Recipe for Smoked Turkey Necks: A Flavorful Southern Classic

A Smoked Turkey Necks Recipe is a beloved dish in Southern and soul food cuisines. Known for their deep, smoky flavor and tender texture, smoked turkey necks are perfect for soups, stews, and even as a main dish. Whether you’re preparing a Smoked Turkey Necks Recipe for a family gathering or a simple weeknight meal, smoked turkey necks offer a comforting and satisfying option. This Smoked Turkey Necks Recipe is a versatile way to elevate any meal, making it a staple in Southern kitchens.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to cook smoked turkey necks in various ways, share delicious recipes, and provide helpful tips for selecting, preparing, and storing this flavorful cut of meat.

What Are Smoked Turkey Necks?

Smoked turkey necks come from the neck portion of the turkey and are smoked to impart a rich, savory flavor while preserving the meat. The smoking process gives the necks a deep, aromatic taste, making them perfect for infusing into broths, soups, and stews. In addition, people commonly use smoked turkey necks in traditional Southern recipes, where their tender meat adds both depth and richness to dishes like collard greens and turkey neck soup. As a result, they play a key role in creating hearty, flavorful meals.

For more on the health benefits of smoked turkey necks, check out Healthline’s nutritional breakdown. Turkey necks are a great source of protein and are relatively low in fat compared to other cuts of smoked meat.

Why Smoked Turkey Necks Are a Delicious and Nutritious Option

There are several reasons why you should consider adding smoked turkey necks to your meal rotation:

• Rich in Protein: Smoked turkey necks provide a good source of protein, making them a satisfying addition to any meal.
• Low in Fat: Compared to other cuts of meat, turkey necks are relatively low in fat, offering a healthier alternative.
• Budget-Friendly: Smoked turkey necks are an affordable option, making them perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing large meals.
• Versatile: The smoky flavor makes turkey necks a great addition to soups, stews, and even grilled dishes.

If you want to learn more about the nutritional benefits of turkey necks, head over to Healthline’s article for a detailed breakdown of their health benefits.

How to Choose the Best Smoked Turkey Necks

When selecting smoked turkey necks, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind to ensure the best quality:

• Freshness: Look for turkey necks with a fresh, pink color. Avoid necks with a grayish hue as they may be old or of poor quality.
• Size: Larger turkey necks typically offer more meat, while smaller ones cook faster and may be better for soups or stews.
• Pre-Smoked vs. Fresh: Most turkey necks in stores come pre-smoked, but you can also buy fresh turkey necks and smoke them yourself to achieve an even richer flavor.

For more tips on cooking smoked turkey necks to perfection, check out The Spruce Eats for a guide on slow-cooking and grilling turkey necks.

Preparing Smoked Turkey Necks for Cooking

Proper preparation is key to ensuring your smoked turkey necks turn out flavorful and tender. Follow these steps for the best results:

• Clean: Rinse the turkey necks under cold water to remove any residual fat or debris.
• Trim: Trim off excess fat if necessary. Leave some fat on the meat for extra flavor, especially if you’re making a stew or soup.
• Brining (Optional): Soaking your turkey necks in brine or water with seasonings for a few hours before cooking can enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat.

Common Methods to Cook Smoked Turkey Necks

There are several ways to cook smoked turkey necks, each bringing out different flavors and textures. Here are some popular methods:

Smoked Turkey Neck Soup

One of the most comforting ways to prepare smoked turkey necks is by making a hearty soup. The turkey necks add a savory, smoky flavor to the broth, making it perfect for chilly evenings.

• Ingredients: Smoked turkey necks, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, and chicken broth.
• Instructions:
  1. Brown the turkey necks in a large pot.
  2. Add the vegetables and seasonings, then pour in the broth.
  3. Simmer for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Slow Cooker Smoked Turkey Necks

Using a slow cooker is an easy and hands-off way to make smoked turkey necks tender and flavorful.

