Beef neck bones are an extremely flavorful yet affordable cut of beef that can add tremendous richness and body to soups, stews, and braised dishes. However, they do require some work to clean properly before cooking. If you’ve never worked with neck bones before, have no fear! We’ll walk through the entire process step-by-step, from initial rinse to final pat-down.
Follow these techniques, and you’ll have beautiful tender beef neck bones ready to transform your next braise or soup. Let’s get started!
Why It’s Important to Clean Neck Bones
Cleaning beef neck bones before cooking serves several critical purposes
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Removes debris and bacteria: Neck bones often have bits of hair, dirt, and other debris stuck to them. Thorough cleaning removes this material along with any harmful bacteria that could cause illness.
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Enhances flavor: Cleaning eliminates impurities that can impart off-flavors to the dish. It allows the pure, beefy flavor of the meat to shine through.
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Improves texture: A good scrubbing helps remove excess fat and connective tissue. This results in a more tender, pleasant texture with each bite.
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Allows seasonings to penetrate: Removing surface debris enables seasonings and spices to better adhere to the meat, amplifying their impact.
Proper cleaning is crucial for both safety and quality when cooking with neck bones.
Step 1: Rinse Under Cold Water
Rinsing the neck bones under cold, running water is the first step in cleaning them. Here’s how to do it effectively:
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Place the beef neck bones in a colander or mesh strainer.
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Run cold water over the bones for 5-10 minutes, flipping them over periodically.
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Use your hands to rub the bones under the stream, helping to dislodge any debris or impurities.
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Rinsing for a longer duration and with a higher volume of water is ideal for a thorough clean.
The cold water rinse removes the majority of visible contaminants from the surface of the neck bones, prepping them for further cleaning.
Step 2: Make a Vinegar Water Bath
For some extra cleansing power, soak the neck bones in a diluted vinegar water bath. The vinegar helps kill bacteria on the surface while also acting as a degreaser. Follow these simple steps:
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In a large bowl or pot, mix 4 cups cold water and 1 cup distilled white vinegar.
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Add the neck bones and let them soak for 30 minutes up to overnight in the fridge.
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Swirl the bones periodically to circulate the solution over all the surfaces.
After soaking, drain the bones and give them another quick rinse under cold water to wash away any lingering vinegar. The vinegar bath takes your cleaning to the next level.
Step 3: Scrub With a Stiff Brush
For the deepest clean possible, use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub every nook and cranny of the neck bones. Here’s how to do it right:
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Use a sturdy brush designed for scrubbing vegetables or grills. Nylon or natural fiber bristles work best.
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Firmly scrub every inch of the bone, applying significant pressure.
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Pay extra attention to joint areas and any small crevices in the bones.
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Rinse again after scrubbing to remove all the loosened debris.
Thorough scrubbing ensures no particle of impurity is left clinging to the intricate contours of the bones.
Step 4: Pat Completely Dry
The final step is to pat the neck bones thoroughly dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Proper drying serves multiple functions:
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Removes any lingering moisture that could breed bacteria
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Allows seasoning and spices to properly adhere
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Promotes better browning and caramelization when searing
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Prevents splattering when the neck bones first hit hot broth or oil
With a good pat down, the beef neck bones are prepped and ready for your recipe of choice.
Proper Storage for Cleaned Neck Bones
Once cleaned, proper storage is key to preserving the neck bones’ freshness:
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Refrigerate: Keep cleaned bones chilled at 40°F or below and use within 2 days for best quality.
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Freeze: For longer term storage, freeze bones for up to 4 months. Package them in an airtight container with freezer wrap first.
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Keep raw: Don’t cook the cleaned bones until you’re ready to use them. Par-cooking can lead to faster spoilage.
Follow these guidelines, and your neck bones will stay fresh and ready for cooking day.
Alternative Cleaning Methods
Beyond the standard process, there are a few other effective ways to clean beef neck bones:
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Vinegar spray: Make a vinegar cleaning solution with 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. Generously spray bones and let sit 5 minutes before rinsing.
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Salt scrub: Make a paste with kosher salt and water. Gently rub paste on bones to help lift impurities, then rinse thoroughly.
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Bleach solution: Mix 2 tablespoons bleach into 1 gallon water. Soak 1 minute then rinse extremely well. Kills germs but doesn’t affect flavor.
Feel free to experiment to see if these alternatives work better for your needs and preferences. The key is finding a process that completely eliminates contaminants without damaging the meat.
Best Practices for Cleaning Neck Bones
Keep these tips in mind for safe and effective cleaning practices whenever working with neck bones:
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Always wash hands, tools, and surfaces thoroughly before and after.
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Use separate cutting boards for raw neck bones versus other ingredients.
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Clean bones right before cooking for optimal freshness.
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Work quickly to limit time in the “danger zone” between 40-140°F.
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Discard used vinegar baths and scrub brushes after each use.
With sound technique, you’ll be able to clean beef neck bones like a professional every time.
Ready for Delicious Beef Neck Bones
Here at VeryMeaty, we love empowering home cooks with the knowledge to master new cuts for sensational results. Try our pre-cleaned and pre-seasoned smoked beef neck bones for ultimate convenience. Or put your new skills to work prepping neck bones yourself for incredible soups, braises, and more. However you choose to enjoy them, beef neck bones will become your new secret weapon for coaxing the most flavor out of stews, broths, and simmered dishes.
Are neck bones okay to eat?
Absolutely! You can certainly eat neck bones. They are like any other cut of meat. However the just need a little preparation before cooking such as cleaning.
What are neck bones?
Contrary to belief, there are different types of neck bones. Turkey neck, Beef Necks, and Pork Necks. If you hear someone from the south or who grew up with soul food talk about neck bones, they’re usually talking about pork neck bones.
How to clean your neck bones properly
FAQ
How to wash beef bones?
Are beef neck bones good to eat?
What can I do with beef neck bones?
Aside from making broth and braising, you can also use beef neck bones in dishes such as beef bone marrow butter, beef neck bone tacos, or even a rich and comforting beef neck bone pho. Do I need to remove the meat from the bones before cooking? It is not necessary to remove the meat from the bones before cooking.
What is the best home remedy for a stiff neck?
Some of the best home remedies for a stiff neck include: • apply cold for the first 2 days, then apply heat • gentle stretching exercises balanced with rest • gentle massage • over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, and/or anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen) • intermittent use of a soft neck brace or collar
Should you leave beef neck bones on while cooking?
In fact, leaving the meat on the bones while cooking will impart extra flavor and richness to your dishes. What are some flavor profiles that work well with beef neck bones? Beef neck bones pair well with bold and robust flavors such as garlic, onions, thyme, rosemary, and red wine.
Should neck bones be cleaned before Eat?
All neck bones should be cleaned before you eat them. This isn’t because it’s dangerous to eat neck bones — there’s just a lot of blood, cartilage, and other impurities that make a big difference in taste and appearance when removed. You don’t have to do all of these steps every time, but if you want to be thorough, this is how you do it.