Delicious Turkey Neck Recipe

Growing up in the South, the smell of turkey necks cooking was always welcome. These often-forgotten cuts are loved by those who enjoy soul food. When I eat a tender turkey neck, I remember my grandmother’s kitchen.

She would cook these pieces slowly, filling the air with sage, onion, and Creole seasoning. This recipe takes you into the world of Southern-style turkey necks. It’s perfect for anyone who loves comfort food.

The secret to this dish is slow cooking. It makes the turkey necks tender and flavorful. From browning the necks to simmering them in a fragrant broth, every step is important. Let’s explore this turkey neck recipe together.

Turkey necks are affordable and add a lot of flavor to many dishes. They’re a hidden gem in Southern and soul food cooking, with both cultural and nutritional benefits.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Turkey Neck Recipe

Making a delicious turkey neck dish starts with picking the right ingredients. The main parts that make this dish so tasty include:

• Fresh turkey necks
• Bacon or olive oil
• Creole or Cajun seasoning
• Onions
• Garlic
• Celery
• Bell peppers
• Bay leaves
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Chicken broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Beer

Together, these ingredients make a rich, savory base. They perfectly match the tender turkey necks. The mix of herbs and spices, like turkey neck ingredients, Creole seasoning, and soul food ingredients, brings the true flavors of Southern cooking.

Ingredient	Quantity
Turkey necks	2-3 pounds
Bacon or olive oil	2 tablespoons
Creole or Cajun seasoning	2 teaspoons
Onions, diced	1 cup
Garlic, minced	3 cloves
Celery, diced	1 cup
Bell peppers, diced	1 cup
Bay leaves	2
Thyme	1 teaspoon
Oregano	1 teaspoon
Chicken broth	4 cups
Worcestershire sauce	2 tablespoons
Beer	1 cup

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious turkey neck dish. It will be a true taste of Southern comfort food.

Preparing Your Turkey Necks for Cooking

Getting your turkey necks ready is crucial for a tasty dish. Start by cleaning them under cold water and drying them with paper towels. For extra flavor, marinate them in a mix of spices and liquids for at least 30 minutes, or better yet, overnight.

Cleaning and Trimming Techniques

Before cooking, trim off any extra fat or connective tissue. This makes the turkey necks cook evenly and stay tender. Use a sharp knife to remove unwanted parts, but don’t throw away too much meat.

Marination Methods and Times

• For a simple yet tasty marinade, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite seasonings like salt, pepper, and Creole spice.
• Let the turkey necks marinate for at least 30 minutes. But for the best flavor, marinate them overnight in the fridge.

Pre-cooking Preparation Steps

1. Preheat your oven or slow cooker to the right temperature.
2. Pat the turkey necks dry and season them well with Creole spice or your favorite herbs and spices.
3. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the seasoned turkey necks on all sides. This helps lock in the flavors before slow-cooking.

By following these steps, your turkey necks will be tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Get ready for a comforting and satisfying meal!

Metric	Value
Average Price Range	$6-$9 per pack
Cooking Time	2 hours
Servings	Up to 5 people
Protein per Serving	50 grams
Fat per Serving	8 grams
Calories per Serving	330
Refrigeration Time	3-4 days
Freezer Storage	Up to 3 months

“The key to delicious turkey necks lies in the preparation. Marinating and browning the necks before slow-cooking brings out the best in this underappreciated cut of meat.”

By carefully preparing and cooking turkey necks, you can enjoy a flavorful and nutritious meal. Understanding their nutritional value and storage tips is also important.

Classic Southern Style Turkey Neck Recipe

Discover the rich, comforting flavors of a classic Southern-style turkey neck recipe. This dish is a beloved staple in soul food cuisine. It showcases tender and flavorful turkey necks. Slow-cooked to perfection, the turkey necks are simmered with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and spices.

Prepare to embark on a delightful culinary journey. We’ll guide you through the steps to create this beloved Southern turkey neck dish. Get ready to savor the succulent meat that falls effortlessly off the bone and enjoy the depth of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds of turkey necks
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 carrot, peeled and diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 cups of chicken or turkey stock

Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the turkey necks and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the necks from the pot and set them aside.
3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion, celery, and carrot to the pot. Sauté the vegetables until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
5. Return the browned turkey necks to the pot and add the bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour in the chicken or turkey stock and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the turkey necks are tender and the meat is falling off the bone.
8. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Serve the classic Southern-style turkey necks with your favorite side dishes. Try collard greens, cornbread, or mashed potatoes for a truly comforting and satisfying meal. Enjoy the rich, flavorful turkey necks that are sure to transport you to the heart of Southern cuisine.

