How Long to Cook Turkey Necks on the Stovetop for Delicious, Tender Meat

Turkey necks are an underrated cut of meat that can make for a delicious budget-friendly meal when cooked right. Many people wonder – how long do you cook turkey necks on the stovetop? Follow my guide for tips on achieving fork-tender fall-off-the-bone turkey necks through stovetop simmering.

Why Cook Turkey Necks on the Stove?

There are a few key benefits to using the stovetop instead of the oven when cooking turkey necks:

• More control over temperature – On the stove, you can easily adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer. This prevents overcooking.

• Extracts more flavor – The long, slow simmering of the turkey necks allows the cooking liquid to extract and concentrate the turkey flavor.

• Saves oven space – Freeing up your oven for cooking other dishes. The stovetop is more efficient for small batches.

• Easy monitoring – You can keep an eye on the pot more easily and check doneness by tasting the meat.

Step-by-Step Guide for Stovetop Turkey Necks

Follow these simple steps for guaranteed tender, flavorful turkey necks cooked on the stove:

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs turkey necks
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Water to cover necks fully

Instructions:

1. Rinse the turkey necks under cold water and pat dry.

2. Chop the vegetables – onion, carrots, celery, garlic.

3. Place the necks in a large pot and add enough water to cover by 2-3 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat.

4. Once boiling, reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Use a spoon to skim any foam from the top.

5. Add the vegetables, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the pot.

6. Simmer partially covered for 1.5-2 hours, until meat is very tender and easy to pull off the bones.

7. Remove pot from heat. Take out the necks and set aside to cool.

8. Once cool enough, pick any meat off the necks and reserve it.

9. Strain the broth through a mesh sieve into a bowl or container.

10. Refrigerate the broth and meat separately. Remove any hardened fat from the broth before use.

Cook Times and Doneness

• Simmer time: 1.5-2 hours
• Internal temperature: 175°F-185°F
• Doneness test: Meat should easily separate from the bones

Cooking times can vary based on the size and thickness of the necks. It’s important to check doneness periodically and continue simmering if needed.

How to Tell When Turkey Necks Are Done

Here are some ways to test if your turkey necks on the stovetop are fully cooked:

• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, it should reach 175°F-185°F.

• Try pulling on the meat with a fork, it should come away from the bone fairly easily when done.

• Poke the meat with a knife tip, there should be little resistance.

• Check that the meat has turned opaque and is no longer pink when cut into.

• Let a piece cool slightly and taste it, the meat should be juicy and tender throughout.

Don’t rely on just one test – use a combination to ensure doneness. If in doubt, simmer a bit longer. Waiting until completely tender will result in the most flavorful turkey necks.

Flavor Variations for Turkey Necks

There are many ways to add extra flavor to your pot of simmering turkey necks:

• Brown the necks in oil before simmering for deeper flavor.

• Use chicken or turkey broth instead of water for a more robust base.

• Add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, or Cajun seasoning.

• Toss in smoked turkey wings or necks for a smoky note.

• For heat, add crushed red pepper flakes, chili powder, or hot sauce.

• For herbal flavor, add parsley, cilantro, rosemary, or sage.

Get creative with spices, herbs, broths, and other seasonings to customize the flavor profile.

Serving and Using Leftover Turkey Neck Meat

The tender turkey neck meat that results from stovetop simmering can be used in all kinds of ways:

• Shred or dice the meat for casseroles, pasta dishes, soups, chili, etc.

• Mix with barbecue sauce for delicious turkey sliders.

• Make turkey salad, sandwiches, wraps, or tacos.

• Add to stews, gumbos, or vegetable dishes for extra protein.

• Use in place of ground meat in many recipes.

The flavorful turkey broth can also be used to enhance sauces, gravies, soups, and more. Don’t let any of this deliciousness go to waste!

Storing and Reheating Leftover Turkey Necks

To safely save and reheat leftover turkey necks:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

• Freeze for 2-3 months in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before use.

• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a bit of broth, stirring frequently.

• Reheat in the microwave in short intervals, checking often.

• Add to soups, chilis, etc. and reheat until bubbling.

Always reheat fully until steaming hot throughout before eating for food safety. Enjoy your leftovers within 3-4 days for maximum freshness and flavor.

Common Turkey Neck FAQs

How long should you boil turkey necks?

Simmer turkey necks for 1.5-2 hours to become fork tender. The extended low cooking breaks down the collagen.

Can you cook turkey necks from frozen?

Yes, cooking from frozen will just take a bit longer. Add extra simmering time, up to 30 minutes.

What’s the best way to cook turkey necks?

Slow, moist-heat methods like simmering, braising, or pressure cooking result in the most tender, flavorful meat.

How do you keep turkey necks from being tough?

Cook low and slow, keep moist by simmering or braising in broth, and cook until completely tender before serving.

Can you cook turkey necks in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until extremely tender.

Is simmering the same as boiling?

No, boiling is rapid, vigorous bubbling. Simmering maintains a gentle bubble with lower heat around 180°F.

Satisfying Turkey Necks Without the Hassle

With just a simple stovetop simmering method, you can unlock the full delicious potential of turkey necks. The low and slow cooking delivers supremely tender, flavorful meat that can be used in all sorts of recipes. Follow my tips on times, temperatures, and doneness tests for guaranteed success. Soon you’ll be enjoying satisfying turkey neck dishes on the regular without any hassle. Happy simmering!