Let’s face it: turkey is a Thanksgiving classic, but that doesn’t mean it’s irreplaceable. Whether you’re tired of years of the same old same old, or just don’t like turkey very much, here are some fall inspired turkey alternatives that keep it seasonal and comforting to help you switch it up.
Beef
Photo courtesy of Dylan Khor
Some may consider a switch from white meat to red meat sacrilegious, a beef centerpiece can be a big wow statement. Whether you want to go flashy with a prime rib roast with mushroom gravy, or succulent red wine braised short ribs, you can’t go wrong.
Chicken
Photo by Dyan Khor
Sure you can eat chicken any day, but take this special occasion to dress everyone’s favorite white meat up in a way that could surprise everyone, especially if you’re as cool as Elena Besser and make it into a cookie. A classic roasted chicken can go a long way by adding some holiday flavors or you can embrace your inner culinary genius with a chicken roulade.
Pork
Photo by Hannah Lin
Everything is better with bacon, so why not Thanksgiving? Porkify your holiday spread with pork confit (aka porkception since the pork belly is cooked in its own fat) or these maple-smoked pork chops.
Duck
Photo by Dyan Khor
Let’s be honest, duck is the coolest some what common bird to eat because more fat equals more fun. Sear off some duck breasts with cranberry mostarda and save the rendered oil to add flavor to roasted vegetables with later, or make these super classy duck rilletes.
Fish
Photo by Dyan Khor
Okay, not a meat… But if you’re so sick of turkey you want to switch from land fare to seafood, you can still make fish festive for Thanksgiving too. Try slow roasting salmon to get a smokey, meaty flavor like in this technique by Floyd Cardoz or keep it light with a salmon tartare.