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 meals. 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 parts 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 grocery stores sell packs of turkey necks I like to buy mine fresh, but you can also find smoked pre-cooked turkey necks.
Nutrition
Turkey necks are packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. A 3 oz serving contains:
- 17g protein
- 15% DV iron
- 9% DV calcium
- 4% DV vitamin C
They are also low in fat and calories compared to other cuts of meat.
Taste and Texture
The meat has a rich, savory taste similar to dark turkey meat. Turkey necks contain a high collagen content, so the meat becomes fall-off-the-bone tender when slowly cooked.
The cartilage also helps thicken and add body to soups, gravies and stews.
18 Ways To Use Turkey Necks
From southern comfort foods to exotic curries, here are my favorite ways to cook turkey necks:
1. Smothered Turkey Necks
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Brown turkey necks then braise with onions, carrots and homemade gravy until tender.
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Serve over mashed potatoes, rice or pasta. So satisfying!
2. Turkey Neck Soup
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Simmer turkey necks in chicken broth with veggies and seasonings.
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Pull meat off bones and add back to soup.
3. BBQ Turkey Necks
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Coat with your favorite bbq dry rub or sauce.
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Grill or bake until deliciously caramelized.
4. Smoked Turkey Necks
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Hot smoke for 2-4 hours until tender.
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Chop and add to baked beans, soups, etc.
5. Turkey Neck Gravy
- Use roasted necks to make the most flavorful gravy ever.
6. Turkey Neck Stew
- Stew turkey necks peas, potatoes and carrots for a hearty one-pot meal.
7. Turkey Neck Hash
- Chop necks and sauté with potatoes, onions, peppers and spices.
8. Turkey Neck and Dumplings
- Simmer necks in broth then top with flaky homemade dumplings.
9. Turkey Neck Jambalaya
- Sauté neck meat with trinity veggies then stir in rice and cajun spices.
10. Turkey Neck Fried Rice
- Dice and stir-fry with veggies, rice and eggs.
11. Turkey Neck Pho
- Simmer necks in pho broth and serve with rice noodles, basil, lime, etc.
12. Turkey Neck Curry
- Braise necks in an aromatic coconut curry sauce. Serve over rice.
13. Turkey Neck Chili
- Use smoked necks for the heartiest turkey chili ever.
14. Turkey Neck Pozole
- Cook necks in traditional pozole broth with hominy, radish, cabbage, etc.
15. Turkey Neck Tacos
- Shred neck meat and pile into tortillas with all the fixings.
16. Turkey Neck Ragu
- Braise necks in a red wine tomato sauce. Toss with pasta.
17. Turkey Neck Pot Pie
- Simmer necks in gravy then bake under a flaky crust.
18. Turkey Neck Stock
- Simmer necks to make a rich, collagen-packed stock for soups.
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.