This braised turkey neck recipe turns basic ingredients into something that tastes amazing. The turkey necks are seared until golden brown then slow-cooked in a flavorful broth infused with sauteed onion. Theyre then served over a bed of Herb Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a comforting Fall dinner.
If youve never tried them youre truly missing out. Theyve got dark meat thats incredibly flavorful and juicy.
Heres the thing, cooking low and slow requires patience but when cooked properly the end result is melt-in-your-mouth tender meat.
This recipe is so simple to make and requires only a handful of ingredients and makes for a great weekend dinner thats cozy and comforting.
When making turkey necks, I recommend a dutch oven or an oven-safe skillet, so you can sear your necks on top of the stove-top then immediately place them in the oven to continue the cooking process. This is the beauty of owning a dutch oven – theyre oven safe.
Turkey necks are an underrated cut that can add tons of flavor to soups, stews, and gravy. When properly roasted, they become fall-off-the-bone tender with incredible taste. If you’ve never cooked turkey necks before, you may be wondering – how long do you need to roast them in the oven? In this article, we’ll provide a complete guide to roasting turkey necks, including ideal cook times and temperatures for juicy, flavorful results.
Choosing and Preparing Turkey Necks
Look for plump, fresh turkey necks without any unpleasant odors or sliminess. Rinse them well and pat dry. You can season them simply with salt and pepper or go bold with a dry rub of brown sugar, spices, and herbs. Marinating is also an option to infuse flavor.
Determining Cook Time
Roasting turkey necks takes patience to break down the collagen and turn them lusciously tender. Most recipes call for roasting at 350°F for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. However, cook time varies depending on the size and quantity of necks. Plan for 10-15 minutes per pound.
Here are some tips for determining doneness:
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Check temperature with a meat thermometer, aiming for 165°F.
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Meat should be pulling away from the bone.
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Insert a fork – it should slide in smoothly when they’re done.
Monitoring the Roast
It’s crucial to keep an eye on the necks as they roast. Here are some tips:
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Roast uncovered at first to brown the skin.
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Add broth and cover with foil to braise halfway through This keeps them moist,
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Turn necks over about halfway through roasting.
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Baste occasionally with pan juices to prevent drying out.
Adjusting Time and Temperature
If necks aren’t done after the recommended time, simply continue roasting, checking every 15 minutes until tender. You can also increase heat to 375°F-400°F to speed things up. But keep in mind, high heat can cause drying and shrinkage.
On the other hand, if you want extra tender necks, try cooking at 300°F and extending the time to 2 1/2 – 3 hours. The lower temperature gives the collagen more time to fully break down.
Serving Suggestions
Once roasted, turkey necks make a savory addition to:
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Hearty soups and stews
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Gravy and pan sauces
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Rice dishes and stir fries
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Sandwiches and tacos
Or enjoy them on their own as a tasty appetizer or snack!
With the right technique, roasted turkey necks are finger-licking good. Monitor them closely as they cook, adjust time and temperature as needed, and you’ll be rewarded with tender, juicy meat and incredible flavor. Enjoy this underappreciated cut and savor that intense turkey taste.
Other Ways to Serve Turkey Necks
Although theyre often overlooked, they can be transformed into a dish thatll impress your family and friends because of their versatility. Here are a couple of ways to elevate your next recipe using turkey necks.
Smoked Turkey Necks: Sure, you can smoke turkey necks on your own if you have a smoker. I do not. So, if I need smoked turkey necks for a recipe, Ill go straight to my local grocery store and purchase them there and thats it… easy and done. By the way, if you purchase them from the grocery store, they are fully cooked.
Smoked turkey necks are perfect for adding amazing flavor to collard greens, mustard greens, beans, stews or chili.
Smothered Turkey Necks: Turkey necks are perfect for creating a smooth and luscious homemade gravy. Similar to this turkey neck recipe, smothered turkey necks are amazing over rice or a bed of mashed potatoes.
