Most of us cherish the food we ate as children. When I was a little girl, I loved eating chicken necks, despite them not having much meat. As an adult, I learned that turkey necks have a similar flavor and more meat!
Some of you might think I am crazy for cooking with turkey necks, but I am certain that this recipe will change your mind. Growing up in Ukraine, I was taught that every part of the animal has its place on the dinner table. When prepared properly, turkey necks are a wonderful, fall-off-the-bone comfort food!
Seared and then roasted in the oven, these turkey necks are perfect to indulge in on a cold winter day. The neck is the best part of the bird, so underrated and underutilized in cooking! Prepare some mashed potatoes or white rice to accompany the necks, or eat them fresh out of the oven all on their own.
Roasting turkey necks is a great way to enjoy this flavorful and nutritious part of the bird. When cooked properly, turkey necks become tender and succulent with a concentrated turkey flavor. However, knowing how long to roast turkey necks is key to achieving the perfect texture and taste. In this article, I’ll provide a complete guide to roasting times for turkey necks along with tips for ensuring delicious results.
Factors That Affect Roasting Time
There are a few key factors that impact how long it takes to roast turkey necks
- Size of the necks – Small necks (1-2 oz) take less time while larger necks (3-4 oz) need longer.
- Desired tenderness – Allow more time if you want fall-off-the-bone texture vs slightly firmer.
- Frozen vs fresh – Frozen necks require extra roasting time to thaw and cook through,
- Oven temperature – Higher heat decreases cook time but can dry out the meat.
- Amount being roasted – More necks require longer cooking.
Recommended Roasting Times
Here are general roasting time guidelines based on neck size and desired tenderness:
- Small necks (fall-off-the-bone): 1.5 hours at 350°F
- Small necks (slightly firmer): 1.25 hours at 350°F
- Large necks (fall-off-the-bone): 2-2.5 hours at 350°F
- Large necks (slightly firmer): 1.5-2 hours at 350°F
For frozen necks, increase cook time by 10-20 minutes per pound.
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step-By-Step Roasting Method
Follow these simple steps for perfectly roasted turkey necks:
- Preheat oven to 325-350°F. Lower heat ensures tender, juicy meat.
- Prep necks by rinsing, patting dry, and seasoning with salt, pepper, herbs etc.
- Arrange necks on a baking sheet or roasting pan, evenly spaced.
- Roast for estimated cook time based on size and doneness preference.
- Check temperature with a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F.
- Allow to rest 5-10 minutes before serving for juicier meat.
- Enjoy the tender, flavorful turkey necks on their own or in recipes!
Tips for Maximizing Flavor and Tenderness
- For crispy skin, roast necks uncovered. For tender meat, cover with foil at first.
- Baste necks every 30 minutes with broth or pan drippings.
- Brine necks before roasting to boost moisture and flavor.
- Roast necks on a rack so air circulates underneath.
- Let roast rest before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
Serving Suggestions
Once roasted, turkey necks can be enjoyed in many ways:
- On their own as a snack or appetizer
- Added to soups, stews, chili for rich flavor
- Chopped or shredded for tacos, enchiladas, etc.
- Over greens for a protein-packed salad
- Mixed into rice, quinoa or grain-based dishes
- Turned into homemade turkey neck stock
- Used to make a luscious gravy or sauce
So don’t toss those turkey necks – roast them up for a delicious, budget-friendly treat! Let this guide help you achieve turkey neck perfection next time. Monitor size, temperature and cook times closely while experimenting with flavor additions. In no time, you’ll be a turkey neck roasting pro.
Other Ways to Cook Turkey Necks
Now that you are in love with turkey necks (right?!), get creative and try cooking them differently! Here are a couple of my favorite ways to prepare turkey necks:
- Smoked Turkey Necks: Often times, you can find pre-smoked turkey necks at the butcher. These have an awesome flavor and are the perfect compliment to stews or chilis.
- Turkey Necks in a Smoked Cooker: Have a smoker at home? Smoke your own turkey necks! Set your smoker to 180F and let the necks cook for 2-4 hours, or until the meat falls off the bone. Think of these smoked necks as an adventurous departure from traditional smoked chicken wings!
- Turkey Neck Soup: My boys love turkey neck soup. Much like chicken noodle soup, it is so comforting and the perfect dish to make when someone is feeling under the weather.
- Turkey Necks Gravy: Turkey neck meat is dark, flavorful, and perfect to build a gravy from. Make a batch and smother it over just about anything!
Note: You can find turkey necks in most, large grocery stores, although not every store carries them.
How to Make Turkey Necks
You may be feeling a bit intimidated to take on cooking turkey necks. Don’t fret! It’s super easy and very similar to roasting any other type of meat.
First, you will brown the turkey necks on a hot skillet. Then, you will place the browned necks in a cast iron skillet with some fresh carrots and onions and bake them for about one and a half hours. When you pull your turkey necks out of the oven, the meat will fall off the bone and become extremely tender.
Delicious Smothered Turkey Necks!
FAQ
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