3 homemade how to make turkey neck gravy recipe ideas are here! If you hate to waste, want to use turkey drippings in gravy plus a bit of meat this is great. This is how to make it on the stove top with boiled turkey necks meat.
You know I hate to throw food away. If you typically toss the contents inside your bird you’ll want to try making this turkey neck gravy this year instead. Last week we shared how to cook turkey necks and this time we turned the meat into a thick sauce. (affiliate links present)
Turkey neck gravy is a delicious way to use the whole bird when cooking a turkey. The neck contains flavorful dark meat that can add richness to your gravy. When simmered with vegetables and seasonings, turkey necks make a flavorful broth that gets whisked into velvety, savory gravy. This gravy has tons of flavor and lets you use up the entire turkey.
What Are Turkey Necks?
Turkey necks are dark meat which is packed with flavor. When preparing a whole turkey for roasting, the neck and giblets are often inside the cavity and should be removed before cooking. For this recipe, the turkey necks get browned to enhance flavor, then used to make a flavorful broth. You can also add the giblets if desired.
The simmering step can be done ahead of time and frozen, so the gravy is easy to make at mealtime. Turkey necks can be purchased separately at most grocery stores, usually in the poultry or freezer section. They are fairly inexpensive. If you don’t see turkey necks, ask the butcher.
Ingredients Needed
- Turkey necks – Use the necks from your turkey or buy them separately. Make sure necks are thawed before cooking.
- Vegetables – Onion, celery, carrots add flavor to the broth.
- Broth – Reduced-sodium chicken or turkey broth works best. Can also use water.
- Herbs and seasonings – Fresh or dried parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, poultry seasoning.
- Fat/butter – For the roux to thicken the gravy. Turkey drippings or butter work well.
How to Cook Turkey Necks
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In a large pot, brown the turkey necks in a bit of oil over medium-high heat until nicely browned.
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Add the vegetables, herbs, seasonings broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes.
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Strain the broth, reserving the liquid and discarding the solids
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In a saucepan, melt butter and/or turkey fat. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook 1-2 minutes.
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Gradually whisk in the hot broth until smooth and thickened to your desired consistency
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Simmer the gravy gently until it reaches the thickness you like.
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Season to taste with salt, pepper, and more herbs if desired.
Tips for the Best Turkey Neck Gravy
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For maximum flavor, use the drippings from your roasted turkey. The fat can replace some or all of the butter.
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Browning the flour deepens the flavor of the roux.
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Add fresh herbs to the broth or gravy for brightness. Dried herbs work too.
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Cook the roux just until it turns light brown for a nutty flavor.
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For a smoother gravy, strain the broth after cooking the necks.
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Let the gravy simmer until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
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If the gravy is too thin, whisk in a bit more flour. Too thick, add more broth.
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Add giblets to the pot with the necks for extra richness.
Serving and Storing Turkey Neck Gravy
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Don’t let gravy sit out for more than 2 hours. Refrigerate leftovers.
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop.
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Freeze turkey neck gravy for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
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Pour into ice cube trays and freeze for easy use in soups, stews and other dishes.
Homemade turkey neck gravy made with simple ingredients kicks store-bought gravy to the curb. The extra flavor from the neck meat makes so it tastes like you spent all day tending a simmering pot of gravy when it actually takes just about an hour start to finish. Follow these tips for how to cook turkey necks to make the most flavorful, velvety gravy ever.
Turkey Necks with Gravy
When boiling any sort of meat you will want to season it well, adding large chunks of celery and carrots are great to throw in there too. If you are only cooking one moist turkey recipe that is okay, you will just have a little less meat. NO worries.
