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!
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Southern Smothered Smoked Turkey Necks made easy in the pressure cooker. These delicious turkey necks are smothered with onions, celery, garlic, and brown gravy!
Well I just had to do it folks! I had to share a turkey necks recipe, because so many of my luvs have been requesting it. Ever since I posted my soul food style smothered pork neck bones, people have been asking me to do a southern smothered turkey necks recipe. I know what you’re going to ask… “so what the heck took so long Rosie?!”… Y’all, for whatever reason, my stores have been out of turkey necks! Recently, I visited a new (new to me) store, and they had some fresh turkey necks there! So now that I have explained myself, let’s get to cooking these turkey necks!
Super Tender Smothered Turkey Necks | Comfort Food | Chef AldenB
FAQ
What is turkey neck meat good for?
How do you develop turkey neck?
What do I do with a turkey neck?
How to cook a turkey neck in a crock pot?
Season the turkey necks with Creole Seasoning and set aside. Remember, “If you ain’t seeing, it ain’t seasoned!” In a large heavy bottom pot over medium-high heat, add in vegetable oil. Once hot, sear the turkey necks on each side for 2 minutes then remove from the pot. In the same pot, lower the heat to medium and add in butter.
How do you cook a turkey neck?
Turkey necks are a delicious and inexpensive way to enjoy turkey. They’re perfect for slow cooking and can be used in a variety of recipes. Here’s how to cook turkey necks so they’re tender and full of flavor. Fry bacon in a large dutch oven pot or large oven-safe skillet. Remove bacon and set aside. Season turkey necks with creole seasoning.
How do you cook neck bones in a crock pot?
Combine the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and sage in a small bowl, then season the neck bones with this mixture. Add bacon fat (or oil) to a large pot and brown the neck bones on all sides, which takes about 5 or 6 minutes. Drain the neck bones and add them to a large casserole dish.
How do you cook a turkey neck Roux?
Take the turkey necks out of the pot and set aside. Add the roux to the pot and mix well. Cook on the stovetop over medium heat to allow the sauce to thicken. Serve the turkey necks with rice, topped with the brown gravy. Garnish with green onions.