How to cook boiled turkey necks on the stove so the meat is fork tender. Then enjoy as is or make into a delicious gravy for your holiday meal.
If you hate to waste food, you should try boiled turkey necks so you can get all the protein off your whole bird. It’s super flavorful dark meat packed with protein, calcium and nutrients. You can add it into gravy, soup or one of your favorite leftover turkey recipe.
Boiling a whole turkey may seem unconventional, but it’s an excellent technique for achieving incredibly moist, fall-off-the-bone meat. However, nailing the timing is crucial. Undercooking poses safety risks while overcooking yields dry, rubbery meat. So what’s the perfect boil time for tender, juicy turkey? This guide covers everything needed to masterfully boil turkeys.
Key Factors That Impact Turkey Boil Times
Several variables affect how long turkeys need boiling
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Turkey Size – Bigger birds require more time. Allow around 20 minutes per pound. A 12 lb turkey takes 4 hours while an 18 lb turkey needs 6 hours.
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Cooking Method – Fully submerged turkeys boil faster than shallow poaching Submerged turkeys need 20 minutes per pound versus 30 minutes per pound for shallow poaching.
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Temperature – A gentle simmer versus rolling boil impacts time. Gentle simmers take longer.
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Preparation – Unstuffed turkeys cook quicker than stuffed. Removing giblets also speeds up cooking.
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Altitude – Higher altitudes increase boil time due to lower boiling points. Add 5 minutes per pound per 500 ft above 2000 ft elevation.
A Step-By-Step Guide to Perfect Turkey Boil Times
Follow this simple guide to nail boil times perfectly every time:
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Weigh turkey and calculate raw weight in pounds. This determines time.
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Add 5 minutes per pound for stuffed turkeys or leaving giblets in.
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For fully submerged, allow 20 minutes per pound. For shallow poaching, allow 30 minutes per pound.
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If maintaining a gentle simmer rather than rolling boil, add 10 minutes per pound.
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Check elevation and add 5 minutes per pound for every 500 ft over 2000 ft.
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Use a timer to accurately track total time. Monitor periodically while boiling.
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Insert a thermometer in the thickest thigh part to ensure 165°F is reached.
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Let turkey rest 15 minutes before carving for optimized moisture.
Boil Time Examples for Different Turkey Sizes
To provide a better idea, here are some sample boil times for typical turkey sizes:
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12 lb turkey at sea level, unstuffed, fully submerged, gentle simmer:
- 12 lbs x 20 minutes per pound = 240 minutes or 4 hours
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18 lb turkey at 5000 ft elevation, stuffed, shallow poach, rolling boil:
- 18 lbs x 30 minutes per pound = 540 minutes
- Extra 90 minutes for stuffing (5 mins x 18 lbs)
- Extra 45 minutes for 2500 ft elevation (5 mins x 18 lbs x 500 ft increments)
- Total Time: 675 minutes or 11 hours 15 minutes
As shown, altitude, preparation, and cook method can significantly impact times. Use these guidelines flexibly, testing frequently while boiling.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Moisture When Boiling
Follow these tips for optimally juicy turkey meat when boiling:
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Bring liquid to a boil before adding turkey to help it cook faster.
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Use enough liquid to fully submerge the turkey by 1-2 inches minimum.
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Maintain a gentle simmer rather than rapid boil to prevent tough meat.
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Use an accurate food thermometer to test doneness, even if boil time has elapsed.
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Allow the turkey to rest 15-30 minutes before carving so juices redistribute.
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Serve with boiling juices for added moisture and flavor.
Safety Tips to Avoid Undercooked Poultry
To prevent foodborne illness when boiling turkey, follow these safety tips:
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Always thaw turkey fully in the fridge before boiling. Do not boil frozen turkeys.
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Verify the thickest thigh area reaches 165°F with a food thermometer. Do not rely solely on boil time.
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Keep boiled turkey at 140°F minimum until serving. Discard leftovers after 3-4 days.
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Never leave turkey at room temperature over 2 hours total before and after cooking.
