How to Make Delicious Turkey Neck Bones

Turkey neck bones are an underrated and inexpensive cut of meat that can be transformed into a mouthwatering soul food delicacy. When cooked properly, the turkey neck bones become fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with rich meaty flavor. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make tasty turkey neck bones at home.

Turkey neck bones come from the neck of the turkey and contain a good amount of bone, cartilage, and meat. They are packed with collagen which helps keep the meat tender as it cooks. Turkey necks have long been used in soul food cooking to add rich flavor to dishes like soups, beans, and greens. Although not as popular as other cuts of meat, turkey necks deserve more time in the spotlight. Their unique taste and texture make them perfect for braising, simmering, or slow cooking.

Benefits of Cooking with Turkey Neck Bones

There are several benefits to using turkey neck bones in your cooking

• They are budget-friendly and cost less than other cuts of meat Neck bones are considered a rough cut

• When cooked low and slow, the bones become fall-off-the-bone tender and the meat incredibly flavorful.

• Turkey necks are naturally high in collagen which helps keep the meat juicy and moist.

• They impart a deep, rich meatiness to any dish or sauce. Turkey necks can really boost the flavor of soups, stews, beans, etc.

• Turkey necks are packed with nutrients like protein, iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, and B vitamins.

Tips for Selecting Turkey Neck Bones

• Look for raw, unseasoned turkey neck bones, as smoked turkey necks tend to be tougher. Raw necks are ideal.

• Choose turkey necks that are fresh with no unpleasant odors. Avoid ones that look slimy or dried out.

• Inspect the necks and make sure there are no cracks or bones sticking out.

• Plan around 1 pound of turkey necks per person. Adjust according to your recipe and desired portion sizes.

• You can find turkey necks fresh at halal markets, Hispanic grocers, butcher shops, or even directly from a local farm.

How to Clean and Prep Turkey Neck Bones

Before cooking your turkey necks, proper cleaning and prep is essential:

• Rinse the raw turkey necks under cool water and pat dry. This removes any blood, juices, or debris on the surface.

• Use a sharp knife to trim off any loose bits of fat or skin. Turkey necks have just a thin layer of skin that can be easily removed if desired.

• To help tenderize the meat, you can score the necks 2-3 times on each side by making shallow cuts with a knife.

• For extra flavor, season the necks all over with a soul food style blend of cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cooking Methods for Turkey Neck Bones

There are several excellent options for cooking turkey necks:

Braising/Simmering: This traditional soul food method turns the necks melt-in-your-mouth tender. Brown the seasoned necks first in bacon fat or oil. Then slow cook them for 2-3 hours in a flavorful liquid like chicken stock, aromatics, and spices until fork tender.

Stewing: Add turkey necks to stews and let them simmer away for hours. They add incredible richness and body. Try them in dishes like gumbo, Brunswick stew, or chicken bog.

Slow Cooker: For an easy hands-off method, put the necks in a slow cooker with veggies, stock, and seasonings. Cook on low for 7-8 hours until perfectly tender.

Oven Baked: Bake turkey necks at 300°F for 2-2.5 hours in broth or barbecue sauce until the meat easily pulls away from the bone.

Pressure Cooker: Pressure cooking extracts maximum flavor in minimal time. Cook necks for 20-30 minutes until soft enough to shred.

Grilling/Smoking: You can also smoke or grill turkey necks for delicious charred flavor. Cook over indirect heat at a low temp until thoroughly cooked.

Flavorful Sauces and Seasonings for Turkey Necks

Turkey necks pair wonderfully with bold, robust seasonings and sauces. Consider cooking them in:

• Hearty homemade chicken or turkey stock
• Savory gravy or roux-based sauces
• Zesty Creole or Cajun seasoning blends
• Smoky barbecue sauce or dry rub
• Warm chile sauces like ancho or chipotle
• Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage
• Aromatic veggies like onion, celery, peppers, and garlic
• Sweet and tangy ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire

Serving Suggestions for Turkey Neck Bones

Once your turkey neck bones are fall-apart tender, here are some tasty ways to serve them:

• Over steaming hot white rice, jasmine rice, or cauliflower rice
• Nestled on top of creamy mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Mixed into traditional soul food sides like collard greens, field peas, or candied yams
• In open-faced sandwiches topped with gravy and hot sauce
• Chopped up and added to bean dishes, soups, or stews for flavor
• Piled high on a platter with cornbread, biscuits, or buttered dinner rolls

With the right preparation and cooking technique, inexpensive turkey neck bones can be utterly transformed into the star of the dinner table. Now that you know how to make them, give turkey neck bones a try and enjoy their unmatched depth of flavor. Just be ready to impress your family and friends with this soulful yet budget-friendly meat!

Frequency of Entities

Turkey neck: 19
Neck bones: 13
Soul food: 5
Flavor: 4
Tender: 4
Season: 3
Slow cook: 3
Meat: 3
Braising: 2
Simmer: 2
Rich: 2
Cook: 2
Budget: 2
Delicious: 1
Juicy: 1
Smoked: 1
Gumbo: 1
Brunswick stew: 1
Chicken bog: 1
Creole: 1
Cajun: 1