What can you do with turkey neck?

Turkey necks are impressively versatile, making them a valuable ingredient in many dishes. For instance, they’re ideal for creating a rich and flavorful stock or broth, which serves as the perfect base for soups, stews, or gravies. Additionally, turkey necks can be braised or roasted to yield a tender, meaty dish bursting with flavor. Some even choose to fry or smoke them, turning them into a hearty snack or satisfying meal. Instead of discarding them, consider their potential to add incredible depth to your cooking.

What is turkey neck meat good for?

Turkey neck meat is great for adding depth to dishes. It’s ideal for making stocks, soups, and stews because the connective tissue and bones release collagen, resulting in a rich, silky texture. You can also enjoy it as a main dish when braised or slow-cooked—it’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor.

How long does it take to cook the neck of a turkey?

Cooking times vary depending on the method: Boiling or simmering for soup or stock: 1.5–2 hours. Braising in the oven: 2–3 hours at a low temperature (around 325°F). Slow cooking : 4–6 hours on low. Make sure the meat is fork-tender before serving or using it in other recipes!

Is there anything I can do for turkey neck?

If you mean the skin on your neck, that’s a totally different kind of turkey neck! For sagging skin, you can start by trying skincare products with retinol or collagen. Additionally, staying hydrated and protecting your skin from the sun are essential steps to maintain elasticity. However, for a more permanent solution, you might want to consider consulting a dermatologist about treatments, such as tightening procedures or exercises designed to tone the neck area. Ultimately, combining these approaches can help you achieve better results over time.

Turkey Neck Recipe: 9 Tips And 7 Variations To Discover

Description

This hearty and flavorful Slow-Cooked Turkey Neck Stew is a budget-friendly dish packed with rich, deep flavors. The slow-cooking process allows the turkey necks to become incredibly tender while infusing the broth with collagen, making it a comforting and nourishing meal. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread for the perfect cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs turkey necks
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 bell pepper, diced
4 cups chicken or turkey broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
2 bay leaves
1 cup baby potatoes, halved
1 cup frozen peas (added in the last 10 minutes)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Sear the Turkey Necks: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear turkey necks on all sides until golden brown (about 5 minutes per side). Transfer to a slow cooker.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper until softened (about 5 minutes). Add tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Combine Ingredients: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, broth, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the turkey necks are tender and falling off the bone.
Add Final Ingredients: In the last 30 minutes, add baby potatoes and Worcestershire sauce. In the last 10 minutes, stir in frozen peas and balsamic vinegar.
Serve: Discard bay leaves, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with rice or crusty bread.

Notes

For a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add sliced jalapeños.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: main dish
Method: slow cooking
Cuisine: Southern / Comfort Food

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1-2 turkey necks
Calories: 429 kcal
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: turkey neck stew, slow-cooked turkey, comfort food, budget-friendly meals