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.
If you hate wasting food, try boiling turkey necks to make sure you get all the protein from your whole bird. 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.
Turkey necks are a flavorful, reasonably priced meat that can be prepared in a number of ways. They are frequently cooked by boiling, which is a quick and easy method. But how long do turkey necks cook?.
This guide will answer that question and provide you with everything you need to know about cooking boiled turkey necks.
How Long to Boil Turkey Necks
The cooking time for turkey necks will vary depending on the size of the necks and the cooking method you use. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should boil turkey necks for at least 2 hours. Longer simmering times, up to 3 or 4 hours, can result in more tender and flavorful meat.
Here is a table that shows the approximate cooking times for turkey necks:
| Neck Size | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Small (1-2 lbs) | 2-3 hours |
| Medium (3-4 lbs) | 3-4 hours |
| Large (5+ lbs) | 4-5 hours |
How to Check for Doneness
The best way to check if turkey necks are done is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the meat should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also check for doneness by inserting a fork into the meat. If the fork goes in easily, the meat is done
Tips for Cooking Boiled Turkey Necks
Here are a few tips for cooking boiled turkey necks:
- Add some flavor to the water by adding onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Use a slow cooker to cook the turkey necks for a longer period of time and make them even more tender.
- Add the turkey necks to a pot of boiling water and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Do not overcook the turkey necks, or they will become tough and dry.
- Once the turkey necks are cooked, you can shred them and use them in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, and casseroles.
Cooking boiled turkey necks is a simple and easy way to enjoy this delicious and affordable cut of meat. By following the tips in this guide, you can ensure that your turkey necks are cooked to perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if turkey necks are bad?
Turkey necks that are bad will have a sour smell and may be slimy to the touch. If you see any signs of spoilage, do not eat the turkey necks.
Can I freeze turkey necks?
Yes, you can freeze turkey necks. Turkey necks can be frozen by wrapping them in plastic wrap and putting them in a freezer-safe bag. Turkey necks can be frozen for up to 6 months.
What are some other ways to cook turkey necks?
Turkey necks can also be roasted, grilled, or fried. They can also be added to soups, stews, and casseroles.
Additional Resources
Disclaimer
This guide’s content is intended only as reference and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Before making any dietary or fitness changes, please speak with a healthcare provider.
How Long to Boil Turkey Necks
An hour is about what you’ll need to account for. Give or take 10 minutes here or there of course depending on how large they are.
This takes a little less time when sliced into smaller pieces, but give it at least 60 minutes to become as moist as it looks here. SO good y’all. You’ll need;.
- 2-4 turkey necks
- Beef broth or turkey drippings, enough to submerge them
- Bay leaves
- Celery
- Onion quartered
- Carrot peeled, cut into large pieces
- Sprinkle of salt and pepper if desired
- 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
After removing your tender turkey necks, you should proceed if you want to use it ALL. After that just use a strainer to remove small pieces left. Then use the broth to make gravy for turkey neck, mashed potatoes, or leftover turkey soup (see below).
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.
It will be in there for at least an hour, so add some seasonings and some produce. 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.
