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’m crazy for cooking with turkey necks, but this recipe will make you think again. In Ukraine, where I grew up, we were taught that all parts of an animal can be eaten. When prepared properly, turkey necks are a wonderful, fall-off-the-bone comfort food!.
These turkey necks are great to eat on a cold winter day because they are seared and then roasted in the oven. People often forget how good the neck of the chicken is, and they don’t use it enough in their cooking. Serve the necks with mashed potatoes or white rice, or eat them straight from the oven.
Turkey necks are an underappreciated and versatile ingredient that can transform your meal. Whether smoked, braised, roasted or added to soups and gravies, these flavorful parts offer a world of possibilities. In this article, I’ll share 18 mouthwatering ways to make the most of turkey necks.
What Are Turkey Necks?
Turkey necks are bony cartilage-rich cuts found in the neck cavity when you purchase a whole turkey. They contain a good amount of meat lots of collagen, and tons of flavor.
Many cultures around the world make good use of turkey necks in their cuisines. However, they often get overlooked in American cooking. It’s a shame because they are inexpensive nutrient-dense and incredibly tasty.
Nutritional Benefits
There are many health benefits to eating turkey necks:
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High in protein – Excellent source of lean protein to support muscle growth and repair
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Rich in collagen – Contains glycine and proline to boost skin, joint and gut health.
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Nutrient-dense – Provides iron, selenium, phosphorus, zinc and B vitamins.
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Affordable – More budget-friendly than other turkey cuts like breast.
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Low-carb – Contains no carbs and sugar compared to other meat choices.
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Versatile – Can be used in many different recipes and cuisines.
How To Cook Turkey Necks
Turkey necks have a decent amount of meat on them but they do require slow, moist cooking methods to become tender. Here are some of the best ways to cook them:
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Braising: Simmer the necks in broth until fork tender. Great for stews, chili and soups.
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Smoking: Use a smoker or grill to infuse deep smoky flavors. Delicious on sandwiches.
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Roasting: Brown in the oven with seasonings to intensify flavor.
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Stewing: Simmer in sauce or gravy for fall-off-the-bone meat.
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Grilling: Quick grill over high heat to add char. Finish cooking in a sauce.
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Slow Cooker: Let it cook low and slow to become ultra tender.
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Pressure Cooker: Speed up cook times to under an hour.
18 Turkey Neck Recipe Ideas
Now let’s get into the fun part – here are 18 delicious ways to cook up turkey necks:
1. Smothered Turkey Necks
Simmer turkey necks in a rich homemade gravy until fall-apart tender. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice or pasta. Southern comfort food at its best!
2. Turkey Neck Chili
Add smoked turkey necks to your favorite chili recipe for extra meaty flavor. The smokiness pairs perfectly with the spices.
3. Creamy Turkey Neck Soup
Gently simmer necks in a creamy broth with veggies like celery, carrots and potatoes. Shred the tender meat back into the soup.
4. BBQ Turkey Necks
Smother turkey necks in your favorite sticky, tangy BBQ sauce. Finish on the grill for crispy edges.
5. Turkey Neck Stock
Save turkey necks after roasting a turkey to simmer into a rich, collagen-filled turkey broth. Use for soups, gravies and stews.
6. Sesame Turkey Necks
Toss necks in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger and garlic. Roast until caramelized and sticky.
7. Cajun Turkey Necks
Season necks with Cajun spices and blackening seasoning. Sear then finish cooking in simmering sauce.
8. Turkey Neck & Dumplings
Make an easy turkey stew with veggies then top with fluffy homemade dumplings. Pure comfort food.
9. Jerk Turkey Necks
Infuse Caribbean flavor into necks with a spicy jerk marinade. Grill over high heat for crispy charred edges.
10. Turkey Neck Gravy
Use roasted turkey necks to make an insanely rich and savory gravy. Goes perfectly with Thanksgiving dinner.
11. Smoked Turkey Neck Beans
Add smoky, tender chopped turkey necks to baked beans or other bean dishes for extra heartiness.
12. Turkey Neck Pho
Throw turkey necks into your favorite pho recipe while simmering the broth for even more flavor.
13. Turkey Neck Fried Rice
Stir chopped turkey necks into fried rice for tasty bite-sized morsels in every spoonful.
14. Turkey Neck Meatballs
Grind up cooked turkey necks to mix into the ultimate hearty and juicy meatballs.
15. Turkey Neck & Vegetable Soup
Simmer necks with carrots, celery, potatoes, beans and herbs for a nourishing one-pot meal.
16. Turkey Neck Shepherd’s Pie
Make ground turkey neck the star in a cozy shepherd’s pie baked under fluffy mashed potatoes.
17. Turkey Neck & Noodle Soup
Shred tender cooked necks and add to chicken noodle soup for extra protein and collagen.
18. Turkey Neck Tacos
Chop or shred turkey necks and stuff into warm corn tortillas. Top with all your favorite taco fixings.
Other Ways to Cook Turkey Necks
Now that you love turkey necks (right?!), try cooking them in some new ways! Here are a few of my favorites:
- Smoked Turkey Necks: Most of the time, the butcher will have turkey necks that have already been smoked. These are great with stews or chili because they taste great with them.
- If you have a smoker at home, you can smoke your own turkey necks. Just set the smoker to 180F and cook the necks for two to four hours, or until the meat falls off the bone. You could think of these smoked necks as a fun change from regular smoked chicken wings!
- Turkey Neck Soup: My boys love turkey neck soup. And just like chicken noodle soup, it’s very comforting and the best thing to make when someone is sick.
- Turkey Neck Gravy: Turkey neck meat is nice and dark, and it’s great for making gravy. Make a batch and smother it over just about anything!.
Note: You can find turkey necks in most, large grocery stores, although not every store carries them.
How to Make Turkey Necks
You may be feeling a bit intimidated to take on cooking turkey necks. Don’t fret! It’s super easy and very similar to roasting any other type of meat.
First, you will brown the turkey necks on a hot skillet. After the necks are browned, put them in a cast iron skillet with fresh onions and carrots. Bake them for about an hour and a half. When you take the turkey necks out of the oven, the meat will be so soft that it will fall off the bone.
Super Tender Smothered Turkey Necks | Comfort Food | Chef AldenB
FAQ
What is the best use of turkey neck?
Is there anything that can be done for turkey neck?
What to do with turkey neck and giblets besides gravy?
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 are turkey necks used for?
Turkey necks are a versatile ingredient that may be used in a variety of dishes. This affordable part of turkey meat robustly enhances a meal’s taste. You will be astonished at the flavor burst it offers. Check out these great Turkey Neck Recipes that have been shared on Pinterest.
What to do with smoked turkey necks?
One of the simplest and most satisfying ways to enjoy already smoked turkey necks is by making a comforting soup. Here’s a quick and easy recipe to get you started: In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until they begin to soften.
Can you cook a turkey neck separately?
Since the turkey neck is typically removed before the turkey is smoked or baked, it’s easy to set aside and cook separately. Mix turkey neck in with vegetables like collard greens or pinto beans for a holiday-themed twist on a Southern staple.
Are turkey necks good?
Turkey necks are an often overlooked and underrated gem in the world of poultry. While they might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of turkey, necks are a treasure trove of flavor. Packed with succulent meat and rich in collagen, they are perfect for making savory stocks, broths, and soups.