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.
Heres the thing, cooking low and slow requires patience but when cooked properly the end result is melt-in-your-mouth tender meat.
This recipe is so simple to make and requires only a handful of ingredients and makes for a great weekend dinner thats cozy and comforting.
When making turkey necks, I recommend a dutch oven or an oven-safe skillet, so you can sear your necks on top of the stove-top then immediately place them in the oven to continue the cooking process. This is the beauty of owning a dutch oven – theyre oven safe.
Turkey necks are an underappreciated and often overlooked part of the bird But don’t toss them out! These bony, cartilaginous cuts are packed with deep, succulent flavor that can elevate soups, stews, stocks and more
At our house, we look forward to cooking with turkey necks Here are 11 of our favorite ways to make the most of these underrated turkey parts
1. Make Rich, Flavorful Turkey Stock
One of the best uses for turkey necks is to make homemade turkey stock. When simmered with aromatics like onions, carrots and celery, the necks release tremendous flavor and body. This stock is the secret to exceptional gravies, soups and sauces.
2. Transform Stock Into Velvety Turkey Gravy
Speaking of gravy, turkey neck stock is gravy gold! Simply whisk flour into the hot stock until thickened and simmer briefly. The natural gelatin from the necks gives the gravy luxurious body without cornstarch or thickeners.
3. Braise For Succulent Shredded Turkey
Low and slow braising tenderizes turkey necks into fall-off-the-bone shredded meat. Use it to top salads, fold into tacos, blend into soups – the possibilities are endless.
4. Craft Hearty Turkey Neck Soup
Nothing satisfies like a steaming bowl of turkey neck soup. Simmer veggies like potatoes, cabbage and greens in your turkey neck broth, then add shredded meat Comfort food at its finest!
5. Make Savory Pot Pies
Chunky bites of braised turkey neck meat paired with veggies like peas and pearl onions are magnificent tucked into a fluffy biscuit crust. Total pot pie perfection.
6. Stew Up Turkey Neck Chili
Ground turkey might get all the chili glory, but shredded turkey neck meat is a delicious alternative. Braise necks, shred, then simmer with beans, tomatoes, spices and fixings.
7. Mix Up Delicious Tacos
Get creative with braised turkey neck by making fajita, barbecue, mole verde or other flavored tacos. Top with all your favorites for fun leftover reinventions.
8. Craft Turkified Dumpling Soup
Dropping tender pillows of dough into simmering turkey neck broth creates the ultimate comfort food dumpling soup. Simple, thrifty and so satisfying.
9. Fry Up Crispy Turkey Neck Confit
Confit refers to meat cooked and preserved in fat. Try poaching necks in oil or turkey fat, refrigerate, then fry until gloriously crispy. Snackable magic!
10. Pickle Andpreserve
Use fully cooked, shredded turkey necks in any pickled preparation. They also make a stellar component for savory preserves like chicken salad. Get creative!
11. Turn Leftovers Into Hash
Leftover shredded turkey neck earns a tasty second life when sautéed into hash with veggies and seasonings. Top with a fried egg for breakfast bliss.
As you can see, humble turkey necks offer a world of thrifty flavor possibilities. With a little skill and imagination, you can give these unassuming leftovers new life in soups, stews, tacos, gravies and more.
Next time you roast a turkey, save that neck! With proper preparation, these tender, succulent morsels will have your family gobbling them up.
How to Make Braised Turkey Necks
If youre a seasoned home cook or just starting in the kitchen, Ill walk you through each step to make the most tender braised turkey necks. So, gather all your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and lets get into this dish.
- Wash your turkey necks under cool water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Season liberally with kosher salt and a Cajun spice blend (alternatively, you can season with any of your favorite seasonings).
- Add cooking oil to the dutch oven and sear both sides of the turkey necks then place them on a clean plate and set aside.
- In the same dutch oven, saute the onions and minced garlic until fragrant.
- Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth then add the turkey necks back to the dutch oven.
- Use the lid to cover the necks then place them in the oven to braise.
- Remove your turkey necks from the oven when theyre done. Then, spoon the sauce over each one until theyre evenly coated.
- Serve over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice.
- Youll mostly find turkey necks at your local grocery store during the holiday season.
