This fork tender turkey necks recipe has rich and bold flavors and makes a great Sunday dinner for the whole family! Learn the best way to make this amazing dish.
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❤️ Why you'll love it
There are a few reasons why you'll love this delicious comfort food. First, it's a great way to stretch your turkey budget. Turkey necks are relatively cheap cuts of meat, so cooking them is a great way to save money on your Thanksgiving dinner.
Also, turkey necks have so much flavor! They are often overlooked in favor of other parts of the turkey, but they are actually very tasty when cooked properly.
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💭 What are turkey necks?
Turkey neck meat is made up of bones and meat and is obtained from the neck of the turkey. They are similar in taste to chicken necks but are a lot thicker.
There are many different ways to prepare them; you can bake, fry, boil, or pressure cook them. You can also add cooked turkey necks to a soup or stew.
🥘 Equipment Used
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I use an instant pot pressure cooker for this recipe to save time and for convenience. You can also cook them on the stovetop or use a slow cooker, and I have instructions for that as well.
🧾 Ingredients Used
Here are the ingredients you need for flavorful turkey necks.
- Raw Turkey necks: You can easily get turkey neck bones from local grocery stores or from a local butcher.
- Chicken broth: You can use turkey broth or any type of broth you have on hand.
- Vegetables: Red bell pepper, tomato sauce, onions, and garlic.
- Olive oil: You can also use avocado oil or your choice of cooking oil.
- Spices: Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and salt.
🔪 How To Make This Recipe
- Mix the spices together in a small bowl.
- Rub the turkey neck liberally with the spice mix.
- Turn the instant pot to sauté mode.
- Add olive oil and brown the turkey necks.
- Take the turkey necks out and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
- Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper and sauté.
- Pour in the chicken stock, add the tomato paste, and deglaze.
- Add the turkey necks back into the instant pot.
- Turn the instant pot to manual mode and pressure cook for 50 minutes.
- When the timer goes off, let it naturally release for 10 minutes, then quickly release the rest of the pressure.
- Turn the instant pot to sauté mode and let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
- Add the turkey necks back into the instant pot and stir.
- Serve and enjoy!
Make it in the slow cooker
Same instructions but cook for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low setting.
Make it on the stovetop
- Same instructions but cook for 2 hours on medium-high heat.
- Check frequently and add more water if needed.
🥫 Storing and Reheating
Leftover necks can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze them for a few months.
To reheat turkey necks, place them in a pot on the stove and add a little water. Simmer till they are well heated.
💭 Tips and Variations
- If you can't find fresh turkey necks, you can use frozen ones. Just be sure to thaw them first.
- Top your turkey necks with hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
- Add your favorite greens like collard greens, kale, or spinach.
- Garnish your dish with some green onions or chopped fresh herbs before serving.
- Add some bay leaves into the broth for some extra flavor.
🍽️ What can I eat this recipe with?
Cooked turkey necks are often served with white rice or mashed potatoes, but since I am on a low carb diet, I like to enjoy my tender turkey necks with these delectable side dishes.
For a more traditional southern-style smothered turkey neck recipe, top them with this homemade gravy. If you plan to serve these turkey necks with your Thanksgiving meal this year, try serving them with this healthy cranberry sauce.
👩🍳 Frequently asked questions
I always wash turkey necks or any meat before cooking. I then leave them on a colander to get rid of the excess liquid before I rub them with spices.
You know turkey is ready when the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165 degrees F.
If the turkey is undercooked, it can be dangerous to eat as it may contain harmful bacteria. Just be sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat before eating.
📚 Related Recipes
Check out these other turkey recipes!
📖 Recipe
Easy Turkey Necks Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lbs turkey necks about 3 pieces
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tbsps tomato paste
- 2 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Make it in the instant pot
- Mix the spices together in a small bowl.
- Rub the turkey neck liberally with the spice mix.
- Turn the instant pot to sauté mode.
- Add olive oil and brown the turkey necks.
- Take the turkey necks out and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
- Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper and sauté.
- Pour in the chicken stock, add the tomato paste, and deglaze.
- Add the turkey necks back into the instant pot.
- Turn the instant pot to manual mode and pressure cook for 50 minutes.
- When the timer goes off, let it naturally release for 10 minutes, then quickly release the rest of the pressure.
- Turn the instant pot to sauté mode and let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
- Add the turkey necks back into the instant pot and stir.
- Serve and enjoy!
Make it in the slow cooker
- Same instructions but cook for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low setting.
Make it on the stovetop
- Same instructions but cook for 2 hours on medium-high heat.
- Check frequently and add more water if needed.
Notes
- You can use garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, or other spices in place of the Cajun seasoning if you do not like it spicy.
- If you can't find fresh turkey necks, you can use frozen ones. Just be sure to thaw them first.
- Top your turkey necks with hot or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
- Add your favorite greens like collard greens, kale, or spinach.
- Garnish your dish with some green onions or chopped fresh herbs before serving.
- Add some bay leaves into the broth for some extra flavor.
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