- 2 turkey necks were used this go around
- you could chop the giblets and add those in the same pot if desired for neck giblet gravy
- Onions, 1 diced, 1 quartered
- Turkey stock, broth or drippings from turkey are best
- 1-3 bay leaf
- 2 stalks celery cut into large chunks
- 1 carrot peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/3 tsp salt
- Some granulated garlic or garlic powder
- Paprika
- Olive oil or butter
- Tomato paste ONLY if you want a tomato base to it
- otherwise whisk in 2 tbsp flour + 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce instead to thicken
This is two of the versions. If you want a rich tomato base flavor to it then use the paste. If you want more of a brown gravy then skip that but use flour + Worcestershire instead for richness. Served over slices of your Butterball turkey breast or mashed potatoes is amazing.
How to Make Gravy with Turkey Neck Meat
You can see what you’ll get once it is fork tender here. Quite a bit actually, more than you’d think just by looking at it raw for sure. Size will vary of course but still worth the hour to boil and make a sort of onion gravy with it.
Before you go any further or jump to the printable recipe card below you might have a few questions in mind. We have answers and if you have others just let us know below in the comments.
There is actually quite a bit. Typically you’ll find 45% bone & about 55% meat, plenty to make gravy with turkey meat we will share with you here.
Aside from having a rich deep dark meat flavor the protein you pull off is actually high in protein and calcium. You can use it to make a rich thick gravy to serve with turkey during the holidays.
For a smoother final product you’ll want to strain the mixture and could use the boiling “broth” instead of drippings or packaged too. There are SO many ways of making homemade turkey gravy it just comes down to preference really.
How To Make Turkey Gravy: Liquid Gold
FAQ
What to do with the neck of a turkey?
Turkey Neck Gravy. For as long as I can remember, my mom has prepared broth for gravy using turkey necks. Simmering turkey necks with veggies and savory seasonings makes a richly flavored broth that’s whisked into delicious velvety gravy! This gravy has so much flavor, plus it lets the chef use up the whole turkey.
How long does it take to cook the neck of a turkey?
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.Aug 14, 2019
What is the secret ingredient for good gravy?
- A splash of acid: A small amount of lemon juice, vinegar, or even a splash of wine can brighten the flavor profile.
- A touch of sweetness: A little bit of honey or brown sugar can balance the richness of the gravy.
- Soy sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor and can also help darken the color slightly.
- Herbs and spices: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can add complexity.
- Worcestershire sauce: A small amount can add a rich, savory depth.
What to do with turkey giblets and neck besides gravy?
- Simmer giblets, vegetables, and aromatics in water to make a flavorful stock
- Add giblets raw to a conventional stock
- Use giblet stock to enhance gravies and sauces
How do you cook a turkey neck?
Add aromatics like onion, carrot, celery and garlic. Cook briefly until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Pour in enough chicken or turkey broth to cover the neck pieces fully. Add any fresh herbs, peppercorns, bay leaf, etc. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for 45-60 minutes. Cook until the neck meat is very tender.
How do you make turkey neck gravy?
Turkey neck gravy elevates any holiday feast with its rich and savory flavors! In a large heavy bottom pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the turkey necks and cook until browned on both sides. Add the onion, celery, carrot, and seasonings. Stir in broth and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cover.
How to make turkey neck gravy without drippings?
Learn how to make Turkey Neck Gravy from scratch without drippings using simple ingredients! In a medium-sized pot, combine the turkey neck, chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. If you’re using fresh herbs, add them now. Cover the mixture with water or broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Can you make turkey neck gravy a day ahead?
Yes, you can make turkey neck gravy a day or two ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before serving. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld, making the gravy even tastier.
What is inside a turkey neck?
Usually, you’ll find a sealed packet inside one of the neck cavity of a defrosted or fresh turkey. That packet includes a raw turkey neck as well as some giblets. The turkey neck makes a wonderful stock to make your turkey gravy with. The giblets are more of an acquired taste, but are a tradition to add to many family’s holiday turkey gravy.
How to make turkey neck gravy in Instant Pot?
Whisk in soy sauce, marmite or vegemite, and a small dash of pepper. Bring the stock to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for an hour. Cover the pot for part of the cooking time to alter thickness of the developing gravy. Taste and add salt and pepper if desired. Remove turkey neck before serving. Can You Make Turkey Neck Gravy in an Instant Pot?