Smoked turkey necks are a hidden gem in the world of comfort food. Packed with rich flavor and tender meat, they’re perfect for adding depth to soups, stews, or enjoying on their own. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook smoked turkey necks to perfection, this friendly guide will walk you through everything you need to know-from prepping to serving.
What Are Smoked Turkey Necks?
Turkey necks are the long, curved neck portions of the turkey, often overlooked but full of meaty goodness. When smoked, they develop an irresistible smoky flavor and become fall-off-the-bone tender. They’re a popular ingredient in Southern cooking and make a fantastic addition to hearty dishes like gumbo, stews, or even just served with your favorite sides.
How to Cook Smoked Turkey Necks: Step-by-Step
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 2 to 3 pounds of turkey necks (smoked or raw if you plan to smoke them yourself)
– Olive oil
– Vinegar (red or malt vinegar works well)
– Worcestershire sauce
– Brown sugar
– Creole or Cajun seasoning
– Salt and pepper
– Optional: garlic powder, bay leaves, hot sauce, or herbs for extra flavor
Preparing the Turkey Necks
- Clean and Dry: Remove the turkey necks from packaging and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the marinade stick better and ensures even cooking.
- Marinate: Mix olive oil, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Creole seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the turkey necks thoroughly with this marinade. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to let the flavors soak in deeply.
Smoking the Turkey Necks (If Starting Raw)
– Preheat your smoker to about 250°F (120°C).
– Place the marinated turkey necks on the smoker racks, making sure they’re spaced out for even smoke exposure.
– Smoke for 2 to 4 hours, occasionally rotating the necks to avoid hot spots.
– The turkey necks are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the meat is tender.
– Let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Smoked Turkey Necks on the Stove
If you have pre-smoked turkey necks or want to use store-bought ones, cooking them on the stove is simple and delicious:
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse smoked turkey necks under cold water to remove excess salt or debris, then pat dry.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat some oil or butter over medium heat. Add diced onions, celery, and carrots and cook until softened and fragrant.
- Add Turkey Necks: Place the smoked turkey necks into the pot with the vegetables.
- Season: Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and bay leaves to enhance the flavor.
- Add Liquid: Pour in enough chicken or vegetable broth to cover the necks and veggies.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
- Serve: Remove bay leaves and serve the turkey necks with the vegetables and broth, or use them as a base for soups and stews.
Tips for Perfect Smoked Turkey Necks
– Marinating Time: The longer you marinate, the more flavorful your turkey necks will be. Overnight is ideal.
– Wood Choice for Smoking: Use sweet woods like apple or maple to complement the rich, dark meat.
– Temperature Control: Keep your smoker steady between 180°F to 275°F for best results.
– Rotate During Smoking: Move the necks around occasionally to avoid uneven cooking due to hot spots.
– Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safety and tenderness.
– Cut or Whole: You can smoke turkey necks whole or cut them into smaller pieces before marinating, depending on your preference.
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Smoked Turkey Necks
– As a Main Dish: Brush with BBQ sauce and serve with classic Southern sides like collard greens, mashed potatoes, or cornbread.
– In Soups and Stews: Add smoked turkey necks to vegetable soups, gumbo, or hearty stews for a smoky depth.
– In Rice Dishes: Incorporate them into jambalaya or dirty rice for an authentic Southern flavor boost.
– With Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted or sautéed seasonal vegetables for a balanced meal.
Smoked turkey necks are incredibly versatile and bring a unique, smoky richness to any dish. Whether you smoke them yourself or buy them pre-smoked, cooking them properly unlocks their full potential and turns them into a delicious, comforting treat.
Enjoy experimenting with this underrated cut and savor every tender, flavorful bite!