You might have cooked and enjoyed the traditional Christmas bird, which is full of nutrition with a lower fat content. Cooking turkey necks is an art that results in a flavorful, succulent dish if done right. When prepared correctly, turkey necks offer fall-off-the-bone tenderness that melts in your mouth, making them a beloved staple in many cuisines. Whether you’re slow-cooking them for hours or using a quicker method like the instant pot, knowing how to cook turkey necks perfectly is key to achieving a dish where the meat is tender and deeply flavorful. In this guide, we’ll explore various methods for cooking turkey necks, from boiling them on the stove to smothering them in gravy, ensuring that every bite is a delicious success. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying turkey necks for the first time, this comprehensive guide will help you master the art of cooking turkey necks, no matter the method you choose.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Before you start cooking turkey necks, it’s crucial to gather the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Turkey necks (smoked or fresh)
- Chicken stock or water
- Bay leaves
- Black pepper
- Onions
- Garlic
- Celery
- Collard greens (optional)
- Brown gravy (optional)
Preparing the Turkey Necks
Firstly, wash the turkey necks thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Drying the necks is an essential step as it helps the seasoning stick better and ensures an even browning if you’re searing them before slow cooking or boiling.
How to Cook Turkey Necks on the Stove
For those who prefer a classic method, learning how to cook turkey necks on the stove is a must. This method gives you a lot of control over the cooking time and allows you to infuse the necks with a rich, deep flavor.
- Add the turkey necks to a large pot and cover them with chicken stock or water. You can use plain water, but chicken stock adds more flavor to the neck’s recipe.
- Throw in some bay leaves, black pepper, chopped onions, garlic, and celery to build a flavorful broth.
- Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. The goal is to keep the liquid at a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil to ensure the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer. The time it takes to cook turkey necks on the stove typically ranges from 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the size and thickness of the necks. You’ll know they’re ready when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
How to Cook Smoked Turkey Necks
Smoked turkey necks bring an additional depth of flavor to your dish. Learning how to cook smoked turkey necks is similar to the method for fresh necks but requires some minor adjustments.
- Add the turkey necks to a large pot and cover with chicken stock. Smoked necks are already seasoned, so you may want to reduce the amount of added salt.
- Add bay leaves, black pepper, onions, and garlic to enhance the smoky flavor.
- Bring the pot to a boil on medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook until the meat is tender. Smoked turkey necks on the stove usually take around 1.5 to 2 hours, similar to fresh necks.
- For an even more intense flavor, consider simmering the necks with collard greens or serving them with brown gravy.
Using a Slow Cooker for Turkey Necks
For an effortless cooking method, a slow cooker is perfect for preparing turkey necks. Therefore, this method ensures that the meat is tender and falls off the bone without requiring much hands-on time.
- Add the turkey necks to the slow cooker.
- Pour in enough chicken stock to cover the necks. Add your preferred seasonings, including bay leaves and black pepper.
- Set the slow cooker to low and let the necks cook for 6-8 hours. The long, slow cooking time allows the flavors to develop fully and the meat to become incredibly tender.
- Jump to the recipe for variations like adding collard greens in the last hour of cooking or making a simple brown gravy to serve with the necks.
If you are a fish lover, then you can cook slow-cooker salmon recipes and enjoy a hassle-free way and delectable fish dinner
Serving Suggestions
Turkey necks are versatile and pair well with various sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal.
Collard greens
Cooking turkey necks with collard greens creates a hearty, flavorful dish that’s a Southern classic.
Brown gravy
Serve the turkey necks smothered in brown gravy for a rich and comforting meal.
Boiled turkey necks
If you’ve boiled the turkey necks and they’re falling off the bone, they’re perfect to serve with rice or mashed potatoes.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- How long it takes to cook turkey necks is often a concern. If your necks are tough, they likely need more time. Therefore slow cooking or simmering on the stove for longer should remedy this.
- However, if the necks are overcooked and falling apart too much, reduce the cooking time next time by 15-20 minutes.
- When cooking turkey necks in a pressure cooker or instant pot, ensure you allow the pressure to release naturally before manually releasing it to avoid tough meat.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Turkey Necks?
How long does it takes to cook turkey necks depends on the method used:
- Boiling on the stove: 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Slow cooker: 6-8 hours on low.
- Pressure cooker or instant pot: 30-40 minutes under high pressure.
Conclusion
Cooking turkey necks to perfection is all about choosing the right method and ingredients. Whether you prefer boiled turkey necks, smothered turkey necks, or smoked turkey necks, ensuring the meat is tender and falls off the bone will yield delicious results every time. Therefore, the cooking time may vary depending on the method, but with patience and the right technique, you can master how to cook turkey necks and impress your family and friends with a rich, hearty meal. So next time you’re wondering how to cook turkey necks on the stove or in a slow cooker, refer to this guide, and you’ll have perfectly cooked turkey necks every time.