Smoked Turkey Necks: This flavorful, tender, fall-off-the-bone turkey goes well with all the Southern fixings for a non-traditionally traditional holiday meal. Turkey necks are totally underrated but great on their own. And they add loads of flavor to your favorite stews, soups, and veggies. .
If you are a fan of no-waste cooking, this recipe has your name all over it. And even if you’re not, you’ll still likely be amazed at how delicious this underappreciated turkey ingredient can taste when prepared properly.
My family wasn’t convinced that these exquisitely smoked turkey necks belonged in the soul food category either, but after trying them, they changed their minds. Give this amazing recipe a try, and I guarantee you’ll never throw a turkey neck out again. In fact, you’ll probably find yourself adding turkey necks to your grocery list on the regular.
Smoked turkey necks are a budget-friendly cut of meat that packs a flavorful punch. They’re perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion feast. In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of smoked turkey necks, exploring how to cook them to juicy perfection on the stovetop.
Why Choose Smoked Turkey Necks?
A special blend of rich, smoky flavor and tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture can be found in smoked turkey necks. They’re a great substitute for more traditional cuts like turkey wings or breasts, providing a more tasty and reasonably priced option. Furthermore, they can be easily added to a wide range of recipes, including savory pies, stews, and soups.
The Art of Cooking Smoked Turkey Necks
Even though smoked turkey necks are already cooked, you can bring them to their maximum flavor by simmering them on the stove. This low-heat method makes the meat fall-off-the-bone tender while adding even more flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 smoked turkey necks
- 1 onion, coarsely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, whole and gently crushed
- Enough water to submerge the turkey necks
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 fresh jalapeno, sliced for a spicy kick
Instructions:
- Prep the Turkey Necks: Rinse the smoked turkey necks under cool running water to remove any surface impurities. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Simmer in Flavor: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the turkey necks, chopped onion, crushed garlic, and enough water to submerge the meat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, ensuring the liquid doesn’t evaporate completely.
- Season to Perfection: Once the meat is tender, season the broth with salt and pepper to taste. Add the sliced jalapeno for an extra kick if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the smoked turkey necks hot with your favorite sides, like rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Additional Tips and Tricks
- Spice It Up: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile. Consider adding thyme, rosemary, or cayenne pepper for an extra burst of flavor.
- Boost the Broth: For an even richer broth, use chicken or turkey stock instead of water. You can also add a bouillon cube for additional flavor.
- Leftover Magic: Leftover smoked turkey necks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Get Creative: Use leftover smoked turkey necks to create delicious sandwiches, salads, or even tacos. The possibilities are endless!
Beyond the Basics: Variations and FAQs
Variations:
- Raw Turkey Necks: If you prefer using raw turkey necks, simply increase the cooking time by 30 minutes to 1 hour. Remember to add a little liquid smoke or smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Add chopped green bell peppers or celery to the broth for an extra layer of flavor. You can remove them later or enjoy them alongside the turkey necks.
- Gravy Time: Turn leftover broth into a delicious gravy by thickening it with cornstarch or flour. Alternatively, use a store-bought brown gravy mix for a quick and easy option.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Are smoked turkey necks fully cooked? Yes, most store-bought smoked turkey necks are already fully cooked. Look for them in the deli section of your grocery store.
- Can I boil smoked turkey? Absolutely! Boiling smoked turkey in flavorful broth enhances its taste and ensures tender, juicy meat.
- What side dishes pair well with smoked turkey necks? Mashed potatoes, gravy, rice, and steamed vegetables are all excellent choices.
- How do I store leftover smoked turkey necks? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Smoked turkey necks are a versatile and flavorful cut of meat that’s perfect for a variety of dishes. By following these simple instructions and exploring different variations you can easily create a delicious and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends.
Additional Resources:
- African Bites Smoked Turkey Necks Recipe: https://www.africanbites.com/smoked-turkey-necks/
- The Top Meal How to Cook Smoked Turkey Necks on the Stove: https://thetopmeal.com/how-to-cook-smoked-turkey-necks/
Enjoy your culinary journey with smoked turkey necks!
Reasons I Love Smoking Turkey Necks
The primary explanation is that turkey necks are so flavorful and delectable that they are a no-brainer on their own. Still, there are other good reasons to fall in love. They’re actually nutritious and have way more meat on them than chicken or pork neck bones. Turkey necks, in my opinion, are a fabulous gem in Southern cooking so let’s get cooking! .
- Naturally, you’ll need turkey necks to begin this delicious recipe. One package containing a few pounds of meat will do.
- You will need oil, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and some good ole S to make the Turkey Neck Marinade.
How to Smoke Turkey Necks
Prep the Turkey Necks
- Clean: Remove the turkey necks from their packaging and pat dry with a clean paper towel to absorb any remaining liquid. Then place them in a large bowl. (Photo 1).
- Olive oil, brown sugar, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and Creole seasoning should all be combined in a small bowl to make the marinade. (Photos 2-3).
- Marinate: Coat the turkey necks by drizzling them with the marinade and stirring them well. When it’s time to smoke it, place the bowl in the refrigerator and tightly cover it with plastic wrap. Marinate for up to 24 hours. (Photos 4-5).
Smoke the Turkey Necks
- Set the smoker’s temperature to 250°F/120°C and add your favorite wood or pellets.
- To start smoking, place the turkey necks straight onto the smoker racks. (Photo 6).
- Move them around every two to four hours while covering and smoking to ensure even cooking. The turkey needs to be smoked until its internal temperature reaches 165°F, or 74°C.
- Following their cooking, remove the turkey necks from the smoker, allow them to rest for five minutes, and then serve.
- I love the flavor that comes from smoking turkey necks, but you could also roast them in the oven, use an Instant Pot, or cook them in a slow cooker. Of course, the technique you select will determine how long it takes to cook.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings of the marinade to your preference. Basically, you can season turkey meat with anything you’d like.
- Occasionally, certain areas of the smoker become hotter than others. That’s why you occasionally move the necks around while they cook. Just use your best judgment here; you know your smoker.
- When the meat thermometer reaches 165°F/75°C, the necks are done.
- Most of the time, turkey necks come packaged whole. You can leave these guys whole or cut them into smaller pieces before marinating them, depending on your preference.
I recommend marinating turkey necks for 24 hours before smoking. Then your prep work is done, and all you need to do is smoke them. However, if you’d like, you can make these a few days in advance and just refrigerate them. If you plan to prepare turkey necks well in advance, you can also freeze them for three months.