Turkey necks are simmered to perfection in a Cajun-infused broth with smoked sausage, potatoes, and corn on the cob. Elevate your soul food cooking with this flavorful and easy-to-follow Southern turkey neck boil recipe!
Hey y’all, we’re cooking up something special today – Turkey Necks, a classic soul food recipe from the heart of the South that Marrekus loves! It’s a popular dish that he grew up eating with his family all year long (but especially when crabs aren’t in season).
This Turkey Neck Boil is similar to a Cajun seafood boil, perfect when you’re in the mood for some spicy goodness. It’s paired with smoked sausage, potatoes, corn on the cob, and all the fixins’.
Whether you’re having a chill get-together or just missing some home-cooked flavors, this Turkey Necks recipe is the way to go. So, let’s get into it and cook up a taste of Southern comfort!
Turkey necks are an underrated and often discarded part of the bird that can make a delicious addition to soups, stews, casseroles and more when cooked properly. But how long should you cook turkey necks to get the best results?
When simmered or roasted correctly, turkey necks become succulent, flavorful and tender. However, they do require ample cooking time for the tough connective tissues to break down. Follow these tips to learn exactly how long to cook turkey necks, whether boiled, baked or roasted.
Choosing and Preparing Turkey Necks
Look for fresh, raw turkey necks rather than pre-cooked when buying them. Opt for necks that are pinkish in color without any foul odors. Rinse them well and pat dry before cooking. You can rub them with spices or marinate overnight for added flavor.
How Long to Boil Turkey Necks
Boiling is a simple way to cook turkey necks and break down the collagen. Place the necks in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer gently until tender.
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Turkey necks can take 1 to 2 hours to become tender when boiling. Larger necks may require closer to 2 hours.
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Test doneness after 1 hour. Turkey necks are done when fork tender and the meat pulls cleanly off the bone.
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Add aromatics like garlic, onions, celery or carrots to the pot for extra flavor.
How Long to Cook Turkey Necks in the Oven
Roasting turkey necks in the oven is easy. Cook them uncovered at 325°F to 350°F for optimal results.
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Plan on roasting turkey necks for 1 1/2 to 2 hours for full tenderness.
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Check temperature after 1 hour, then check periodically until done. Use a meat thermometer to test doneness.
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Turkey necks should reach an internal temperature of 165°F when cooked.
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Baste the necks every 30 minutes with pan drippings to prevent drying out.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Turkey Necks
Follow these tips for fork-tender turkey necks every time:
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Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness instead of relying on cook times alone.
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Roast necks on a rack over a baking sheet to allow air circulation for even cooking.
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Brown the necks for added flavor and appearance before adding liquid for braising.
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Add aromatics like onion, garlic, herbs or spices to infuse the necks with flavor.
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Let roasted necks rest 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
How Long to Cook Smoked Turkey Necks
For tender, smoky turkey necks, smoke them low and slow:
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Soak necks in brine overnight before smoking for extra moisture.
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Set smoker temperature between 225°F to 250°F.
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Smoke turkey necks for 4 to 6 hours for full tenderness.
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Use wood chips like hickory, apple, pecan or cherry for flavor.
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Brush necks with barbecue sauce in the last 30 minutes if desired.
How Long to Cook Turkey Necks for Soup
To use turkey necks for soup, braise or simmer them until completely tender:
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Brown the necks first for richer flavor.
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Cover with water or broth and add soup vegetables.
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Simmer gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
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Flavor the broth with herbs and seasonings.
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Once fully cooked, remove neck meat from bones and add to soup.
How Long to Cook a Batch of Turkey Necks
The cooking time will vary slightly depending on batch size:
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For 2 to 3 pounds of necks, plan on braising or roasting for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
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For a 4 to 5 pound batch, allow 2 to 2 1/2 hours for tenderness.
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For best results, try to keep necks in a single layer if possible while cooking.
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Check temperature and tenderness early, then check every 30 minutes until done.
How to Tell When Turkey Necks Are Done
Relying on these visual and textural cues is the best way to assess doneness:
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Meat pulls cleanly off the bones.
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A fork slides easily in and out of the meat.
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The meat has shrunk back from the ends of the bones.
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A meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of meat reads 165°F.
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The connective tissue has melted into the meat, giving it a sticky texture.
