Cooking turkey necks in an Instant Pot is a great way to transform this inexpensive cut of meat into a delicious flavorful meal. The high pressure cooking of the Instant Pot helps break down the collagen and connective tissue in turkey necks, resulting in meat so tender it falls right off the bone. But exactly how long do you need to cook turkey necks in an Instant Pot to achieve this melt-in-your-mouth texture? Let’s find out.
Key Factors That Determine Cooking Time
There are a few key factors that will determine the cooking time needed for tender turkey necks in an Instant Pot
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Size of the necks – Smaller necks will cook faster than larger, meatier ones Plan for a longer cook time for big turkey necks
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Amount of necks – The more necks you add to the Instant Pot, the longer the cook time. Don’t overload the pot.
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Bone-in or bone-out – Boneless turkey neck meat will cook faster than bone-in.
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Fresh or frozen – Frozen necks take longer to cook than fresh.
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Pressure setting – Cook time can vary based on high or low pressure setting.
Taking these factors into account will help you hone in on the right Instant Pot cooking time for tender turkey necks.
Recommended Cook Times
Here are some general guidelines for cook times when making turkey necks in an Instant Pot:
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2-3 small necks (1-2 lbs) – High pressure for 15-20 minutes, followed by natural release for 10 minutes.
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4-6 medium necks (2-3 lbs) – High pressure for 18-22 minutes, followed by natural release for 10-15 minutes.
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8-10 large necks (4-5 lbs) – High pressure for 25-30 minutes, followed by natural release for 15 minutes.
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Boneless turkey neck meat – High pressure for 8-10 minutes then quick release.
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Frozen necks – Increase cook time by 5-10 minutes.
These cook times should result in fork tender turkey necks with meat falling off the bone. Keep in mind that necks on the smaller or thinner side may cook faster.
Helpful Tips for Cooking Turkey Necks
Follow these tips for the best results when making Instant Pot turkey necks:
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Sear or brown the necks first – This adds deeper flavor. Use the Instant Pot’s Saute function before pressure cooking.
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Layer necks neatly in a single layer – Avoid overcrowding the pot.
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Add 1 cup broth or water – This helps create steam and pressure. Chicken, turkey or vegetable broth adds flavor.
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Use a trivet or steamer basket – This elevates necks out of the liquid.
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Turn valve to sealing position – Ensures pressure build up.
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Allow natural release – Helps ensure even cooking and tender meat.
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Check for doneness – Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temp reaches 165°F.
Serving Suggestions for Instant Pot Turkey Necks
Once you’ve perfectly cooked turkey necks in your Instant Pot, here are some delicious ways to serve them:
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Turkey neck salad – Dice meat and add to a fresh salad for protein.
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Turkey neck soup – Simmer diced turkey neck meat in broth with veggies.
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Turkey neck tacos – Warm tortillas, shredded meat, salsa and avocado.
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Turkey neck sandwiches – Pile tender meat onto rolls with your favorite toppings.
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Turkey neck gravy – Use the cooking liquid to make an incredible gravy.
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Smothered turkey necks – Simmer necks in onion, bell pepper and rich gravy.
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Gumbo with turkey necks – Add neck meat to seafood gumbo for more flavor.
With the proper cook time, your Instant Pot turkey necks will become fall-off-the-bone tender. Reference the recommendations in this article, but also take the size and amount of your necks into consideration. And be sure to experiment with the many delicious ways to serve up your cooked turkey necks. Enjoy this inexpensive cut in flavorful new recipes thanks to your Instant Pot!
How To Cook Turkey Necks In Instant Pot
Are you looking for a delicious and flavorful way to cook turkey necks? Look no further, because we have the perfect solution for you! Using your trusty Instant Pot, you can easily transform these humble cuts of meat into a mouthwatering dish that will leave you begging for seconds. Let’s dive in and learn how to cook turkey necks in an Instant Pot.
- 2 pounds of turkey necks
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- Sear the turkey necks: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Add the olive oil and sear the turkey necks on all sides until nicely browned. This step helps to lock in the flavors.
- Add the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for a few minutes until they become fragrant and start to soften. This will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Season the turkey necks: Sprinkle the dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the turkey necks. Ensure each piece is well-coated with the seasoning for maximum flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth: Add the chicken broth to the Instant Pot. This will provide both moisture and additional flavor to the turkey necks.
- Pressure cook: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set the pressure cooking time to 25 minutes on high pressure. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release of pressure for 10 minutes before performing a quick release.
- Finish and serve: Carefully remove the turkey necks from the Instant Pot and transfer them to a serving plate. Let them rest for a few minutes before enjoying the succulent meat. You can also strain the broth and use it as a flavorful gravy for your turkey necks.
And there you have it – a simple and hassle-free way to cook turkey necks in your Instant Pot. This method ensures tender and juicy meat that will satisfy even the most discerning taste buds. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or using them as a flavorful addition to soups and stews, turkey necks cooked in the Instant Pot are sure to be a hit. So, grab your Instant Pot and get cooking! Share your thoughts and experiences on cooking turkey necks in the Instant Pot in our
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FAQ
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