How Long To Cook The Neck Of A Turkey For Delicious Results

The neck of a turkey is an often overlooked and underappreciated cut of meat. But when cooked properly turkey necks can be incredibly flavorful nutritious and delicious. The key is knowing exactly how long to cook a turkey neck to get the best results.

Why Cook The Turkey Neck?

There are several great benefits to cooking the turkey neck rather than discarding it

• It contains a good amount of edible, succulent dark meat when cooked long enough to soften the connective tissue and cartilage.

• The bones and cartilage add tremendous flavor as they break down, imparting delicious gelatin and collagen to sauces, gravies and braised dishes.

• Turkey necks are very inexpensive, often costing just pennies per pound. You get excellent value for your money.

• Minimal prep work is required – just a quick rinse before cooking.

• The rich, gamier taste provides a nice contrast to the milder breast meat.

Choosing The Right Turkey Necks

When selecting turkey necks to cook, look for ones that are fresh, not frozen. Check the sell-by date and pick necks that are within just a couple days of this date for optimal freshness. They should have a fresh, raw turkey aroma without any off odors. Avoid necks with dry or cracked skin.

Turkey necks are sold fully cooked or raw. For the best flavor and texture, look for raw necks from the butcher section. Cooked, smoked necks are best added to soups and beans to infuse flavor.

Pick similarly sized necks so they cook evenly. Very large necks can be cut in half crosswise by your butcher to shorten the cooking time. Rinse the necks just before cooking and pat dry.

How Long To Cook A Turkey Neck – Methods & Timing

The exact cooking time for turkey necks depends on a few factors:

• Cooking method – Braising, smoking, roasting and grilling all require different cooking times.

• Temperature – Higher temperatures will shorten the cooking time.

• Size of necks – Larger necks take longer. Cut very meaty necks in half.

• ** Amount of collagen** – Older turkeys have more connective tissue that requires more time to break down.

Here are rough guidelines for how long to cook turkey necks using various methods:

• Braising: 60-90 minutes
• Stewing: 1.5-2 hours
• Smoking: 2-3 hours
• Roasting: 45-60 minutes
• Grilling: 45-60 minutes
• Slow cooker: 7-8 hours on low

The turkey necks are done cooking when the meat is very tender and easy to pull off the bone. If cooking whole necks, test doneness by piercing the thickest part of the meat near the bone with a knife tip. The juices should run clear, not pink.

Always use a meat thermometer to verify doneness for food safety. Turkey necks should reach an internal temp of 165°F when done.

Step-By-Step Cooking Methods

Follow these simple step-by-step methods to cook moist, flavorful turkey necks perfectly every time.

Braising Turkey Necks

Braise for deliciously tender meat that falls off the bone:

1. Pat necks dry and season all over with salt and pepper.
2. Brown necks well on all sides in hot oil in a Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot.
3. Add liquid like broth, wine or barbecue sauce, enough to cover necks halfway.
4. Simmer gently over low heat until tender, 60-90 minutes.
5. Use braising liquid as a tasty sauce or gravy.

Roasting Turkey Necks

Roasting helps render fat and crisp the skin:

1. Rub necks with oil or butter and season with herbs, salt and pepper.
2. Place necks on a rack in a roasting pan.
3. Roast at 400°F for 45-60 minutes until skin is browned and meat is cooked through.
4. Flip halfway for even cooking and test doneness with a meat thermometer.

Grilling Turkey Necks

Grilling lends delicious smoky charred flavor:

1. Toss necks with oil and your favorite rub or seasoning blend.
2. Grill over indirect medium heat for 45-60 minutes with the lid closed.
3. Move over direct heat for 1-2 minutes per side to crisp the skin at the end.
4. Check doneness by inserting a probe thermometer into the thickest part of meat.

Smoking Turkey Necks

For incredible depth of flavor, try smoking at 225-250°F for 2-3 hours:

1. Lightly season necks with salt, pepper and spices.
2. Place necks directly on smoker racks.
3. Insert a probe thermometer into the meat, avoiding bone.
4. Smoke until internal temp reaches 165°F.
5. Allow to rest 10 minutes before pulling meat from bones.

Slow Cooker Turkey Necks

For convenience, cook low and slow in a crockpot:

1. Place seasoned necks into a slow cooker and add 1 cup broth or water.
2. Cook on low heat setting for 7-8 hours.
3. Remove necks and separate tender meat from bones.
4. Use cooking liquid as the base for gravy.

Serving Suggestions For Cooked Turkey Necks

The rich, savory meat that comes off well-cooked necks is extremely versatile. Get creative with these serving ideas:

• In gumbos, jambalaya, soups and chilis
• Mixed into rice, beans or grits
• Over mashed potatoes or pasta
• In tacos, enchiladas or hand pies
• Topping pizza, nachos or baked potatoes
• On sandwiches or wraps
• In omelets, frittatas or breakfast hash

Don’t let this tasty meat go to waste! Use it in all kinds of comforting one-pot meals and family favorites.

Storage Tips For Cooked Turkey Necks

• Allow cooked necks to cool completely before refrigerating.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Freeze for 2-3 months; thaw overnight in fridge before using.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a 350°F oven until hot, 165°F.

With these simple methods and cooking time guidelines, you can easily master cooking delicious turkey necks. This underutilized cut offers a world of flavor to explore in all types of mouthwatering recipes.