extinguished until fully cooked. Turkey, the caloric content of which in such cutlets does not exceed 200 kcal per 100 grams, is very juicy and tasty. Lovers of meatballs can transform this dish and cook it with gravy.
Juicy turkey cutlets, whose calories are very low, can be served with mashed potatoes or salad. This dish is suitable for both everyday and festive table.
Boiled meat
Many believe that eating boiled meat is possible only during the diet. This is a big mistake, because meat is useful in any form for every person. Boiled turkey breast, the calorie content of which depends on the preparation, is the most common recommended product for people with diabetes. The calorie content of 100 grams of breast without skin is about 98 kcal, but with the skin a little more - 102 kcal.
Most nutritionists do not recommend eating poultry skins in any form. Before cooking, it is better to completely separate it from the meat. Boiled turkey breast is useful, the calorie content of which is less than 100 kcal, and for children. It is rich in all necessary trace elements and protein.
Roast turkey
Turkey (fried) dishes can be cooked on the grill, in the slow cooker, in the oven and in the pan. At the same time, their caloric content will directly depend on the refueling and the amount of oil. Everyone should understand that if you marinate the meat in mayonnaise and fry in oil, then its calorie content doubles, and sometimes triple. Of course, a fried turkey, whose calorie content does not exceed 200 kcal per 100 grams, will still remain useful. However, the meaning of using such a dish is not clear. Why spoil dietary meat with high-calorie and useless dressings and lots of oil?
In this case, baking can be considered the best option. Turkey in the oven will retain all the beneficial properties and will not be too high in calories. At the same time, you will get the desired result - delicious fried meat.
Previously, the bird’s carcass can be grated with Provencal herbs, salt and garlic, so it will become even more aromatic. And inside you can put slices of orange or prunes - this will add piquancy.
Roasted turkey breast, the calorie content of which is about 170 kcal per 100 grams, is quite useful and nutritious. It should be consumed with vegetables and herbs. But the rest of the carcass of the bird in a fried form has a calorie content above average. So, shin, thighs and wings can add to your body more than 250 kcal per 100 grams of food eaten. Of great importance is the type of frying: breaded, in batter or plain. All additional components give more calorie content and less benefit to this meat.
Turkey, the calorie content of which is less than 100 kcal in its raw form, is most useful in boiled or baked form. The meat will not lose its beneficial properties and taste if you experiment less with dressings, spices and breading when cooking it.