Cooking Methods and Techniques

There are many ways to cook turkey necks, each with its own benefits. You can choose from braising, slow cooking, or pressure cooking. Each method can make your turkey necks tender and flavorful in its own way.

Braising Method for Tender Results

The braising method is great for tender turkey necks. Start by browning the turkey necks in a Dutch oven with oil or butter. Then, add onions, garlic, and herbs for a few minutes.

Next, pour in a flavorful broth. Let the necks simmer for 2 to 3 hours. They will be so tender they’ll fall off the bone.

Slow Cooker Variation

The slow cooker is perfect for hands-off cooking. Place the turkey necks in the slow cooker with seasonings and broth. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

This method makes the turkey necks tender and flavorful. They will practically fall off the bone.

Instant Pot Instructions

The Instant Pot is quick for cooking turkey necks. Brown the necks first, then add them to the Instant Pot with broth, aromatics, and seasonings. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes.

In less than an hour, you’ll have delicious, fall-off-the-bone turkey necks. They’re ready to be enjoyed in your favorite dish.

No matter the method, season the turkey necks well. This ensures they are richly flavored and satisfying.

“The Instant Pot offers a quicker alternative, cooking the necks under high pressure for 45 minutes.”

Creating Rich and Flavorful Gravy

The broth from turkey necks is the base for a tasty turkey neck gravy. To make this southern gravy recipe, strain the broth and thicken it with a roux of butter and flour. Adding cooked veggies to the gravy adds depth and complexity. This sauce goes well with tender turkey necks and many side dishes.

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings	Yield
10 mins	20 mins	30 mins	6	2 cups

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups turkey broth (from cooking the necks)
• 1/3 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. Strain the turkey neck cooking liquid to remove any solids, reserving the broth.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the reserved turkey broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the salt, granulated garlic, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. Serve the rich and flavorful turkey neck gravy over the tender turkey necks and your choice of side dishes.

“This turkey neck gravy is the perfect accompaniment to your holiday feast. The rich, savory flavor pairs perfectly with the tender turkey necks and complements a variety of side dishes.”

Understanding Turkey Necks: A Hidden Gem in Southern Cuisine

Turkey necks are a treasure in soul food and Southern cuisine. They add a rich flavor to stocks, beans, and greens. But they can also be the star of the dish, showing their versatility and importance.

Cultural Significance in Soul Food

In the South, turkey necks are a favorite. They’re a key part of dishes like collard greens and Jamaican-style turkey neck stew. Their smoky flavor makes these dishes special, showing their cultural value.

Nutritional Benefits and Health Value

Turkey necks are not just tasty; they’re also good for you. They’re full of protein and collagen, which is great for muscles and joints. They also have important vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc.

Types of Turkey Necks Available

• Fresh turkey necks: These have a pinkish color and firm texture, offering the most versatility in cooking methods.
• Smoked turkey necks: Infused with a robust, smoky flavor, these are often used in dishes like collard greens and bean-based stews.
• Pre-cooked turkey necks: These convenient options have been partially or fully cooked, reducing preparation time for busy home cooks.

Perfect Side Dishes and Serving Suggestions

When it comes to pairing your savory turkey necks, you have many options. Traditional Southern sides like creamy collard greens, hearty black-eyed peas, and fluffy cornbread are great. These classics complement the rich flavors of the turkey necks perfectly.

Traditional Southern Accompaniments

For a modern twist, try pairing your turkey necks with roasted sweet potatoes, a vibrant cauliflower curry, or a fresh salad. These options add a lighter touch to the meal. Turkey necks can be enjoyed with both classic and modern sides, making them a versatile choice.

Modern Pairing Options

Choose between traditional or modern sides to highlight the turkey necks’ bold flavors. Serve them over rice or with polenta, boiled potatoes, or roasted mashed potatoes. The variety of options ensures a delicious and satisfying meal.