Tiffany Haney
Turkey necks are a cheap and tasty meal option, and slow cooking them in a crock pot is an excellent way to make the meat tender and juicy. The smoking process infuses the meat with a rich, smoky flavour, which is further enhanced by slow cooking. The meat should be fall-off-the-bone tender when it's ready, and the broth can be saved to use as a base for soups or sauces. So, how long do you need to cook smoked turkey necks in a crock pot?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking Time | 4-5 hours on High or 7-8 hours on Low |
| Spices | Cayenne, thyme, or other fresh herbs can be added |
| Doneness | Turkey necks should be tender and easily fall off the bone |
| Serving | Can be served with rice, mashed potatoes, greens, or quinoa |
| Storage | Can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days |
| Reheating | Can be reheated in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute |
| Broth | Chicken or turkey broth can be used as a base and thickened with cornstarch |
| Gravy | Can be made thin or thick using jus or roux, respectively |
| Cooking Method | Slow cooker/crock pot, pressure cooker, or baked in the oven |
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What You'll Learn
Crockpot temperature settings
Most Crock-Pots have two settings: low and high. These settings give cooks flexibility: you can either cook for a shorter span on high or about twice as long on low. The low setting on a conventional crock pot is probably about 250°F, and the high setting is about 350°F. However, some sources suggest that most slow cooker low temperatures are between 164°F and 182°F.
Some Crock-Pots have a greater range of temperature settings, such as 150°F, 200°F, 250°F, 300°F, 350°F, 400°F, and 450°F.
The temperature settings you use will depend on the type of food you are cooking. For example, short ribs can be cooked on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 5-6 hours; turkey breast can be cooked on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. If you are cooking meat, it should register above 165°F to be tender.
Some Crock-Pot users have complained that their appliances cook at too high a temperature, causing their food to boil rather than slow-cook.
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Cooking time
The cooking time for smoked turkey necks in a crock pot depends on the heat setting and the size of the turkey necks. If you are cooking on a high heat setting, it should take around 4-5 hours, whereas on a low heat setting, it should take 6-8 hours. Larger turkey necks may need extra time in the crockpot. The best way to check if the meat is cooked is to use a fork to see if it is tender and falls away easily from the bone.
Turkey necks can also be cooked in an instant pot or pressure cooker. To do this, first, brown the turkey necks in a heavy-bottomed pot with oil and butter for 2-3 minutes on each side. Set the browned turkey necks aside and add onions, celery, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 4 minutes, then add garlic, bay leaves, sage, and Creole seasoning, and cook for another minute. Next, sprinkle in flour and stir until the vegetables are coated. Add chicken stock, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice, and bring to a boil. Put the turkey necks back in the pot and cook for 50-60 minutes on high pressure.
If you are cooking the turkey necks in an oven, first, brown the turkey necks as above. Then, add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Put the turkey necks back in the pot, cover, and bake for 3-3 1/2 hours at 350°F until tender.
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Checking for doneness
Another way to check for doneness is to use a fork to test the tenderness of the meat. The fork should be able to easily penetrate the meat, indicating that it is tender and ready to be served. This method is commonly used when cooking turkey necks in an instant pot or pressure cooker, where the cooking time is significantly shorter, ranging from 50 to 60 minutes on high pressure.
It is important to note that the size of the turkey necks may impact the cooking time. Larger turkey necks may require additional time in the crockpot to ensure they are thoroughly cooked and tender. Therefore, it is recommended to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the size and number of turkey necks being prepared.
Additionally, the crockpot's temperature settings can affect the cooking time. Different models may have varying temperature settings, so it is essential to refer to the manufacturer's instructions or a trusted recipe specifically designed for cooking smoked turkey necks in a crockpot. This will ensure that the meat is cooked safely and effectively.
In summary, the main indicator of doneness for smoked turkey necks in a crockpot is the tenderness of the meat and its ability to fall off the bone easily. By adjusting the cooking time based on the size of the turkey necks and the crockpot's temperature settings, you can ensure a delicious and well-cooked meal.
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Serving suggestions
Smoked turkey necks cooked in a crockpot are rich and savoury, so pairing them with lighter or complementary side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some serving suggestions:
Rice or Quinoa
A simple white or brown rice can soak up the juices from the turkey. Quinoa is another option to pair with the smoked turkey necks.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a great side dish to smoked turkey necks, as they can help to soak up the juices and flavours.
Greens
Southern greens, such as collard greens, can be a tasty side dish to smoked turkey necks. You can also use the turkey necks to add flavour to stocks and greens.
Gravy
A rich, homemade gravy can be a delicious addition to smoked turkey necks. You can make a gravy by whisking cornstarch and pot liquids until dissolved, and then stirring this slurry into the juices from the cooked turkey necks. You can also add green onions and parsley as a garnish.
Vegetables
You can add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and celery to your smoked turkey necks to create a heartier dish.
Soups or Sauces
The broth from the smoked turkey necks can be saved and used as a base for soups or sauces. This is a great way to make the most of the flavours from the crock pot.
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Storing and reheating
Storing your smoked turkey necks properly is key to preserving their flavour and texture. If you're not eating them right away, wrap each neck tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. This prevents air from drying out the meat. If storing in the refrigerator, consume within 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the turkey necks in a large container or freezer bag. It is recommended to disassemble the turkey necks before freezing and wrap each section in foil. Smaller portions will also defrost faster.
When you're ready to enjoy your smoked turkey necks, take them out of the freezer and place them on a baking dish or rimmed sheet. Don't unwrap the turkey; just place it into the fridge and let it thaw slowly until the meat doesn't feel hard. It takes about 1 day to defrost 4 to 5 pounds of smoked turkey. Once thawed, you can eat the turkey necks cold or reheat them. Use the meat within 4 days.
There are several ways to reheat your smoked turkey necks, depending on your desired texture and taste preferences. Reheating in the oven is a popular method as it allows for even heating and helps maintain a crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy. To do this, wrap each turkey neck in aluminium foil and add a little chicken broth, cold water, or olive oil to keep the meat from drying out. Then, heat in the oven for about 30 to 40 minutes. If they are frozen, you may need to add extra cooking time. For crispy skin, unwrap the foil during the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking.
Another option is to use a slow cooker or crockpot to reheat your smoked turkey necks. Simply add some water to the bottom of the pot and place the turkey necks inside. You can also reheat your turkey necks in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Regardless of the reheating method, ensure the internal temperature of the turkey necks reaches at least 165°F, which is the safe temperature for poultry.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cook them for 4-5 hours on High or 7-8 hours on Low.
The recommended temperature is 250 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
The turkey necks should be tender and easily fall off the bone when they are ready.
They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with side dishes like mashed potatoes, greens, or rice.
