Don't just split it, this is the right way to clean dirt from chicken gizzards

foto: Instagram/@jmiatulhn

Many people just split the gizzard without thinking twice. The result? The dirt inside ends up spreading everywhere.

Brilio.net - Chicken gizzards are part of the offal which have a delicious chewy texture, making you addicted! Their function in the chicken's body is to process the food they swallow, but in the right hands, the gizzards can be transformed into super delicious side dishes - from deep-fried, skewered into satay, to cooked with delicious spicy rica-rica .

In addition to being delicious, gizzards also have quite a lot of nutrition! There are proteins, iron, vitamin B, and zinc. Suitable for those of you who want to eat delicious food but still get nutritional intake. But don't overdo it, because gizzards also contain cholesterol. Consume it occasionally.

Now, the tricky part is in the cleaning process. Many people immediately cut the gizzard without thinking twice. The result? The dirt inside ends up spreading everywhere. Ugh, the kitchen becomes dirty, and the gizzard is hard to clean completely.

The right way to clean dirt in chicken gizzards
photo: Instagram/@jmiatulhn

Other common mistakes:
- Cutting straight through, however, will cause the dirt to come out and stick to the gizzard meat.
- Wash it before throwing away the dirt, otherwise the dirt will spread even more when it comes into contact with the water.
- Peeling the outer skin without the correct technique can tear it and cause the contents to spill.

Don't worry, there is a practical way that you can follow to get clean gizzards without any hassle. Here's how as quoted from the Instagram account @jmiatulhn

1. Prepare the tools

You need a sharp knife and running water. Simple, right?

2. Slice with the right style

The right way to clean dirt in chicken gizzards
photo: Instagram/@jmiatulhn

Don't cut it in half straight away! Just slice the outside, so the skin that protects the dirt remains intact.

3. Skin covering the dirt: pull it off slowly.

The right way to clean dirt in chicken gizzards
photo: Instagram/@jmiatulhn

Once sliced, just pull the inner skin that contains dirt. If done correctly, the dirt will all be lifted without scattering.

4. Rinse in running water

The right way to clean dirt in chicken gizzards
photo: Instagram/@jmiatulhn

Once the dirt is removed, wash the gizzards under water to remove any remaining residue.

5. Double check before cooking

Make sure there is no dirt left. If necessary, rub it gently to get maximum cleaning.

Before you enter the kitchen, make sure you buy good quality gizzards. Here are some tips:
- Choose the one that is purplish red, not pale.
- The texture is chewy, not soft, and free of mucus.
- The distinctive smell of offal is normal, but if it's really strong, it's better to just skip it.

1. Do chicken gizzards always have to be boiled before cooking?
Not necessary, but boiling it briefly with spices like bay leaves and ginger can help remove the fishy smell and make the texture more tender. This is especially important if you want to process it into stir-fries or fries.

2. How long can chicken gizzards be stored in the refrigerator?
Fresh gizzards can last 1-2 days in the refrigerator (chiller). If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it (freezer) and it will last up to 1 month. Make sure it is cleaned before storing so that it does not spread the smell to other ingredients.

3. Can chicken gizzards be eaten raw like sashimi?
No. Chicken gizzards are offal that are at high risk of carrying bacteria such as Salmonella if not cooked properly. Make sure they are always cooked thoroughly.

4. How to reduce fishy smell without spices?
In addition to spices, you can use lime juice, vinegar, or salt when washing the gizzards. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes then rinse thoroughly. This method is quite effective in neutralizing the odor without changing the natural taste of the gizzards.

5. What is the difference between the gizzards of free-range chickens and regular broiler chickens?
Free-range chicken gizzards are usually smaller, but they taste denser and more savory. The texture also tends to be harder, so it needs to be boiled longer. Chicken gizzards are larger and tender, suitable for fast food dishes.

(brl/tin)