How to Cook Turkey Necks in Three Delicious Ways

Turkey necks are a great way to enjoy the rich flavor and tender meat of turkey without spending a lot of money or time. They are also a good source of protein, iron, and collagen, which can benefit your skin, hair, and joints. Turkey's necks can be cooked in various ways, such as braising, smoking, or making soup. In this article, we will show you how to cook turkey necks in three delicious ways that will make your mouth water.

Braised Turkey Necks

Braising is a cooking method that involves searing the meat and then simmering it in a liquid until it becomes fork-tender. Braising turkey necks will result in a succulent and flavorful dish that you can serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. Here are the steps to make braised turkey necks:

• Season the turkey necks with salt, pepper, and your favorite spice blend. We recommend using Cajun seasoning for some extra kick.
• Heat some oil in a large skillet over high heat and brown the turkey necks on all sides, for about 15 minutes. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
• In the same skillet, sauté some chopped onion, garlic, celery, and bell pepper until soft, about 10 minutes. Add some bay leaf, thyme, oregano, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and beer, and bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat and return the turkey necks to the skillet. Cover and simmer until the meat is falling off the bones, about 2 hours. You can also transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for the same amount of time.
• To make the gravy, remove the turkey necks from the skillet and keep warm. Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan and bring to a boil. In a small bowl, whisk together some flour and butter and add it to the saucepan. Cook until thickened, stirring constantly.
• Serve the turkey neck with the gravy and enjoy!

Smoked Turkey Necks

Smoking is another way to cook turkey necks that will give them a smoky and savory flavor. You can use a smoker or a grill to smoke your turkey necks. You can also buy pre-smoked turkey necks from the butcher and skip this step. Here are the steps to make smoked turkey necks:

• If you are using a smoker, set it to 180°F and add some wood chips of your choice. We recommend using hickory or apple wood for a nice flavor.
• If you are using a grill, set it up for indirect heat and place a drip pan filled with water on one side. Preheat it to 180°F and add some wood chips to the coals or gas burner.
• Rinse the turkey necks and pat them dry with paper towels. Season them with salt, pepper, and your favorite spice blend.
• Place the turkey necks on the smoker or grill rack over the drip pan. Close the lid and smoke for about 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Serve the smoked turkey necks as they are or with your favorite barbecue sauce.

Turkey Neck Soup

Soup is a comforting and nourishing way to cook turkey necks that will warm you up on a cold day. You can make turkey neck soup with any vegetables you have on hand, such as carrots, potatoes, corn, or peas. You can also add some noodles or rice for more substance. Here are the steps to make turkey neck soup:

• Rinse the turkey necks and place them in a large pot. Cover them with water and bring to a boil. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
• Add some chopped onion, garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper, and reduce the heat. Simmer until the meat is tender, about 2 hours.
• Remove the turkey necks from the pot and let them cool slightly. Cut off the meat from the bones and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Discard the bones and any fat or skin.
• Return the meat to the pot and bring to a boil again. Add any vegetables you like and cook until they are soft about 15 minutes.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste and serve hot with bread or crackers.

Turkey Neck Nutrition

Besides being delicious, turkey necks are also nutritious. They are low in carbohydrates and high in protein, which can help you feel full and satisfied. They also contain iron, which is essential for red blood cell production and oxygen transport. Iron deficiency can cause anemia, fatigue, and weakness.

Turkey's necks are also rich in collagen, which is a type of protein that forms the connective tissue in your skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints. Collagen can help improve your skin elasticity and hydration, reduce wrinkles and signs of aging, and promote wound healing. Collagen can also support your joint health and mobility, reduce inflammation and pain, and prevent osteoarthritis.

According to the USDA, 135 g of cooked turkey neck contains:

• 276 calories
• 11.1 g of fat (3 g of saturated fat)
• 186 mg of cholesterol
• 582 mg of sodium
• 0 g of carbohydrates
• 0 g of fiber
• 0 g of sugar
• 41 g of protein
• 1.6 mg of iron (9% of the daily value)
• 78.3 mg of calcium (6% of the daily value)
• 153 mg of potassium (3% of the daily value)
• 0 mcg of vitamin A (0% of the daily value)
• 0 mg of vitamin C (0% of the daily value)
• 0.4 mcg of vitamin D (2% of the daily value)

As you can see, turkey necks are a lean and nutrient-dense food that can benefit your health and well-being.

Conclusion

Turkey necks are a cheap and tasty cut of meat that can be cooked in various ways to suit your preferences and occasions. You can braise them in a rich gravy, smoke them for a smoky and savory flavor, or make them into a comforting and nourishing soup.

Turkey's necks are also low in carbohydrates and high in protein, iron, and collagen, which can benefit your skin, hair, joints, and overall health. Try these three delicious ways to cook turkey necks and enjoy this versatile and nutritious food.