- Place them on your counter top and bring them to room temperature before you begin cooking.
- To get a really nice sear, its important to pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Season your turkey necks generously with Cajun seasoning or your favorite spice blend.
- I highly recommend taking the time to sear them before braising them. Searing adds an extra layer of flavor.
- For the most tender turkey necks, they should be braised in some sort of liquid such as water, chicken broth or stock. Keep in mind that chicken broth adds more flavor than just water.
Before braising, I recommend adding a little cooking oil to your dutch oven or oven-safe skillet and sear both sides of your turkey necks for approximately 8 minutes. Then, braise them in the oven between 1 hour and 50 minutes to 2 hours for them to come out fork tender.
You can clean turkey necks like you would any other raw meat by simply rinsing them really well under cool water. Its important to follow safety guidelines when handling any type of raw meat in order to prevent cross contamination and/or any food-borne illnesses
Store leftover turkey necks along with the pan juices in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid and place in the fridge for up to 3 days. When youre ready to reheat, remove the turkey necks from the fridge and place in an oven-safe skillet or dutch 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 used in soups, stews, or for making black-eyed peas, beans or other dishes to add flavor.
Other Ways to Serve Turkey Necks
Although theyre often overlooked, they can be transformed into a dish thatll impress your family and friends because of their versatility. 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. So, if I need smoked turkey necks for a recipe, Ill go straight to my local grocery store and purchase them there and thats it… 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. Similar to this turkey neck recipe, smothered turkey necks are amazing over rice or a bed of mashed potatoes.
How to Boil Turkey Neck & Giblets: Cooking with Kimberly
FAQ
What do you cook with turkey necks?
Turkey Neck Soup: My boys love turkey neck soup. Much like chicken noodle soup, it is so comforting and the perfect dish to make when someone is feeling under the weather. Turkey Necks Gravy: Turkey neck meat is dark, flavorful, and perfect to build a gravy from. Make a batch and smother it over just about anything!
Can anything be done about a turkey neck?
… of developing a turkey neck, the reality is that if you already have one, the only way to restore its taut and youthful appearance is through surgeryFeb 8, 2023
What should I do with the turkey neck and giblets?
My mom, who could never let anything go to waste, always used the turkey neck and giblets to make a quick pot of broth to use for making gravy or moistening stuffing. And, that’s what I do.
Can you use turkey neck for stock?
Combine water, turkey neck, giblets (excluding liver), onion, celery, carrot, zest, peppercorns, and bay leaf in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, skimming froth occasionally.
What is a turkey neck?
The turkey neck also known as the gobbler is an oft-overlooked part of the Thanksgiving bird. While many home cooks toss it or leave it behind, this tender, flavorful cut of meat is worthy of a spot on your holiday table. With a little creativity, the humble turkey neck can transform into appetizers main dishes, sides, soups and more.
What is a wry neck?
The term “wry neck” is a non-medical description of a condition called torticollis. Torticollis is a twisting of the neck that leaves the head turned or tilted to one side, often with an inability to move the head. The cause is unknown and can be present at birth, presumably related to the position of the fetus in the womb that affects the neck muscles. Other potential causes include sleeping in an unusual position, viral infection, or injury. Neck spasm or scarring of the skin or muscles around the neck (as may occur with burn injuries) may lead to torticollis.
Are turkey necks good for You?
There are several health perks to cooking with turkey necks: High in minerals: You’ll get iron, zinc, potassium and phosphorus from turkey necks. These nutrients aid immunity, nerve signaling, oxygen transport and bone health. Satiating: The combo of protein, collagen and bone makes turkey necks ultra-satisfying.
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.
Are turkey necks good for Thanksgiving?
The meat is dark, tender and full of collagen. While unfamiliar to some home cooks, turkey necks have been enjoyed for generations in many cuisines. They emerged as a way to use every edible part of the bird. If your family discards or overlooks turkey necks, you’re missing out on an opportunity to add rich, bold flavor to your Thanksgiving spread.
Should you eat turkey neck meat?
Neck meat is a flavorful choice if you want a touch more indulgence while still maintaining the nutritional value of turkey. According to NutritionValue.org, turkey necks share a similar nutrition profile to other dark meat from the bird.