Alternative Meats for Christmas Dinner Besides Turkey
When it comes to Christmas dinner, by far the most popular choice is succulent turkey. Most Christmas dinners will exhibit turkey taking centre stage at the table. Whether you own a restaurant or you are in charge of the home cooked Christmas dinner, if turkey doesn’t appeal to you and you’re looking to change it up, it’s worth exploring alternative meats, some may surprise you. As a wholesale butcher, we can say there are many other options besides traditional turkey. In this article, we’ll discuss each of these alternative meats, so you can bring something new and delicious to the table this year.
Goose
Before turkey, goose was once the traditional bird of choice for Christmas dinner in the UK. Once cooked correctly, its skin becomes golden brown and wonderfully crisp, providing a delightful contrast to the dark, rich and tender meat beneath. Goose pairs beautifully with fruit-based sauces such as cumberland or apple, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of elegance to their festive meal.
Duck
Duck is another poultry option that’s gaining popularity as an alternative to turkey. Again, it has crispy skin and dark tender meat once cooked. It has a higher fat content compared to other poultry, which contributes to its luxurious and tender mouthfeel. Incredibly succulent and flavorful, making it a great alternative to turkey. Duck can be roasted, grilled, or even smoked to perfection, and it pairs exceptionally well with fruity glazes or citrus-based sauces.
Beef
Another popular alternative to turkey is beef. Beef is served during many special occasions, including Christmas. While it is not the most traditional choice for Christmas dinner, a perfectly roasted prime rib of beef can be a complete showstopper and ideal for those who prefer red meat at the festive table. A seasoning blend of thyme, garlic and rosemary can be enough to elevate the taste of roast beef. However, adding garlic herb butter and serving it with red wine sauce can take it to the next level.
Ham
Cured and smoked gammon, ham can also be served as an alternative or alongside turkey. Glazed with honey, mustard or a combination of spices, it becomes a sweet and savoury delight. Often, cloves, slices of pineapple rings or maraschino cherries are arranged on the ham, both for visual appeal to the Christmas table and to introduce fruity and tangy notes that balance the sweetness of the honey glaze.
Chicken
Chicken may seem less elegant compared to turkey, but it is an ideal choice for smaller gatherings or those who prefer a milder taste. Roasted or stuffed, chicken can be a versatile and budget-friendly alternative, because we are all aware turkey can be more on the expensive side. To make it more special than an everyday roast chicken, the secret is the choice of seasoning. Orange or lemon zest add a bright, zesty and slightly tangy flavour. However, there is nothing wrong with covering it with butter to develop a golden crispy skin and salt, pepper and herbs for enhanced flavour. Serve with side dishes of your choice, we also recommend adding piping hot gravy.
Make Your Order For Alternative Christmas Meats
As you decide on the best alternative to traditional turkey, make sure to order and collect from one of Staffordshire’s leading wholesale meat suppliers, HP Westwood. We offer a wide range of high-quality and locally sourced cuts of wholesale beef, pork and other great turkey alternatives. Our butchery team freshly prepared our meats and cut them to your exact specifications, whether you are looking for a prime rib of beef or a gammon joint. To make your order for this upcoming festive season, contact us today and we will be happy to assist you.