Turkey necks are a budget-friendly, flavorful cut that many overlook. When cooked right, they become tender, juicy, and perfect for a comforting meal. If you’re wondering how to cook turkey necks, this guide will walk you through easy methods and tips to make delicious turkey neck dishes everyone will love.
What Are Turkey Necks?
Turkey necks come from the neck portion of the turkey and are full of rich flavor. They contain bones and connective tissue, so slow cooking is key to making them tender. They’re great for braising, simmering, or slow roasting, often used in Southern and soul food recipes.
Preparing Turkey Necks: The Basics
- Clean and Dry
Rinse turkey necks under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. This helps with browning later.
- Season Well
Bring them to room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Rub with oil and your favorite seasoning-common choices include kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, and Cajun spice blends for a flavorful kick.
Cooking Methods for Turkey Necks
1. Braised Turkey Necks
Braising is a slow-cooking method that makes turkey necks fall-off-the-bone tender.
– Sear the necks in a hot pan with oil until browned on all sides. This adds flavor.
– Sauté aromatics like onions and garlic in the same pan.
– Deglaze with chicken broth or stock, scraping up browned bits.
– Add the turkey necks back, cover, and braise in the oven at 300°F (148°C) for 3 to 3.5 hours.
– The long cooking breaks down the bones and connective tissue, creating tender meat and a rich sauce.
– Serve over mashed potatoes or rice, spooning the braising liquid as gravy.
2. Smothered Turkey Necks
A Southern classic, smothered turkey necks are cooked in a deeply flavored gravy.
– Season necks with Cajun seasoning and dredge lightly in flour.
– Brown the necks in oil and butter in batches.
– Make a roux by cooking flour in the pan until golden brown.
– Add chopped onions, bell peppers, celery, garlic, and herbs like thyme and sage.
– Stir in Worcestershire sauce and chicken stock, bring to a boil.
– Return turkey necks to the pot, cover, and bake at 300°F for 3 to 3.5 hours.
– The result is tender necks in a thick, flavorful gravy perfect over rice or mashed potatoes.
3. Turkey Neck Boil
Inspired by Cajun seafood boils, this method cooks turkey necks with vegetables and sausage.
– Boil water with seafood boil seasoning, onions, garlic, lemon, orange, and jalapeño.
– Add turkey necks and simmer for about 2 hours until tender.
– Brown smoked sausage separately and add to the pot with potatoes near the end.
– Add corn on the cob last and let it warm through.
– Drain and serve the turkey necks with vegetables and sausage for a hearty meal.
Tips for Perfect Turkey Necks
– Pat dry before searing to get a nice crust.
– Use flavorful liquids like chicken broth or stock for braising instead of water.
– Cook low and slow to tenderize the meat and extract deep flavors.
– Season generously-turkey necks can handle bold spices like Cajun seasoning, garlic, and herbs.
– Check tenderness by testing if the meat easily pulls from the bone.
Serving Suggestions
Turkey necks pair wonderfully with:
– Creamy mashed potatoes
– Steamed white rice
– Cornbread or crusty bread to soak up gravy
– Collard greens or sautéed vegetables for a balanced meal
Turkey necks are an affordable, flavorful cut that shines when cooked with care. Whether you braise, smother, or boil them, the key is slow cooking with plenty of seasoning and moisture. Give these methods a try and enjoy a comforting, soul-satisfying dish!
Tender turkey necks are easier to cook than you think-ready to give it a go?