When it comes to cooking turkey necks, boiling them on the stove is a popular method. However, many people are unsure about how long to boil turkey necks on the stove. The answer to this question can vary depending on a few factors, including the size of the turkey necks and what you plan to use them for.
According to Cooks Dream, turkey necks submerged in water and boiled over the stove can take 1 to 2 hours. Some people prefer turkey necks to boil much longer than 1 hour. On the other hand, if you are boiling turkey necks for collard greens, they may only need to simmer for one hour. However, as with any cooking method, it’s important to keep an eye on the turkey necks to ensure they are cooked to your liking.
Knowing how long to boil turkey necks on the stove can be especially helpful when preparing dishes like Louisiana-style boiled turkey necks. Coop Can Cook suggests boiling turkey necks with a mixture of water and seasonings for about 2 hours or until the meat is tender. It’s important to keep the pot covered but with a slight crack to allow steam to escape. Throughout the cooking process, you may need to add more water to keep the turkey necks submerged.
Preparation
Before boiling turkey necks on the stove, there are a few steps to take to ensure they are clean and well-seasoned.
Cleaning the Turkey Necks
First, clean the turkey necks thoroughly. Rinse them under cold water and use a sharp knife to remove any excess fat or skin. It’s important to remove any visible dirt or debris before cooking.
Seasoning the Turkey Necks
Next, season the turkey necks to add flavor to the meat. There are many ways to season turkey necks, but a common method is to use a blend of herbs and spices. Here is a simple recipe for seasoning turkey necks:
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
Mix the spices together in a small bowl and then rub the mixture onto the turkey necks. Make sure to coat the meat evenly on all sides.
Once the turkey necks are cleaned and seasoned, they are ready to be boiled on the stove.
Boiling the Turkey Necks
When it comes to boiling turkey necks on the stove, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they come out tender and flavorful. Here are some tips on how to boil turkey necks on the stove:
Boiling Time
The boiling time for turkey necks can vary depending on the recipe and personal preference. Typically, turkey necks will need to be boiled for at least an hour to become tender. Some people prefer to boil them for longer, up to two hours, to ensure they are fully cooked and flavorful.
Adding Vegetables
Adding vegetables to the pot while boiling the turkey necks can add extra flavor and nutrition to the dish. Carrots, onions, celery, and garlic are popular choices for adding to the pot. These vegetables can be chopped or sliced and added to the pot at the beginning of the boiling process.
Here is a simple recipe for boiling turkey necks with vegetables:
Ingredients:
- 4 turkey necks
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Water
Instructions:
- Rinse the turkey necks and place them in a large pot.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot.
- Add enough water to cover the turkey necks and vegetables.
- Add salt to the pot and stir to combine.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the turkey necks simmer for at least an hour.
- Check the turkey necks for tenderness. If they are not yet tender, continue to simmer until they are cooked to your liking.
- Once the turkey necks are cooked, remove them from the pot and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving boiled turkey necks, there are a variety of options to choose from. Here are some serving suggestions to consider:
Side Dishes
Turkey necks can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some popular options:
- Collard greens: This classic Southern side dish pairs perfectly with turkey necks. Boil the collard greens in the same pot as the turkey necks for added flavor.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a great accompaniment to boiled turkey necks. Sprinkle some chopped chives on top for added flavor.
- Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread is the perfect addition to a plate of boiled turkey necks. Drizzle with honey for a touch of sweetness.
Sauces
Adding a sauce to your boiled turkey necks can take them to the next level. Here are some options to consider:
- BBQ sauce: Brush some BBQ sauce onto your turkey necks before serving for a smoky, tangy flavor.
- Hot sauce: For those who like a little heat, drizzle some hot sauce over your turkey necks.
- Gravy: A rich, savory gravy is a classic choice for boiled turkey necks. Use the cooking liquid from the turkey necks to make the gravy.
Gravy
Making gravy from the cooking liquid of the turkey necks is a great way to add flavor to your dish. Here’s how to do it:
- Remove the turkey necks from the pot and set them aside.
- Strain the cooking liquid through a fine mesh sieve to remove any solids.
- In a separate pot, melt some butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in some flour to make a roux.
- Slowly pour in the cooking liquid, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Continue cooking and whisking until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Conclusion
Boiling turkey necks on the stove is a simple and easy way to prepare this flavorful meat. The cooking time can vary based on the desired tenderness and whether the necks are pre-cooked or not.
Based on the research, it is recommended to boil turkey necks for at least 1-2 hours if they are not pre-cooked. If the necks are already cooked, they can be boiled for about 10-15 minutes until they are warm and tender.
