Turkey Neck Recipe

This turkey neck recipe provides a hearty and savory dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Slow-cooked to perfection, turkey necks become tender and full of flavor in this rich stew. Ideal for those looking for a budget-friendly, comfort food option, this turkey neck recipe stew is packed with vegetables and seasonings. Whether you’re cooking it for a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish will warm you up from the inside out.

Description:

Looking for an affordable yet flavorful meal? This turkey neck recipe might just be your new favorite dish! Turkey necks are a lesser-known, but incredibly tasty cut of meat that transforms into a savory, melt-in-your-mouth delicacy when slow-cooked. This turkey neck recipe stew recipe features a blend of rich seasonings, tender vegetables, and the deep, savory flavor of turkey necks simmered to perfection. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that’s simple yet delivers incredible taste.

Turkey necks, a byproduct of turkey processing, are not only cost-effective but also packed with flavor, making them a perfect base for stews, soups, and braises. When slow-cooked, the meat becomes incredibly tender, falling off the bone and blending beautifully with the rich broth and veggies. This turkey neck recipe stew recipe brings out the best in these often-overlooked cuts of meat.

The recipe begins with a thorough cleaning of the turkey necks and seasoning them with a combination of fresh herbs and spices. The turkey necks are browned to develop a deep flavor, then simmered with a variety of vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions. Add garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and other herbs to create a fragrant broth. The key to the dish’s richness is in the slow cooking, which allows the turkey necks to release their natural flavors into the broth, creating a deliciously comforting stew.

Perfect for dinner, lunch, or even as a side dish for your holiday meals, this turkey neck recipe offers a satisfying, filling meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Served with rice or cornbread, this turkey neck stew is sure to become a family favorite. The meat is flavorful, the broth is savory, and the vegetables offer a great balance of texture and taste. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a few people, this recipe will please everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

2 lbs turkey necks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
2 bay leaves
6 cups chicken broth (or water)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for depth)
1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional for richness)
1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional for a kick)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Turkey Necks:
Begin by cleaning the turkey necks. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. If they’re large, you can cut them into smaller sections for easier handling.
Sear the Turkey Necks:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the turkey necks and sear them on all sides until browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Browning the meat will give the stew a deeper flavor.
Sauté the Vegetables:
Once the turkey necks are browned, remove them from the pot and set them aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add Seasonings & Liquids:
Return the turkey necks to the pot. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine the seasonings with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth (or water) to cover the ingredients. Add soy sauce and tomato paste if using, and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer the Stew:
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The turkey necks should be tender and the broth rich and flavorful. The meat should easily fall off the bone when it’s done.
Adjust Seasonings & Serve:
After 2 hours, taste the broth and adjust the seasonings if necessary (add more salt, pepper, or hot sauce if you like a spicier kick). Remove the bay leaves. Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, cornbread, or mashed potatoes.

Notes:

Slow Cooker Option:
If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can make this turkey neck recipe in a slow cooker. Follow steps 1 through 4 and then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Set it on low for 6-8 hours, or until the turkey necks are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Storage & Leftovers:
Leftover turkey neck stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to improve the next day! You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Spice Level:
For a milder dish, omit the hot sauce and reduce the amount of black pepper. For extra heat, feel free to add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to taste.