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.
Here’s the thing: cooking low and slow takes time, but the meat that comes out of it is so tender it melts in your mouth.
These instructions are very easy to follow and only need a few things. They make a wonderful, cozy, and comforting weekend dinner.
If you want to make turkey necks, I suggest using a Dutch oven or an oven-safe skillet. This way, you can sear the necks on the stove and then put them right in the oven to keep cooking. This is the beauty of owning a dutch oven – theyre oven safe.
How Long To Roast Turkey Necks for Maximum FlavorTurkey necks are an underappreciated part of the bird that are packed with flavor. With the right technique, you can turn these bony pieces into a delicious addition to soups, stews, gravies and more. The key is roasting them long enough to make the meat tender but not so long that it dries out. Follow this guide to learn how long to roast turkey necks so they come out juicy, tender and full of rich turkey flavor every time
What You Need to Know About Turkey NecksTurkey necks contain a good amount of meat, collagen and fat which adds moisture and flavor when cooking The main challenge is that they are quite bony and contain a lot of connective tissue This requires low and slow roasting to break down the collagen into gelatin and baste the meat in its own rendered fat.
When raw, turkey necks feel quite tough. The skin is slippery to grasp. You’ll need to take care when handling not to cut yourself on any sharp edges of bone. Rinse them well before cooking.
Choosing the Right Turkey Necks
For optimal flavor and texture, choose fresh, raw turkey necks within a couple days of purchase. Look for plump necks with smooth, moist looking skin and avoid any with dry, wrinkled skin. Organic and free-range turkey necks offer even better flavor.
When buying frozen turkey necks, make sure they are solidly frozen with no signs of freezer burn or ice crystals which indicate improper storage. Thaw in the refrigerator before roasting.
Prep Work for Roasting Turkey NecksRemove any remaining feathers or pinfeathers with tweezers or pliers Rinse the turkey necks and pat them dry with paper towels Season lightly with salt and pepper.
For extra flavor, you can coat them with a spice rub. Cajun seasoning or a simple blend of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder and cayenne work nicely. Allow to marinate for 30 minutes up to overnight.
Preheating the Oven
Preheat your oven to 300°F which will slowly roast the turkey necks without drying them out. If you want crisper skin, you can bump up the temp to 350°F towards the end.
Selecting a Roasting Pan
Choose a roasting pan or dish just large enough to hold the necks in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding which prevents even cooking. Add a couple tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter to the pan which will baste the turkey necks as they cook.
How Long to Roast Turkey Necks
The roasting time can vary greatly depending on the size and quantity of the necks. Plan on roasting for 1 1/2 to 3 hours. Here are some general roasting time guidelines:
- 4 to 6 necks (2 to 2 1/2 lbs): 1 1/2 to 2 hours
- 8 to 12 necks (3 to 4 lbs): 2 to 2 1/2 hours
- 16 necks (6 to 8 lbs): 2 1/2 to 3 hours
For best results, maintain the lower roasting temp for the majority of the time to slowly render the fat and tenderize the meat. If you want crispier skin, increase to 350°F for the last 30 minutes.
Basting and Turning While Roasting
For even cooking and added moisture, baste the turkey necks every 30 minutes with the pan drippings. Turn them over halfway through roasting.
If the pan starts to look dry, add a splash of chicken or turkey broth to moisten. Tent loosely with foil to prevent over-browning if needed.
How to Tell When They’re Done
It’s difficult to rely on appearance alone to gauge doneness given the irregular shape. An instant read meat thermometer provides the best indication. Turkey necks are safely cooked at 165°F.
The meat should start shrinking back from the ends of the bones. Try pulling on the center joint of one of the necks. It should twist apart fairly easily when fully cooked and tender.
What If They’re Undercooked?
If the turkey necks still feel tough and the temperature reads under 165°F, loosely tent them with foil and continue roasting until fully cooked. Check every 15 minutes and don’t leave them unattended as they can overcook quickly.
What If They’re Overcooked?
It’s easy to go past that perfect point of tender doneness into dry, stringy meat if you’re not paying attention. Yanking apart an overcooked neck will reveal meat that is pulling away from the bone.
If slightly overdone, you can salvage the turkey necks by chopping or shredding the meat and using it in soups, gravies and casseroles where the extra cook time won’t matter as much.
Tips for Roasting Turkey Necks Perfectly Every Time
- Pat the necks dry before roasting for crisper skin.
