What’s smoky, savory, and packs a punch of flavor in every tender bite? Smoked turkey necks! Yes, these underrated cuts are the secret ingredient to soul-warming soul food. Whether you’re tossing them into a hearty stew, smothering them with homemade gravy, or nibbling on their juicy goodness straight off the smoker, turkey necks deliver a BIG taste. They’re a budget-friendly gem that turns simple meals into unforgettable feasts. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients – Gather Your Flavors
Before we get started, here’s your lineup of ingredients:
- Turkey necks (around 2 pounds)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Smoked paprika (1 tablespoon)
- Garlic powder (1 tablespoon)
- Onion powder (1 tablespoon)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon for a touch of sweetness)
- Chicken broth (2 cups, optional for braising or stews)
Pro tip: Add diced bell pepper for a flavorful twist. And if you love heat, try a dash of hot sauce!
Instructions – Let’s Get Cooking
Got what you need? Put on your apron, buddy; it’s time to COOK.
- Prep the necks: Rinse the smoked turkey necks and pat them dry with a paper towel. Dry necks mean crispy edges!
- Season the magic: In a large bowl, drizzle the smoked turkey neck bones with olive oil. Sprinkle on the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper, and brown sugar. Massage the spices in until every inch is coated.
- Fire up the smoker: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). This temperature is perfect for learning how to smoke a turkey neck. Smoked turkey necks take about 2-3 hours to cook for best results.
- Smoke away: Place the seasoned smoked turkey necks directly on the smoker grate. Close the lid and let them smoke. Flip them halfway for even cooking.
- Tender finish: Transfer the necks into a Dutch oven or pressure cooker with chicken stock or chicken broth. Cover and braise on low heat for an extra hour. How long to boil smoked turkey necks depends on your method, but low and slow always wins!
- Serve and enjoy: Pair your smoked turkey neck recipe with a delicious side dish like collard greens or smother them with homemade gravy for classic smothered turkey necks.
Recipe Variations – Switch It Up
I mean, who said we can’t customize the recipe? Let’s do it.
- Spicy kick: Add hot sauce and chili powder for fiery turkey necks.
- Sweet and smoky: Brush the necks with honey or glaze them with brown sugar during the last 30 minutes.
- BBQ style: Use Worcestershire sauce for a tangy, smoky flavor that elevates the recipe.
- Soup star: Shred the turkey necks and add them to a pot of collard greens or beans for ultimate comfort food.
Tips for Turkey Neck Greatness
It’s time for some tips.
- Don’t skip the oil! It helps the seasoning stick and keeps the necks juicy.
- Use a meat thermometer: Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) while cooking smoked turkey necks.
- Try different methods: Wondering how to cook already smoked turkey necks? Reheat them in a slow cooker for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Save the bones: After enjoying your meal, toss the bones into a pot to make a rich turkey stock. Preparing smoked turkey necks for broth is as simple as boiling.
Want to try out other cooking methods? If so, we also have a detailed guide on how to cook turkey properly necks. Try out this method and thank us later.
The Bottom Line
And there you have it: a fun, flavorful guide to how to cook turkey necks. They’re simple to make, loaded with taste, and sure to impress anyone at the dinner table. How long does it take to cook smoked turkey necks? Just enough to make them tender and smoky. Now grab your apron, fire up that smoker, and let’s get neck-deep in deliciousness.