How to cook boiled turkey necks so the meat is fork tender. Then enjoy as is or make into a delicious gravy for your holiday meal.
To ensure you get all the protein from your entire bird, try boiling the necks of turkeys if you detest wasting food. It’s super flavorful dark meat packed with protein, calcium and nutrients. You can add it into gravy, soup or one of your favorite leftover turkey recipe.
Ah, the turkey neck. That mysterious, often-discarded piece of poultry that comes nestled alongside your Thanksgiving turkey. What to do with it? Toss it in the trash? Turn it into a delicious culinary creation? The answer, my friends, is both!
The Case for Culinary Creativity
For those of you who are adventurous in the kitchen, the turkey neck presents a golden opportunity to unleash your inner culinary wizard. This humble piece of meat, often overlooked and underestimated, holds the potential to transform into a variety of delectable dishes
Soup-erb Stock:
The most common and perhaps most versatile use for the turkey neck is in the creation of a rich, flavorful stock. Simmer the neck in a pot of water with your favorite vegetables and herbs, and you’ll have a base for soups, stews, and gravies that will tantalize your taste buds.
Neck-tastic Gravy:
Speaking of gravies, the turkey neck can also be used to create a gravy that is bursting with poultry flavor. Simply remove the meat from the neck after simmering it in water, and then use it to thicken your gravy. The result will be a gravy that is both smooth and intensely flavorful.
Neck-cellent Stuffing:
If you’re looking for a way to add a bit of extra flavor and texture to your Thanksgiving stuffing, look no further than the turkey neck. Chop up the cooked neck meat and add it to your stuffing mixture for a boost of savory goodness.
The Case for the Trash Can
Now, let’s be honest, not everyone is a culinary whiz. And for those of you who prefer to keep things simple, there’s no shame in tossing the turkey neck in the trash. It’s not a mandatory ingredient for a delicious Thanksgiving meal, and there’s no need to feel obligated to use it if you don’t want to.
The Final Verdict: A Matter of Personal Preference
So, what’s the final verdict on the turkey neck? It’s all a matter of personal preference. If you’re feeling adventurous, give one of the culinary creations mentioned above a try. But if you’d rather keep things simple, there’s no shame in throwing it away.
Bonus Tip: Ask Your Butcher
If you’re still unsure what to do with your turkey neck, don’t hesitate to ask your butcher for advice. They may have some great ideas or suggestions that you haven’t thought of.
Happy Thanksgiving!
No matter what you decide to do with your turkey neck, we hope you have a happy and delicious Thanksgiving!
How to Cook Turkey Necks
We first shared air fryer turkey necks the other day. Those get really crispy with a dry rub on the outside. Now it was time to get it as tender as possible so the meat just falls right off. The best way to do this with any protein is to submerge in boiling water for a while.
Add some seasonings and a few pieces of produce, as it will be in there for a good hour. The most popular vegetables for this are carrots, celery, and white or yellow onions. A whole chicken can also be boiled. When done you can then use this homemade turkey broth of sorts in other recipes.
Dutch Oven Turkey Necks
Because it’s made of cast iron, if you have one of these babies, it works pretty well at maintaining a constant temperature. Large pots will also function well, but in order to maintain a medium-high heat, you’ll need to cover them. Use a colander or sieve to remove any bits from the broth if you plan to use it for something else later.
How to Boil Turkey Neck & Giblets: Cooking with Kimberly
FAQ
Can you cook a turkey with neck inside?
Do I have to remove turkey neck?
How to cook a turkey neck in a frying pan?
Combine your favorite herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly all over the neck, ensuring it is well coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Once the oil is hot, place the turkey neck in the skillet.
How to cook a turkey neck in a crock pot?
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 2. Season the turkey neck with salt and pepper. 3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 4. Add the turkey neck and cook until browned on all sides. 5. Transfer the turkey neck to a roasting pan. 6. Add the water to the roasting pan and cover. 7.
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.
How do you cook a turkey neck in a skillet?
The turkey neck should be able to fit in the skillet without touching the sides. If the turkey neck is too large, it will not cook evenly. * Add enough water to the skillet to cover the turkey neck halfway. The water will help to keep the turkey neck moist while it cooks. * Season the turkey neck with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.