Enjoy Deliciously Tender Turkey Necks
With the proper cooking times and temperatures, turkey necks can become one of the tastiest, most flavorful parts of the bird. Their rich collagen melts into succulent, fork-tender meat that is great in soups, gravies, casseroles and more. Now that you know exactly how long to cook turkey necks to perfection, you can start enjoying this underrated cut more often.
How Long to Boil Turkey Necks
Turkey necks take at least 2 hours to boil. Longer simmering times, up to 3 or 4 hours, can result in more tender and flavorful meat. Check for doneness after the first hour and a half by testing the meat’s tenderness. When they’re ready, they should be fork-tender (turkey meat pulling away from the bones).
How to Cook Turkey Necks (5 Different Ways)
People often ask how to cook turkey necks. They can be cooked in various ways to create flavorful and comforting Southern soul food dishes. Here are different methods you can use:
- Boiling: A turkey neck boil is a popular Southern recipe. Similar to a seafood boil, simply add necks to a pot of water with spices, vegetables, and sausage, and simmer until the meat is tender.
- Smoking: Smoking them can add a rich and smoky flavor to the meat. Smoked turkey necks are also a popular ingredient to add to many Southern and soul food dishes like collard greens, cabbage, black eyed peas, and pinto beans.
- Slow Cooking (Crockpot): Slow cooking in a crockpot allows the flavors to meld over an extended period. Place the necks in the slow cooker with seasonings, vegetables, and liquid. Cook on low for several hours until the meat is tender.
- Braised: Smothered turkey necks (slow-cooked or braised) are cooked in a flavorful, rich gravy until they are tender and infused with delicious flavors.
- Pressure Cooking: If you have a pressure cooker, you can cook the necks quickly and efficiently. Add them to the pot, along with liquid and seasonings, to the pressure cooker. Cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until the meat is tender.
How to Boil Turkey Neck & Giblets: Cooking with Kimberly
FAQ
How long do turkeys take to cook?
| Weight | Cook Time (Unstuffed) | Cook Time (Stuffed) |
|---|---|---|
| 7-10 lbs. | 2½-3 hrs. | 2¾-3½ hrs. |
| 10-18 lbs. | 3-3½ hrs. | 3¾-4½ hrs. |
| 18-22 lbs. | 3½-4 hrs. | 4½-5 hrs. |
| 22-24 lbs. | 4-4½ hrs. | 5-5½ hrs. |
How long does it take for turkey to boil?
If you cook the turkey as a separate dish, put it into boiling water, which ensures juiciness and higher nutritional value. Separate pieces of turkey cook for 1-1.5 hours. If needed, add the water to at all times cover the surface of the meat.
How long do you cook smoked turkey necks in the oven?
**Simmer Until Tender:** – Cover the pot and let the collard greens and turkey necks simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the greens are tender and the …Jun 23, 2024
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.
How long do you cook smoked turkey necks?
You should cook the turkey necks depending on your preference. Longer cooking yields meat that is more tender. If your smoked turkey necks are already cooked, feel free to boil them until warm and tender, about 10-15 minutes. If they aren’t cooked, go for the normal amount of time, about 1-2 hours.
What temperature do you cook a turkey neck in the oven?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for cooking turkey necks. This temperature ensures that the meat cooks evenly and reaches the desired internal temperature. How long do I need to cook turkey necks in the oven? The cooking time for turkey necks in the oven can vary depending on their size and the desired level of tenderness.
How long do you boil turkey necks?
Therefore, you’ll want to boil your turkey necks separately at first, so that you can ensure they cook through. To do this, boil the necks for about 1-2 hours along with any other ingredients you’re using. Then, add your crawfish to the mix and cook for another 3-4 minutes only. A good stock made from turkey necks can be rendered within 2 hours.
How long does it take to cook frozen turkey necks?
Typically, for every pound of frozen turkey necks, you should allow for an extra 10 to 20 minutes of cooking time in the oven. So, if your package of turkey necks weighs 2 pounds, you would add an extra 20 to 40 minutes to the total cooking time.
How long do you cook a turkey neck in a crock pot?
* Cook the turkey neck over medium heat until it is cooked through. The turkey neck should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. * Let the turkey neck rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the turkey neck to be more tender.