Marianne Martinez
Turkey necks are a great option for a comforting, tasty meal. They can be cooked in a crock pot with simple ingredients and spices, and are best served hot. The cooking time depends on the size of the turkey necks and the desired level of tenderness. For a faster cooking time, a high setting for around 4 hours is recommended, while a low setting for 7-8 hours will result in very tender meat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 4 hours on a HIGH setting or 7-8 hours on a LOW setting |
| Meat texture | Tender and juicy |
| Meat temperature | 165 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Meat doneness | Falls off the bone |
| Broth | Can be thickened with cornstarch and water |
| Leftovers | Can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months |
| Side dishes | Mashed potatoes, rice, greens, quinoa, vegetables, coleslaw, garlic bread |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
Turkey necks can be cooked in a crock pot on a high setting for 4 hours or on a low setting for 7 to 8 hours. The longer, slower cooking time will help the meat become softer and more flavourful, and it will pull away easily from the bone. Turkey necks should be tender and easily fall off the bone when they're ready. If your turkey necks are larger, they might need a little extra time in the crock pot.
The internal temperature of the turkey necks should reach at least 165 degrees. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.
Turkey necks can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Leftover turkey necks can be frozen, tightly covered and sealed, for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
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Spices and seasoning
Turkey necks are a great option for a comforting, tasty meal. The spices and seasonings you use can really elevate this simple dish.
Firstly, you'll want to pat the turkey necks dry and then drizzle both sides with olive oil. Then, you can add your spices. A simple option is to use salt, but you can also add a kick of spice with some cayenne pepper. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme. If you like garlic, you can add some minced garlic to the pot along with chopped onions. If you want to add some colour and flavour, you can brown the turkey necks in a skillet before placing them in the crockpot. You can also add your favourite hot sauce to the crockpot for some extra heat.
If you're using fresh turkey necks, you might want to adjust the seasoning to your preference. Turkey necks have a rich and savoury flavour, so you can balance the dish with lighter side dishes. You can also use smoked turkey necks, which have a distinct, rich, smoky flavour. If you're using smoked turkey necks, you might want to adjust the seasoning to complement this flavour.
Don't forget to add some water to the crockpot, and then you're ready to cook your turkey necks!
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Checking doneness
Checking if your turkey necks are cooked through is simple. The meat should be tender and fall easily off the bone. You can also use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat has reached 165°F.
If you prefer your meat to be fall-off-the-bone tender, it's best to cook the turkey necks on a low heat setting for 7-8 hours. However, if you're short on time, you can cook them on a high setting for 4-5 hours.
It's worth noting that larger turkey necks might need a little extra time in the crockpot, so adjust the cooking time accordingly if your turkey necks are on the bigger side.
Once your turkey necks are cooked, turn off the crockpot and carefully remove the meat using tongs. Place the tender turkey necks on a serving dish and remember to discard any bay leaves before serving, as they are not meant for consumption.
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Serving suggestions
Turkey necks are best served hot. They can be enjoyed on their own or with side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
Side Dishes
Rice or quinoa: White or brown rice can be served alongside the turkey necks to soak up the juices from the meat.
Mashed potatoes: Turkey necks can be served with mashed potatoes, which can also be seasoned with ranch spices.
Greens: You can serve the turkey necks with greens such as collard greens or green beans.
Dishes
Turkey necks can be served with gravy. You can make a gravy by mixing cornstarch with cold water and pouring it into the hot broth from the cooked turkey necks.
Other Suggestions
- You can save the broth from cooking the turkey necks and use it as a base for soups or sauces.
- Turkey necks can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- You can also use turkey wings instead of necks, which will take the same amount of time to cook.
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Storing and reheating
Turkey necks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, cooked turkey necks can be frozen for 2 to 3 months. Defrost the turkey necks overnight in the fridge and reheat.
When reheating, always make sure to reheat the turkey necks until they are piping hot, not just warmed through. Only reheat cooked turkey necks once.
If you are reheating a large amount of turkey necks, use the oven. Heat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. Place the turkey necks in a roasting tin or gratin dish and pour over enough stock or gravy so there is about 5mm of liquid in the bottom of the dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil and roast for 30 minutes until the turkey necks are very hot—at least 75°C on a cooking thermometer. Leave to rest for a few minutes before serving.
If you are reheating one or two turkey necks, you can use a microwave. Place the turkey necks in a microwavable dish and drizzle with stock or gravy. Cook on a medium-high setting for 2 minutes, then check. If they are not piping hot, cook in 30-second bursts until they are. Leave to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Turkey necks can also be reheated on the stovetop or in the oven at 325°F until heated through. Reheated turkey necks should have an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Frequently asked questions
Turkey necks should be cooked in a crock pot for 4-5 hours on a high setting or 7-8 hours on a low setting. The meat should be tender and easily fall off the bone.
Cooked turkey necks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Yes, cooked turkey necks can be frozen and sealed in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