• Ingredients: Smoked turkey necks, onions, garlic, bell peppers, broth, and seasonings of your choice.
• Instructions:
  1. Place all ingredients into the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the turkey necks are fall-off-the-bone tender.

Grilled Smoked Turkey Necks

If you enjoy grilling, you can achieve a smoky char on smoked turkey necks, giving them an extra depth of flavor.

• Instructions: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Season the turkey necks and grill for 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and lightly charred.

Baked Smoked Turkey Necks

Baking smoked turkey necks in the oven is a simple method that delivers juicy, flavorful results.

• Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Season the turkey necks, place them on a baking sheet, and roast for 1.5-2 hours until golden brown and tender.

Classic Smoked Turkey Neck Recipe

Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe for preparing smoked turkey necks:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 smoked turkey necks
  • 1 onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot and brown the turkey necks on all sides.
  2. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.

Smoked Turkey Necks in Southern-Style Collard Greens

Smoked turkey necks are a key ingredient in Southern-style collard greens. Specifically, the smoky flavor of the turkey necks infuses the greens, enhancing their taste and creating a flavorful, hearty dish. As a result, this combination makes collard greens a perfect choice for family meals or holiday gatherings. Additionally, the rich, savory flavor of the smoked turkey necks adds depth to the dish, making it even more satisfying.

• Ingredients: Smoked turkey necks, collard greens, onions, garlic, chicken broth, vinegar, and seasoning.
• Instructions:
  1. Sauté onions and garlic in a large pot.
  2. Add the turkey necks and broth, bringing it to a boil.
  3. Add the collard greens, cover, and simmer for 1-2 hours until the greens are tender.

FAQs

Are Smoked Turkey Necks Already Cooked?

Yes, smoked turkey necks are typically already cooked. They go through a smoking process that both preserves the meat and infuses it with rich, smoky flavors. However, they still need to be heated or cooked further to soften the meat and bring out the best flavors in dishes like soups, stews, or greens. You can cook them by simmering, slow-cooking, or baking to achieve the perfect tenderness.

How Do You Cook a Turkey That Is Already Smoked?

If you have a smoked turkey that’s already cooked, you don’t need to cook it for long; the goal is to reheat it without drying it out. Here are some methods:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 30-45 minutes, or until it’s warmed through.
• Stovetop: For smaller portions, you can reheat smoked turkey in a skillet or pan. Simply add a bit of water or broth to the pan to keep it moist, and heat over medium-low heat until warmed.
• Slow Cooker: Place the smoked turkey in a slow cooker with a small amount of broth or water, and heat on low for 2-3 hours until it’s hot and tender.

Are Smoked Turkey Necks Good?

Yes, smoked turkey necks are very good, especially for those who enjoy rich, smoky flavors. The meat is tender and flavorful, making it perfect for a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, and Southern-style greens. The long cooking process, whether it’s simmering or slow cooking, helps to bring out the deep, savory flavors that make smoked turkey necks a delicious addition to your meals.

What Is the Best Way to Serve Smoked Turkey?

Smoked turkey can be served in a variety of ways depending on personal preference. Here are some popular methods:

• In Soups and Stews: The smoky flavor of the turkey adds richness to broths, making it an excellent addition to dishes like turkey neck soup, gumbo, or collard greens.
• On the Side: Serve sliced smoked turkey as a side dish with your favorite vegetables or grains. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or cornbread.
• In Sandwiches: Shred the smoked turkey and serve it on a sandwich with mustard, pickles, and your favorite condiments for a smoky, savory lunch.
• As a Main Dish: If you have a whole smoked turkey, you can serve it as a main course, just like a roasted turkey. Simply heat it through and pair it with your choice of sides.

Conclusion

Smoked turkey necks offer great flavor and are budget-friendly. You can use them in a variety of dishes. From soups and stews to grilled and baked options, these smoky turkey necks are versatile enough to suit many different meal plans. Follow the tips and recipes provided, and you’ll be sure to enjoy this delicious and nutritious cut of meat in no time.