10 Delicious Ways to Cook Turkey Necks

Turkey necks: A delicious and versatile ingredient

Turkey necks are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are packed with flavor and nutrients, and they are relatively inexpensive.

In this article, we will discuss the different ways to cook turkey necks, including roasting, braising, and frying. We will also provide some tips on how to make the most of this underutilized ingredient.

So whether you are looking for a new way to use up leftover turkey necks or you are simply looking for a delicious and hearty meal, read on for some great ideas!

Ingredients	Instructions	Image
1 cup of water 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon of salt 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns 1 bay leaf 1 turkey neck	In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the water, apple cider vinegar, salt, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour. Add the turkey neck and cook for another 1 hour, or until the meat is tender. Remove the turkey neck from the pot and let cool slightly. Shred the meat and serve with your favorite sides.
1 cup of barbecue sauce 1/2 cup of brown sugar 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup of ketchup 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon of chili powder 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder 1 turkey neck	In a large bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until the ingredients are well combined. Place the turkey neck in a large baking dish. Pour the barbecue sauce mixture over the turkey neck. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 2 hours, or until the meat is tender. Remove the turkey neck from the oven and let cool slightly. Shred the meat and serve with your favorite sides.

Basic Preparation Methods

Turkey necks are a flavorful and economical cut of meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. However, before you can cook them, you need to clean and cook them properly.

How to clean turkey necks

To clean turkey necks, you will need:

* A sink
* A sharp knife
* A cutting board
* A bowl of water
* A paper towel

1. Rinse the turkey necks under cold running water.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut off any excess fat or skin.
3. Cut the turkey necks into 2-inch pieces.
4. Place the turkey necks in a bowl of cold water.
5. Soak the turkey necks for 30 minutes to remove any impurities.
6. Drain the turkey necks and pat them dry with a paper towel.

How to cook turkey necks

Turkey necks can be cooked in a variety of ways, including roasting, braising, and stewing.

Roasting turkey necks

To roast turkey necks, you will need:

* A roasting pan
* Olive oil
* Salt
* Pepper
* Garlic powder
* Onion powder
* Paprika
* Thyme
* Rosemary
* 1 cup of chicken broth

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Grease a roasting pan with olive oil.
3. Season the turkey necks with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
4. Place the turkey necks in the roasting pan.
5. Pour the chicken broth over the turkey necks.
6. Roast the turkey necks for 1 hour, or until they are cooked through.

Braised turkey necks

To braise turkey necks, you will need:

* A large pot
* Olive oil
* Salt
* Pepper
* 1 cup of dry white wine
* 1 cup of chicken broth
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves of garlic, minced
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 1 celery stalk, chopped
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon of dried oregano

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Season the turkey necks with salt and pepper.
3. Add the turkey necks to the pot and brown them on all sides.
4. Add the white wine and chicken broth to the pot.
5. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until the turkey necks are cooked through.
6. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bay leaf, thyme, and oregano to the pot.
7. Cover the pot and simmer for an additional 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender.

Stewed turkey necks

To stew turkey necks, you will need:

* A large pot
* Olive oil
* Salt
* Pepper
* 1 cup of water
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves of garlic, minced
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 1 celery stalk, chopped
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon of dried oregano

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Season the turkey necks with salt and pepper.
3. Add the turkey necks to the pot and brown them on all sides.
4. Add the water to the pot.
5. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until the turkey necks are cooked through.
6. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bay leaf, thyme, and oregano to the pot.
7. Cover the pot and simmer for an additional 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender.

Main Dishes

Turkey necks can be used in a variety of main dishes, including soups, stews, and casseroles.

Roasted turkey necks

Roasted turkey necks are a delicious and easy way to cook this flavorful cut of meat. They can be served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or rice.

To make roasted turkey necks, you will need:

* 1 pound of turkey necks
* 1 tablespoon of olive oil
* Salt
* Pepper
* 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon of onion powder
* 1 teaspoon of paprika
* 1 teaspoon of thyme
* 1 teaspoon of rosemary

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
3. Season the turkey necks with salt, pepper

Side Dishes

Turkey necks are a flavorful and economical cut of meat that can be used to make a variety of delicious side dishes. Here are a few of our favorites:

* Turkey neck stock is a rich and flavorful broth that can be used as a base for soups, stews, and sauces. To make turkey neck stock, simply simmer turkey necks in water with vegetables, herbs, and spices for several hours. The resulting stock will be full of flavor and nutrients.
* Turkey neck soup is a hearty and comforting soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. To make turkey neck soup, simmer turkey necks in a flavorful broth with vegetables, herbs, and spices. You can also add beans, rice, or noodles to the soup to make it more filling.
* Turkey neck salad is a light and refreshing salad that is perfect for summer. To make turkey neck salad, combine shredded turkey necks with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Dress the salad with your favorite dressing and enjoy.