- Use a lower temp (300°F) for most of the roasting time.
- Baste and turn the necks halfway through.
- Allow 1 1/2 to 3 hours depending on amount.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer.
- Watch closely near the end to prevent overcooking.
Put Those Delicious Roasted Turkey Necks to Use
Once you’ve mastered the perfect roasting time, you’ll find countless ways to put the tender, flavorful meat of the turkey necks to delicious use.
- Shred or chop the meat for casseroles, soups, gumbo and gravy.
- Serve roasted necks on their own seasoned with your favorite BBQ sauce.
- For the ultimate in rich flavor, finely chop and add to stuffing and dressing recipes.
With the simple roasting method outlined here, you can transform a pile of homely turkey necks into the star of your next meal. Enjoy putting this underused turkey part to delicious use. Your patience will be rewarded with finger-licking, fall-off-the-bone turkey meat.
Other Ways to Serve Turkey Necks
They are often forgotten, but because they are so versatile, you can turn them into a dish that will impress your family and friends. 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. For example, if I need smoked turkey necks for a recipe, I’ll just go to the grocery store and buy them there. 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. Like this turkey neck recipe, smothered turkey necks taste great on top of rice or mashed potatoes.
How to Make Braised Turkey Necks
Whether you’ve cooked at home before or this is your first time, I’ll show you how to make the most tender braised turkey necks. So, gather all your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and lets get into this dish.
- Use cool water to wash the turkey necks and paper towels to dry them.
- Use a lot of kosher salt and a Cajun spice blend to season (you can also use any of your favorite seasonings).
- Put oil in the Dutch oven and sear both sides of the turkey necks. Then, put them on a clean plate and set them aside.
- In the same Dutch oven, cook the onions and garlic until they smell good.
- To clean out the pan, add chicken broth. Then, put the turkey necks back in the Dutch oven.
- Cover the necks with the lid, then put them in the oven to braise.
- Remove your turkey necks from the oven when theyre done. Next, add the sauce to each one and spread it out so they’re all covered.
- Serve over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice.
- The only time you’ll really see turkey necks is at the grocery store around Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Spread them out on the counter and let them warm up before you start cooking.
- If you want a great sear, make sure to dry them well with paper towels.
- Use a lot of Cajun seasoning or your favorite spice blend to season your turkey necks.
- I really think you should sear them first before braising them. Searing adds an extra layer of flavor.
- To make turkey necks as tender as possible, you should braise them in water, chicken broth, or stock. When you cook, remember that chicken broth is more than just water.
Add a little cooking oil to your Dutch oven or oven-safe skillet and sear both sides of your turkey necks for about 8 minutes before braising. After that, braise them in the oven for at least an hour and a half to two hours, or until they are soft when you cut them.
Just rinse turkey necks really well under cool water to clean them like you would any other raw meat. When working with any kind of raw meat, it’s important to follow safety rules to avoid cross-contamination and/or getting food-borne illnesses.
You can keep the turkey necks and pan juices in the fridge for up to three days if you put them in a container with a lid that fits tightly. When you’re ready to reheat, take the turkey necks out of the fridge and put them in a skillet or dutch oven that can go in the 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 added to soups, stews, black-eyed peas, beans, and other dishes to make them taste better.
Super Tender Smothered Turkey Necks | Comfort Food | Chef AldenB
FAQ
How long to roast a turkey and what temperature?
How long does it take to cook pre smoked turkey necks?
How long do turkey wings take to bake at 350 degrees?
How long to cook bone in turkey per pound?
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.
Can you cook turkey necks in the oven?
Yes, you can definitely cook turkey necks in the oven. Roasting them in the oven is a popular method that results in tender and flavorful meat. How do I prepare turkey necks before cooking them in the oven? Before cooking turkey necks in the oven, it is recommended to rinse them with cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
How long do you cook frozen turkey necks?
This will ensure that the necks are cooked through evenly without any raw or undercooked parts. 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 smoker?
Place the turkey neck in a roasting pan and season with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Roast for 1 hour, or until the turkey neck is cooked through. * You can also smoke the turkey neck. To do this, place the turkey neck in a smoker and smoke it for 4-6 hours, or until the turkey neck is cooked through.
What temperature should a turkey neck be cooked at?
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. The lower heat allows the collagen and connective tissues in the necks to break down slowly, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
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.