How to Cook Already Smoked Turkey Necks to Perfection

Smoked turkey necks are an underrated and delicious cut of meat that can elevate many dishes. When cooked properly they become incredibly tender and flavorful. If you’ve got some pre-smoked turkey necks in your freezer or picked some up from the store you may be wondering what to do with them. Well, look no further! In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook already smoked turkey necks perfectly every time.

How to Prep Smoked Turkey Necks Before Cooking

Before you start cooking your smoked turkey necks, you need to prep them properly:

• Rinse the necks under cool running water to remove any impurities from the surface. Be gentle when handling them.

• Pat the necks completely dry with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture.

• If there are any stray feathers or large pieces of fat, trim them off with a sharp knife. Don’t worry about removing every little bit.

Proper prep is key for getting the best results when cooking smoked turkey necks Now let’s look at some cooking methods,

Stovetop Simmering Method

One of the easiest ways to cook already smoked turkey necks is to simmer them on the stovetop. Here’s how:

• Choose a heavy pot or Dutch oven large enough to fit the necks without crowding.

• Add your turkey necks along with coarsely chopped onions, crushed garlic cloves, and enough water or broth to submerge the meat.

• Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

• Cover and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, until fork tender. Check occasionally to stir and prevent sticking.

• Season the broth with salt, pepper, or any of your favorite herbs and spices.

The low heat tenderizes the meat while the onions, garlic, and broth impart even more flavor. Serve the succulent necks with sides like rice, potatoes, or greens.

Baking Smoked Turkey Necks

Baking is another hands-off approach for cooking smoked turkey necks:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.

• Arrange the necks on the sheet without overcrowding.

• Bake for 30-45 minutes until heated through.

• Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• Brush with your favorite barbecue sauce or glaze during the last 10 minutes for added flavor.

The dry heat from your oven warms up the necks while keeping them nice and crispy on the outside.

Slow Cooker Method

For maximum convenience, the slow cooker is perfect for smoking turkey necks:

• Place necks in a slow cooker and add 1 cup broth, chopped onions, garlic, and seasonings.

• Cook on low for 4-6 hours until extremely tender.

• Use two forks to shred the meat right in the slow cooker once finished cooking.

The lengthy cooking time results in meat so tender it falls right off the bone. Toss with your favorite barbecue sauce for pulled turkey sandwiches.

Tips for Cooking Already Smoked Turkey Necks

Follow these tips to take your smoked turkey necks to the next level:

• For added flavor, use chicken, turkey, or vegetable broth instead of water.

• Sprinkle the necks with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, or other spices.

• Garnish cooked necks with fresh chopped parsley or green onions.

• Use leftover broth to make a delicious gravy.

• Store cooked necks in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

With these simple tricks, you can infuse even more flavor into your smoked turkey necks.

Serving Ideas for Smoked Turkey Necks

Smoked turkey necks pair well with a variety of delicious sides:

• Made potato salad or macaroni salad

• Collard greens, mustard greens, or turnip greens

• Baked beans, green beans, or vegetable medley

• Skillet cornbread or buttermilk biscuits

• Coleslaw, pasta salad, or fresh veggie salad

With so many options, it’s easy to put together a complete Southern-inspired meal. Smoked turkey necks also work great in heartier dishes:

• Turkey neck chili

• Smoked turkey neck soup

• Turkey neck dirty rice

• Jambalaya with turkey necks

• Turkey neck gumbo

Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different recipes!

Common Questions

If you’re new to cooking smoked turkey necks, you probably have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked:

Are smoked turkey necks fully cooked when purchased?

Yes, most smoked turkey necks found at the grocery store are fully pre-cooked so they just need to be heated through. Always check the label to be sure.

Can I use raw turkey necks instead?

You can, but they will require a much longer cooking time, likely 1-2 hours extra depending on size. Also add smoked paprika for flavor.

What’s the best way to store leftover cooked turkey necks?

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze cooked necks for 2-3 months.

What’s the healthiest way to cook smoked turkey necks?

Opt for lower-fat methods like baking, boiling, or cooking in a slow cooker or instant pot. Avoid frying.

What spices go well with smoked turkey necks?

Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage, and chili powder are all excellent choices.