Appetizers and Snacks

Turkey necks can also be used to make a variety of delicious appetizers and snacks. Here are a few of our favorites:

* Turkey neck jerky is a flavorful and healthy snack that is perfect for on-the-go. To make turkey neck jerky, simply marinate turkey necks in a flavorful marinade and then dry them in the oven or dehydrator.
* Turkey neck cracklins are a crispy and addictive snack that is perfect for parties or game day. To make turkey neck cracklins, simply fry turkey necks in oil until they are crispy.
* Turkey neck fries are a healthier alternative to traditional french fries. To make turkey neck fries, simply cut turkey necks into fry-sized pieces and bake them in the oven until they are crispy.

Conclusion

Turkey necks are a versatile and flavorful cut of meat that can be used to make a variety of delicious dishes. Whether you’re looking for a hearty main course, a flavorful side dish, or a satisfying snack, turkey necks are a great option.

What are turkey necks?

Turkey necks are the long, slender muscles that connect the turkey’s head to its body. They are a dark meat that is typically tough and chewy, but can be made tender and flavorful with proper cooking methods.

What are some ways to cook turkey necks?

There are many ways to cook turkey necks, but some of the most popular methods include:

* Braising: Braising is a slow cooking method that involves cooking the turkey necks in a liquid, such as stock or wine. This method helps to break down the tough connective tissue in the meat, making it more tender.
* Roasting: Roasting is another popular cooking method for turkey necks. This method involves cooking the turkey necks in the oven until they are browned and cooked through.
* Smoking: Smoking is a great way to add flavor to turkey necks. This method involves cooking the turkey necks over indirect heat from a smoker.
* Canning: Canning is a great way to preserve turkey necks for later use. This method involves cooking the turkey necks in a brine solution and then sealing them in jars.

What are some of the benefits of eating turkey necks?

Turkey necks are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are also relatively low in fat, making them a healthy option for people who are watching their weight.

What are some of the challenges of cooking turkey necks?

The biggest challenge of cooking turkey necks is that they can be tough and chewy. However, this can be overcome by using proper cooking methods, such as braising or roasting.

What are some tips for cooking turkey necks?

Here are a few tips for cooking turkey necks:

* Start with a brine: Brining turkey necks will help to make them more tender.
* Cook them slowly: Slow cooking methods, such as braising or roasting, will help to break down the tough connective tissue in the meat.
* Don’t overcook them: Turkey necks can become tough if they are overcooked.
* Serve them with a flavorful sauce: A flavorful sauce can help to make turkey necks more enjoyable to eat.

What are some common mistakes people make when cooking turkey necks?

Some common mistakes people make when cooking turkey necks include:

* Not brining them: Brining turkey necks will help to make them more tender.
* Overcooking them: Turkey necks can become tough if they are overcooked.
* Not serving them with a flavorful sauce: A flavorful sauce can help to make turkey necks more enjoyable to eat.

What are some recipes that use turkey necks?

Here are a few recipes that use turkey necks:

* Braised Turkey Necks with Red Wine and Vegetables: This recipe is a great way to make tender and flavorful turkey necks.
* Roasted Turkey Necks with Garlic and Rosemary: This recipe is a simple and delicious way to cook turkey necks.
* Smoked Turkey Necks with Cajun Spice Rub: This recipe is a great way to add flavor to turkey necks.
* Canned Turkey Necks in Tomato Sauce: This recipe is a great way to preserve turkey necks for later use.

Turkey necks are a flavorful and versatile cut of meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are a good source of protein and nutrients, and they are relatively inexpensive. When cooked properly, turkey necks can be tender and juicy.

There are many different ways to cook turkey necks. They can be roasted, grilled, braised, or stewed. They can also be used in soups, salads, and casseroles. No matter how you cook them, turkey necks are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Here are a few tips for cooking turkey necks:

* Marinate the necks before cooking them. This will help to tenderize the meat and add flavor.
* Cook the necks slowly over low heat. This will help to keep the meat moist and juicy.
* Don’t overcook the necks. They should be cooked until they are tender, but not dry.

Here are some ideas for dishes that you can make with turkey necks:

* Roasted Turkey Necks with Gravy
* Grilled Turkey Necks with BBQ Sauce
* Braised Turkey Necks with Vegetables
* Turkey Neck Soup
* Turkey Neck Salad
* Turkey Neck Casserole

With a little creativity, you can use turkey necks to create delicious and satisfying meals for your family. So next time you have a turkey, don’t forget about the necks! They are a great way to use up every part of the bird.