Turkey Sucuk
A type of sucuk made from turkey meat, seasoned and dried. A leaner alternative to red-meat sucuk; consumed in moderation as a processed meat.
What Is Turkey Sausage?
Turkey sausage (sucuk) is a type of sucuk made by grinding turkey meat, blending it with garlic, cumin, red pepper and other spices, stuffing it into natural or artificial casing, and drying-fermenting it. It is an alternative to traditional red meat sucuk made with turkey.
Because turkey meat is lean, it is usually less fatty than beef-lamb sucuk; its taste, with a similar spice profile, resembles sucuk. It should be remembered that it is a processed meat product.
Nutritional Values of Turkey Sausage
Like processed meats, turkey sausage contains around 250 kcal of energy per 100 grams with good protein and moderate-to-high fat; since it is salted and processed, its sodium is high. Values vary by brand and recipe; they are approximate.
How Should Turkey Sausage Be Consumed?
Since turkey sausage is a processed meat product, it should be consumed in moderation; although being lean makes it a relatively lighter option, frequent and heavy consumption should be avoided due to its high sodium.
This information is general; turkey sausage is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.
How Is Turkey Sausage Chosen?
Good turkey sausage has a vivid color, firm texture, a spicy-pleasant smell and a simple (without unnecessary additives) ingredient list. Darkened, slimy or sour-smelling products should not be preferred.
- Color should be vivid, texture firm
- Smell should be spicy-pleasant
- Slimy and sour-smelling product should not be bought
How Is Turkey Sausage Stored?
Turkey sausage is kept wrapped in the refrigerator once the package is opened and consumed within a reasonable time. Fermented-dried varieties keep longer, fresh (heat-treated) varieties keep shorter; the label should be followed.
Using Turkey Sausage in the Kitchen
Turkey sausage is used mostly at breakfast (sucuk with eggs), on toast, pizza and pasta; also to add flavor to vegetable dishes. It is cooked briefly in its own fat; since it is lean, it should not be dried out too much.
How Is Turkey Sausage Cooked?
Sliced sucuk is cooked over low-medium heat until it releases its own fat and lightly browns; since it is lean, cooking it too much dries it out. An egg can be cracked over it if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is turkey sausage lighter than red meat sucuk?
Since turkey meat is lean, it is usually less fatty; however it is still a processed and salty product, so it should not be consumed without limit just because it is “light.”
How is turkey sausage stored?
It is kept in the refrigerator, sealed or wrapped; once opened it should be consumed within a reasonable time, following the storage condition on the label.
Does turkey sausage suit every dish?
Its spicy taste suits many dishes from breakfast to pasta; because of its intense sodium, it is enough to add a little extra salt to the dish.