Hey there. fellow Thanksgiving enthusiasts!
Once again, it’s that time of year when we get together with our loved ones around the table to share delectable food and make lifelong memories. And what’s Thanksgiving without a juicy, perfectly roasted turkey as the centerpiece?.
But before you get too excited about digging into that bird, there’s one important question that needs to be addressed: what do you do with the turkey neck that comes with your frozen Thanksgiving turkey?
Do not be alarmed, fellow tamers of turkeys! I am here to help you navigate the mysteries of the turkey neck and maximize the use of this frequently disregarded portion of the bird.
Should you cook the turkey with the neck inside?
The answer is a resounding no! ♀️
Contrary to what some people may say, leaving the neck in the turkey does not enhance its flavor. The turkey’s neck may cause uneven cooking and hinder the breast meat from reaching the right temperature. Additionally, no one wants to savor their Thanksgiving meal by biting into a grisly neck bone.
So, what should you do with the turkey neck?
Here are a few ideas:
- Make turkey stock: This is the most common and versatile option. Simply simmer the neck in water with some vegetables and herbs for a rich and flavorful stock that can be used for soups, gravies, or even risotto.
- Grind it up and add it to your stuffing: This is a great way to add extra flavor and moisture to your stuffing. Just make sure to cook the neck thoroughly before grinding it.
- Make a delicious turkey neck gravy: This is a Southern tradition that’s perfect for those who love a rich and savory gravy. Simply simmer the neck in water with some onions, celery, and carrots, then thicken the gravy with a cornstarch slurry.
- Feed it to your dog: If you have a furry friend who loves to chew on bones, the turkey neck is a great treat. Just make sure to supervise your dog while they’re enjoying their snack.
No matter what you choose to do with the turkey neck, remember to remove it from the turkey cavity before cooking. This will ensure that your turkey cooks evenly and safely.
Here are some additional tips for cooking a delicious Thanksgiving turkey:
- Thaw your turkey completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Brine your turkey for extra flavor and moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
You can be guaranteed to have a perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful Thanksgiving turkey by following these helpful tips and tricks.
Happy Thanksgiving!
P.S. Don’t forget to check out my other Thanksgiving recipes and tips on my blog!
P. P. S. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have in the comments section below about cooking a turkey.
P. P. P. S. I hope your Thanksgiving is fantastic and full of delectable food, pleasant company, and lots of laughter.
Increase the cooking time
To determine the approximate cooking time for a frozen turkey, follow this guideline from the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): Take the recommended cooking time for a thawed turkey and multiply it by 1. 5 for an unthawed bird. For example, if a frozen turkey is thawed and needs to cook for five hours, it must cook for seven and a half hours.
Cooking times are usually listed on the package. You can also find recommended times for roasting whole turkeys on the USDA website.
Remember that roasting times are estimates, so checking the turkey’s internal temperature is the most accurate way to know when it’s done. The entire turkey — including the stuffing — must reach an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C).
To check the temperature, insert a food thermometer into the thickest area of the turkey breast and the innermost portion of the thigh. When the temperature reaches 165 degrees, take the bird out of the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.
A whole turkey usually has a package with the giblets and neck tucked inside. If the giblets are wrapped in paper, as most whole birds are, there is no risk to safety if they cook all the way inside the bird.
If the giblets are wrapped in plastic, however, they need to be removed. Its difficult to remove a giblet package from a fully frozen turkey. Consequently, wait until the turkey has sufficiently defrosted before removing the package with tongs or forks while it’s cooking. Then you can cook the giblets separately if you wish.
If the giblets are wrapped in a plastic bag and the plastic melts, harmful chemicals could seep into the turkey and the giblets. If you suspect that a plastic bag has melted inside the turkey, you must discard the entire turkey.
Use the right cooking method
You can oven roast a frozen turkey, but dont grill, deep-fry, microwave or smoke one.
Deep-frying and grilling at high temperatures quickly cook and scorch the outside of the bird while only partially cooking the inside, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Microwaving also isnt a safe option because it cooks a frozen bird unevenly.
Smoking uses temperatures that are usually too low and take too long to fully cook a frozen turkey, which increases the risk of food poisoning.
Oven bags arent recommended for frozen turkeys either. When you eventually have to open the bag to take out the giblets, tainted juices can leak out. Opening the bag also releases scalding hot steam that can burn you.
How to Boil Turkey Neck & Giblets: Cooking with Kimberly
FAQ
Do I have to remove turkey neck?
What is the neck of the turkey used for?