How to Make Braised Turkey Necks
If youre a seasoned home cook or just starting in the kitchen, Ill walk you through each step to make the most tender braised turkey necks. So, gather all your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and lets get into this dish.
- Wash your turkey necks under cool water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Season liberally with kosher salt and a Cajun spice blend (alternatively, you can season with any of your favorite seasonings).
- Add cooking oil to the dutch oven and sear both sides of the turkey necks then place them on a clean plate and set aside.
- In the same dutch oven, saute the onions and minced garlic until fragrant.
- Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth then add the turkey necks back to the dutch oven.
- Use the lid to cover the necks then place them in the oven to braise.
- Remove your turkey necks from the oven when theyre done. Then, spoon the sauce over each one until theyre evenly coated.
- Serve over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice.
- Youll mostly find turkey necks at your local grocery store during the holiday season.
- Place them on your counter top and bring them to room temperature before you begin cooking.
- To get a really nice sear, its important to pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Season your turkey necks generously with Cajun seasoning or your favorite spice blend.
- I highly recommend taking the time to sear them before braising them. Searing adds an extra layer of flavor.
- For the most tender turkey necks, they should be braised in some sort of liquid such as water, chicken broth or stock. Keep in mind that chicken broth adds more flavor than just water.
Before braising, I recommend adding a little cooking oil to your dutch oven or oven-safe skillet and sear both sides of your turkey necks for approximately 8 minutes. Then, braise them in the oven between 1 hour and 50 minutes to 2 hours for them to come out fork tender.
You can clean turkey necks like you would any other raw meat by simply rinsing them really well under cool water. Its important to follow safety guidelines when handling any type of raw meat in order to prevent cross contamination and/or any food-borne illnesses
Store leftover turkey necks along with the pan juices in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid and place in the fridge for up to 3 days. When youre ready to reheat, remove the turkey necks from the fridge and place in an oven-safe skillet or dutch oven. Place them in a 375 degree preheated oven until warm throughout. This may take about 20 minutes.
Braised turkey necks can be eaten on their own as in this recipe. They can also be used in soups, stews, or for making black-eyed peas, beans or other dishes to add flavor.
How to Boil Turkey Neck & Giblets: Cooking with Kimberly
FAQ
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
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
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350 degrees:This is the most common recommended temperature for roasting a turkey, offering a good balance between cooking time and achieving a crispy skin while keeping the meat moist.
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325 degrees:While considered a “slow and steady” method, cooking at 325 degrees may take longer and might result in less crispy skin.
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High-heat start:Some recipes suggest starting at a higher temperature (like 425 degrees) for the first part of cooking to brown the skin quickly, then lowering to 350 degrees to finish cooking the turkey evenly.
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 to cook a turkey at 350 degrees?
- Unstuffed turkey: Cook at 350°F for 13 minutes per pound
- Stuffed turkey: Cook at 350°F for 15 minutes per pound
How long do you cook a turkey neck in the oven?
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.
How do you cook a turkey neck in a pan?
Place the prepared turkey necks in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. It is often beneficial to use a roasting rack to elevate the turkey necks, allowing the heat to circulate evenly around the meat and promote browning.
Can you cook a turkey neck without a roasting pan?
It is best to use a roasting pan with a rack to elevate the turkey necks. This allows for even air circulation and prevents them from sitting in their juices, resulting in a crispy exterior. However, if you don’t have a roasting pan, a baking sheet with sides can also work. Should I cover the turkey necks while cooking in the oven?
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.
What temperature should a turkey neck be cooked at?
When cooking turkey necks in the oven, it’s important to choose the right temperature to ensure that they cook evenly and retain their moisture. The recommended oven temperature for cooking turkey necks is 325°F (162°C). At this temperature, the turkey necks will have enough time to cook through without drying out.
Should you cover turkey necks when cooking?
It is not necessary to cover the turkey necks while cooking in the oven. However, if you prefer a more moist and tender result, you can cover them with foil for the first 30 minutes of cooking and then remove the foil for the remaining time. Are There Any Special Precautions I Should Take When Handling And Cooking Turkey Necks?