Turkey necks are an underappreciated and delicious part of the bird that can make for a hearty, flavorful meal when prepared properly. With the right technique, roasted turkey necks come out juicy, tender and bursting with flavor. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the simple process of roasting turkey necks, from seasoning to doneness.
Why Roast Turkey Necks?
While often overlooked, turkey necks have a lot going for them. They contain a good amount of meat connective tissue and cartilage that break down into succulent gelatin when roasted. This gives them a richer more complex flavor than plain breast meat. The skin gets nice and crispy, while the meat inside stays incredibly moist.
Turkey necks are also very budget friendly. They tend to cost just a few dollars per pound, making them an affordable alternative to pricier cuts like breasts.
When roasted until fork tender, they make excellent additions to soups, gravies and rice dishes Or you can enjoy them on their own for a unique, hearty meal.
Step 1: Season the Necks
Always start by generously seasoning the turkey necks This infuses them with flavor from the inside out
Some good seasoning options include:
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- Herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage
- Spices such as paprika, garlic powder and cayenne
- A dry rub made with brown sugar and chili powder
Make sure to season under the skin and all over the exterior. You can even let them marinate for a few hours to really drive in the flavors.
Step 2: Sear the Necks (Optional)
While not strictly necessary, searing the necks before roasting adds nice caramelized flavors.
Heat 1-2 Tbsp of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the necks and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.
Then transfer them to a roasting pan or baking dish to finish cooking in the oven.
Step 3: Roast at 350°F Until Fork Tender
Arrange the necks in a single layer in a roasting pan or baking dish. Add about 1 cup of liquid, such as broth, wine or water to the bottom of the pan.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and roast at 350°F. Plan on roasting for 90-120 minutes, until the meat is very tender and nearly falling off the bone.
Baste the necks with the pan juices every 30 minutes. This prevents them from drying out.
Use an instant read thermometer to confirm they have reached 165°F internally. The connective tissues should have melted into succulent gelatin.
Step 4: Make a Pan Sauce
Once roasted, use the drippings in the pan to make an easy, flavorful sauce.
Place the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Sprinkle in 1-2 Tbsp of flour and stir to form a paste. Cook for 1 minute.
Whisk in 1 cup chicken broth, milk or water and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Spoon the tasty sauce over the roasted necks before serving.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Roast Turkey Necks
Follow these tips for the best results when roasting turkey necks:
- For extra browning, broil the necks for the last 5-10 minutes after removing foil.
- Use a meat thermometer for doneness – look for 165°F internally.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving so juices redistribute.
- Store leftovers in broth or gravy to prevent drying out.
- For pot pies or soups, remove meat from bones after cooking.
- For richer flavor, use necks and giblets to make turkey stock.
Serving Suggestions for Roasted Turkey Necks
There are many options for how to serve and enjoy roasted turkey necks:
- On their own as a main course, with mashed potatoes or rice
- Added to soups, especially bean or vegetable soups
- Shredded over salad greens for extra protein
- In gravy over biscuits for turkey pot pie
- Mixed into jambalaya or gumbo for a Cajun kick
- Tacos, enchiladas and burritos
- Barbecue turkey nachos or baked potatoes
Any way you slice it, roasted turkey necks are budget-friendly cuts that deserve more time in the spotlight. Follow this simple roasting method for finger-licking results!
Explore More Delicious Recipes and Uses
After mastering the oven-roasting technique for turkey necks, the culinary adventure doesnt end there. The guide provides an array of recipes that utilize turkey necks in diverse and flavorful ways. For those looking to enhance their dinner table, the Oven-Roasted Turkey Neck Gravy Recipe offers a perfect starting point, creating a rich and savory sauce that pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. The Southern Style Turkey Neck and Collard Greens Recipe and the Caribbean Jerk Turkey Neck Recipe are highly recommended for their deep, regional flavors that bring a taste of Southern comfort and tropical zest to your kitchen. Each recipe is crafted to transform the humble turkey neck into a star component of your meal, showcasing its versatility and rich taste. Share your thoughts and experiences with cooking turkey necks in the oven in our
How To Cook Turkey Necks In The Oven
Do you have some turkey necks on hand and wondering how to prepare and cook them in the oven? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the delicious process of cooking turkey necks in the oven. With our easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to enjoy tender and flavorful turkey necks that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
- 6 turkey necks
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the turkey necks in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Toss them gently to coat evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to create a flavorful spice rub.
- Sprinkle the spice rub over the turkey necks, making sure to coat them on all sides.
- Place the turkey necks on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the turkey necks are golden brown and fully cooked.
- Once cooked, remove the turkey necks from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the turkey necks hot and enjoy!
These juicy and flavorful turkey necks are the perfect addition to your dinner table. Whether you serve them as a main dish or incorporate them into a hearty stew, they are sure to impress your family and friends.
So next time you find yourself with some turkey necks, don’t hesitate to try this simple recipe. Your taste buds will thank you!
Keep in mind that you can always adjust the seasoning according to your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to add your personal touch to the dish. Happy cooking!
OVEN BAKED TURKEY NECKS WITH GRAVY
FAQ
What to do with the turkey neck?
Is the turkey neck good?
Do you cook the turkey neck inside the turkey?
Can you cook turkey necks in the oven?
Yes, you can definitely cook turkey necks in the oven. Roasting them in the oven is a popular method that results in tender and flavorful meat. How do I prepare turkey necks before cooking them in the oven? Before cooking turkey necks in the oven, it is recommended to rinse them with cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
What treatment is available for wry neck?
Wry neck or torticollis, is a painfully twisted and tilted neck. Treatments for wry neck include: applying heat massage physical therapy or chiropractic care traction stretching exercises neck braces Your doctor may recommend surgery, such as: fusing abnormal vertebrae lengthening neck muscles cutting nerves or muscles using deep brain stimulation to interrupt nerve signals (used only in the most severe cases of cervical dystonia) Medications can be helpful. They can include: muscle relaxants medications used to treat the tremors of Parkinson’s disease botulinum toxin injections repeated every few months pain medications
What to do with turkey necks?
Serve the turkey necks hot and enjoy! These juicy and flavorful turkey necks are the perfect addition to your dinner table. Whether you serve them as a main dish or incorporate them into a hearty stew, they are sure to impress your family and friends. So next time you find yourself with some turkey necks, don’t hesitate to try this simple recipe.
How long does it take to cook a turkey neck?
The cooking time for turkey necks in the oven can vary depending on their size and the desired level of tenderness. On average, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to cook turkey necks at 350°F (175°C). However, it’s important to check their internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked thoroughly.