What is Neck Bones – Beef or Pork? A Detailed Look at This Southern Delicacy

Neck bones are a culinary delicacy often associated with Southern cuisine. But what exactly are neck bones? Are they beef or pork? Here is a comprehensive look at the ins and outs of this unique ingredient.

What Are Neck Bones?

Neck bones are cuts of meat from the neck of an animal, usually from cattle (beef) or pigs (pork). They consist of bone surrounded by a little bit of meat and connective tissue.

Neck bones have a high collagen content which helps keep the small amount of meat attached to the bone incredibly moist and flavorful when cooked. The bones themselves also impart a rich, meaty flavor as they simmer.

Beef Neck Bones vs Pork Neck Bones

While both beef and pork neck bones share some similarities, there are a few differences between the two

Origin: Beef neck bones come from cattle while pork neck bones come from pigs.
Size Beef neck bones tend to be larger with a more substantial bone structure compared to pork neck bones which are generally smaller and more delicate
Flavor: Beef neck bones have a deeper, beefier flavor while pork neck bones are milder tasting.
Fat Content: Pork neck bones tend to have a bit less fat than beef neck bones.
Collagen Content: Beef neck bones are particularly high in collagen which helps keep the meat incredibly moist and tender.
Nutrition: While both are nutritious, beef neck bones contain more protein and iron while pork neck bones contain slightly more vitamins and minerals.

A Brief History of Neck Bones

Neck bones have a long history in Southern cooking. They were popular among enslaved Africans in America who received the less desirable cuts of meat from their owners. Out of necessity, they developed delicious methods of slow cooking the neck bones until tender.

This cooking technique spread throughout the South and neck bones became a staple in soul food and Southern cuisine. They remain popular today, often served with greens, beans, rice, and cornbread.

Benefits of Cooking with Neck Bones

There are several benefits to cooking with neck bones:

Inexpensive – Since they contain mostly bone and connective tissue, neck bones are one of the most budget-friendly cuts of meat.
Flavor – Neck bones are packed with collagen which keeps the meat incredibly moist. The bones themselves impart a rich, meaty flavor.
Nutrition – Neck bones provide protein, iron, zinc, vitamins, and minerals. The collagen is also great for skin, hair, nails, and joint health.
Versatile – Neck bones can be used in soups, stews, casseroles, greens, beans and more. Their flavor takes well to various seasonings and ingredients.

So neck bones deliver big flavor and nutrition on a budget!

How to Cook Neck Bones

The key to cooking neck bones is low and slow moist heat cooking methods. This allows the collagen to break down into gelatin which creates succulent meat that easily falls off the bone. Here are some of the most popular cooking methods:

Braising – Browning the neck bones then simmering in broth or sauce for 2-3 hours.
Stewing – Simmering neck bones for hours in a flavorful liquid with vegetables.
Roasting – Roasting in the oven uncovered at 300°F for 2-3 hours until tender.
Slow Cooker – Placing in a slow cooker with seasonings and cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
Pressure Cooking – Pressure cooking with seasonings and liquid for 60-90 minutes until fall off the bone tender.
Smoking – Smoking low and slow over a wood fire or in a smoker for maximum flavor.

Once cooked, the tender meat easily separates from the bones and can be served on its own, added to soups or stews, piled on rice or used in whichever way you desire.

Popular Neck Bone Dishes

Here are just some of the most popular ways neck bones are used:

Smothered Neck Bones with Onions and Gravy
Neck Bone Stew
Neck Bone Collard Greens
Neck Bone and Bean Soup
Neck Bone Jambalaya
Neck Bone Casserole with Rice
Baked Neck Bones with Sweet Potatoes
Smoked Neck Bone BBQ

The flavor of neck bones pairs well with onion, garlic, bell peppers, greens, tomatoes, beans, rice, potatoes and an array of spices. Let your imagination run wild!

How to Serve Neck Bones

Neck bones make for a supremely satisfying meal or appetizer. Some tasty ways to serve them up include:

On top of rice, mashed potatoes or grits
With macaroni and cheese or potato salad
Between slices of bread or buns for sandwiches
Over cornbread, biscuits or corn muffins
With collard greens, black eyed peas, or baked beans
Alongside french fries, fried okra or hushpuppies
On their own as an appetizer with dips and sauces

A sprinkle of hot sauce, some tangy BBQ sauce or even gravy take neck bones to the next level. They pair perfectly with traditional Southern sides.

Storing and Freezing Neck Bones

Raw neck bones can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Once cooked, they will keep refrigerated for 4-5 days. The bones and meat also freeze well for 2-3 months.

To freeze, allow the cooked neck bones to cool completely then place in a freezer bag or airtight container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Where to Buy Neck Bones

Neck bones can be found at:

Local butcher shops or meat markets
Grocery store meat sections
Ethnic grocery stores and markets
Online meat purveyors

Look for big, meaty looking neck bones where the bones are surrounded by a good amount of meat and connective tissue. Also inspect the bones for any cracks which can cause the marrow to leak out during cooking.

Should You Try Neck Bones?

If you’ve never tried neck bones before, I definitely recommend giving them a taste! They provide supremely moist, succulent meat full of rich flavor. Neck bones are inexpensive, packed with nutrition and make for hearty, comforting meals and appetizers.

While neck bones are humble, they are an amazing cut of meat. Their versatility allows them to be transformed into all sorts of mouthwatering dishes. They are a unique delicacy and a delicious part of America’s culinary heritage.

My Secret Recipe For Neck Bones & Gravy Revealed! – I Heart Recipes

FAQ

What are neck bones made of?

What Are Neck Bones. Pork neck bones are the meat and bone from the neck of a pig or hog. They have a small amount of meat on them and when simmered, the meat is tender and juicy. Neck bones are very inexpensive and are often served for soul food meals along with Collard Greens and Southern Cornbread.

What kind of animal is Neckbones?

Are beef neck bones good to eat?

Neck bones are both highly nutritious and tasty due to their meat and connective tissue content. Neck Bones are a lot cheaper than Oxtail or Marrow Bones.

What kind of meat is beef neck?

Beef neck, as the name obviously suggests, comes from the neck of the animal. But we’re guessing that perhaps beef clod is a cut you’ve never come across before. Clod refers to the shoulder of the cow, and like the neck cut, it usually comes ready diced or as a steak from the butcher.

What is a pork neck bone?

You may also love our Pork Neck Bones. Beef neck bones are the meat and bone from the neck of a cow. They have a small amount of meat on them and when simmered, the meat is tender and juicy. Neck bones are very inexpensive and are often served for soul food meals along with Collard Greens and Southern Cornbread.

What type of meat is good for bones?

However, the type of meat that is best for the bones depends on the cooking method and cut of the meat. Lean meats such as chicken and fish are good options for bone health. Additionally, lean red meats such as beef and pork can also be beneficial for bones if cooked using healthy methods such as grilling or roasting.

Why are pork neck bones so good?

When exposed to heat over time, collagen in the pork necks — a structural protein stored in bones and connective tissue — begins to unwind and mix with water to form gelatin, which thickens and flavors the water. This makes pork necks ideal for making rich, full-bodied soups and stews. How are pork neck bones produced?

What is a neck bone?

Neck bones (or neckbones) are exactly what they sound like — the neck portion of whichever animal they come from. Common options include pork, turkey, or beef, but pork is a top choice for Southern-style cooking. For being a relatively inexpensive cut of meat, let me tell you that they deliver big on taste!