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.
Turkey necks are an underappreciated part of the bird that often get overlooked during Thanksgiving preparations. But these meaty necks can add incredible depth of flavor to a variety of dishes. Here are 9 delicious ways to transform humble turkey necks into culinary masterpieces this holiday season.
What Exactly are Turkey Necks?
Turkey necks are located within the cavity of the turkey along with the giblets and liver. They consist of bone, cartilage, and dark meat. Many people discard or ignore turkey necks, but they are completely edible and full of collagen and rich flavor.
When simmered in liquid turkey necks impart a wonderfully gelatinous texture. Their high collagen content makes them perfect for soups, gravies and stocks. When cooked low and slow, the meat becomes fall-off-the-bone tender and delicious.
1. Make a Rich Turkey Stock
One of the best uses for turkey necks is to make an intensely flavored turkey stock. Toss the necks in a stockpot with aromatics like onions carrots celery, garlic, and fresh herbs. Cover with water and simmer for at least 3 hours, skimming any foam that rises to the top. The end result will be a golden, gelatinous turkey stock that can be used to make gravy, soup, or risotto.
2. Slow Cook Them for Tender, Shreddable Meat
Braising turkey necks results in succulent shredded meat that can be used in all sorts of dishes. Season the necks liberally with salt, pepper, and spices. Brown them first to build flavor Then slow cook in liquid like chicken broth until very tender Shred the meat and use it for sandwiches, tacos, casseroles, and more.
3. Make Delicious Smothered Turkey Necks
For the ultimate soul food experience, try smothered turkey necks. Season and brown the necks, then braise them in a flavorful gravy or sauce made with onions, garlic, bell peppers, thyme, chicken stock and other spices. The rich, meaty necks soak up all the delicious flavors. Serve over rice for a completely satisfying meal.
4. Use Them for Turkey Neck Soup
Simmer turkey necks in chicken or turkey broth along with vegetables like carrots, onions, celery, mushrooms and greens. After cooking for several hours, the necks impart deep flavor to the broth. Pull off any tender meat and add it back to the soup. Season with pepper, fresh herbs, and a splash of lemon. You’ve got a nourishing, comforting soup.
5. Make a Cornbread Turkey Neck Dressing
For a Thanksgiving twist, use turkey necks to add moistness and flavor to your cornbread dressing. Simmer the necks in broth until very tender. Shred or chop the meat and add it to your favorite cornbread dressing recipe along with classic aromatics like onion, celery, sage and thyme. The turkey necks provide an extra turkey flavor boost.
6. Braise Jamaican Style Turkey Necks
Transport your turkey necks to the Caribbean with spices like allspice, thyme, scotch bonnet peppers and Jamaican jerk seasoning. Braise the necks in a well-seasoned coconut milk based sauce for several hours until ultra tender. Serve over rice and beans for a taste of Jamaica at your Thanksgiving table.
7. Make a Flavorful Pot of Greens
Turkey necks can impart smoky, rich flavor to greens like collard greens, mustard greens or kale. Simmer the necks in water or broth until very soft. Pull the meat from the bones and chop. Sauté onions and garlic, then wilt the greens in the pot. Return the chopped turkey meat to the greens along with hot sauce and pepper. Simmer until the greens are silky and flavors have melded.
8. Use Them for Thanksgiving Gravy
Don’t toss those turkey necks – use them to make the most flavorful gravy! Simmer the necks in water with onions, carrots and celery until tender. Remove necks and pick off any usable meat, chopping it finely. Strain the broth through a mesh strainer. Use the broth to make your gravy, whisking in flour to thicken. Add the chopped turkey meat back in for an extra boost of flavor.
9. Roast Turkey Necks for Snacking
For finger-licking good snacking, try oven roasted turkey necks. Simply coat them with olive oil, salt and whatever spices you like. Roast at 400°F for about an hour until deeply browned. The skin becomes super crisp and the meat juicy and succulent. Serve as a fun appetizer or snack alongside pickles, hot sauce and chilled beer.
Turkey necks are too tasty to toss in the trash. With a little creativity, you can transform them into rich stocks, fork-tender braised meats, hearty soups and more this Thanksgiving. Don’t miss out on these flavor powerhouses – put them to delicious use with any of these 9 recipes. Your guests will be grateful for the extra deliciousness.
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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.
Keeping Turkey Necks Tender
The key to keeping turkey necks tender is to add a cup of hot water to your cast iron skillet (or any oven-safe skillet) before you place it in the oven. Creating a slow boil in the oven will ensure that your turkey necks do not become rubbery and burn. The added liquid will also create a yummy gravy!
Super Tender Smothered Turkey Necks | Comfort Food | Chef AldenB
FAQ
Is there anything that can be done for turkey neck?
Is turkey neck good to eat?
How long can turkey necks stay in fridge?
What can you do with turkey neck meat?
Turkey neck can be used as a shredded addition to beans, soups, and sauteed greens, or served on the bone, smothered in richly flavored sauce. But the culinary magic doesn’t end there: The simmering liquid used to cook the turkey neck meat becomes rich bone broth, brimming with nutrients.
What are some good therapies for neck pain?
The best therapies for neck pain depend on its cause. Some of the more common causes of neck include: • muscle strain • osteoarthritis • rheumatoid arthritis or related conditions • minor injury • disc disease For many of these, initial treatment may include heat, gentle stretching exercises balanced with rest, acetaminophen, and/or anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen). Standard treatment for rheumatoid arthritis includes anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medicines. Intermittent use of a neck brace and consultation with a physical therapist are often recommended for persistent neck pain. When a nerve is compressed (as may occur with disc disease), a cortisone injection may be helpful. If symptoms (such as fever or severe pain after an injury) suggest there may be a serious cause, prompt medical evaluation is warranted.
What can I do if I have a turkey neck?
To improve your neck’s underlying muscle quality and tone, you can try: Turkey neck exercises: Daily neck exercises can strengthen neck muscles, which may help improve your neck’s appearance. For ideas on moves you can try, ask a dermatologist. Botox® for turkey neck: As the platysma muscles weaken, vertical bands or cords can appear on your neck.
What is a turkey neck used for?
Turkey necks are the meaty, flavorful part of the turkey’s neck that can be used in various recipes. They are known for their rich flavor and are often used in stews, soups, and stocks to add depth and richness to the dish. In soul food cooking, turkey necks are highly regarded for their ability to impart deep, savory flavors to dishes.