Master Perfectly Cooked Boiled Turkey Every Time
Mastering turkey boil times takes the guesswork out of this cooking method. By following these guidelines and using a good thermometer, you’ll easily achieve flawlessly cooked turkeys for holidays and everyday meals. Simply adjust boil times as needed based on preparation, cook technique, and elevation. In no time, you’ll be expertly boiling juicy, tender turkeys tailored to your preferences.
Delicious Boiled Turkey Recipes to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basics of boiling turkey, explore recipes that showcase this method’s juicy flavor:
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Comforting Boiled Turkey Vegetable Soup – The tender turkey complements vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes in this soothing soup.
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Asian Style Boiled Turkey – Boiling allows flavors like ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili sauce to deeply season the meat.
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Crowd Pleasing Boiled Turkey Pot Pie – Combine boiled turkey with vegetables and gravy, then top with a flaky pie crust for a family-friendly dish.
Boiling turkey isn’t just a novel technique, but also a delicious way to infuse moistness and flavor into the meat. Master the method, then get creative with globally inspired boiled turkey recipes for your next hearty meal.
How to Cook Turkey Necks
We first shared air fryer turkey necks the other day. Those get really crispy with a dry rub on the outside. Now it was time to get it as tender as possible so the meat just falls right off. The best way to do this with any protein is to submerge in boiling water for a while.
Since it’s going to be in there a good hour it is best to add some seasonings and a few pieces of produce. White or yellow onion, celery and carrots are the most commonly used for this or when boiling a whole chicken too. When done you can then use this homemade turkey broth of sorts in other recipes.
Dutch Oven Turkey Necks
If you have one of these babies it works quite well to keep a consistent temperature since it is made of cast iron. A large pot will work just as well but you’ll want a lid on it to keep it at a medium high heat. If you are going to use the broth later for something you’ll want a colander or sieve to strain the bits out of it.
How long do you cook a turkey per pound in the oven?
FAQ
How long does it take for turkey to boil?
If the turkey is smaller – and therefore younger and more tender – you can use less water. Cover and bring to a boil, then turn the heat down so the pot is only just simmering; a bubble or two every now and again is what you want. The turkey will be ready in up to two hours. Mine was ready in about 90 minutes.
How long does it take to boil turkey innards?
So while the turkey is roasting the next day, place the neck and giblets into a medium saucepan, cover it with water by about 2 inches, and bring it to a boil. After it boils, reduce the heat to a strong simmer and cook them for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the meat is totally cooked through.
Can you cook turkey in water?
Place turkey in a clean sink or a large roasting pan. Pour hot water over the entire turkey including in the cavities. The skin will shrink tightly to the turkey. “This will help hold the natural juices in the turkey while it is cooking.
How long do you boil a Turkey?
Follow this simple guide for perfect boil times every time: Calculate Raw Weight: Weigh your turkey in pounds before cooking. This determines time. Consider Cook Method: For fully submerged, allow 20 minutes per pound. For shallow poaching, allow 30 minutes per pound.
How long does it take to cook a 10 pound turkey?
The cooking time for a turkey will vary depending on its size. A general rule of thumb is to cook a turkey for 15 minutes per pound, plus an additional 30 minutes. So, a 10-pound turkey would take about 3 hours to cook.
Can You boil a turkey breast?
Breast Style – A breast-style turkey is easiest since the white and dark meat cook at similar rates. As long as you have ample pot space, you have flexibility in choosing your perfect bird for boiling. Boiling a turkey doesn’t require any fancy tools – just a few basics:
How to cook a perfectly boiled turkey?
Now let’s walk through the simple process of perfectly boiled turkey: 1. Prepare the Turkey Remove neck and giblets if included. Rinse turkey inside and out with cold water. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Season the cavity lightly with salt and pepper. Truss the turkey legs together with cooking twine to keep everything tidy. 2.
What temperature do you boil a Turkey?
The ideal temperature for boiling a turkey is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can check the internal temperature of the turkey using a meat thermometer. The turkey is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. What is the best way to boil a turkey?
How long do you cook a 15 lb turkey breast?
Place turkey breast side down in pot. Add more liquid if needed to completely cover. Bring the broth to a boil over high heat. Let it boil for a few minutes. 4. Reduce Heat and Simmer Once boiling, reduce heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover pot with lid slightly ajar. Simmer 20 minutes per pound, about 4 hours for a 15 lb turkey.