"Moonchild" Learn How To Make The Tastiest Smothered Turkey Necks!

You don't know what you're missing if you've never had smothered Southern turkey necks a soul food cooking classic dish. This beloved soul food delicacy is straight up delicious comfort food.

Tender turkey necks are slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, savory gravy. Join us as we delve into the deep flavors that make smothered turkey necks a true soul food masterpiece.

Many people view turkey necks as simply a low-cost addition to their Thanksgiving feast, but they can be so much more than that! Turkey necks are a great source of protein, and they're easy to cook.

In this post, I'll show you how to cook turkey necks, so you can enjoy this delicious and nutritious dish any time you want.

This Creole flavored Turkey Neck recipe is comforting and delicious. Tender turkey necks are smothered with onions, celery, garlic, and a deeply flavored roux!

Turkey necks are not a popular stand alone ingredient. More often than not smoked turkey necks are used to flavor stocks, beans, and greens. However, when cooked right they are America's best kept secret as the star of the show!

Beats and Eats (music to pair with turkey necks)

Turkey necks don't get their just dues. Soft, tender, and out of this world taste.

The pairing of Rick James' "Moonchild" with Southern smothered turkey necks is a match made in sensory heaven. The soulful and sultry vibes of "Moonchild" create a laid-back ambiance that complements the comforting and hearty nature of the Southern smothered turkey necks recipe. Here's why this musical pairing works so well:

1. Soulful Harmony: "Moonchild" exudes a soulful rhythm and smooth vocals that harmonize with the rich and flavorful experience of indulging in Southern smothered turkey necks. The song's emotional depth aligns with the heartiness of the dish.
2. Laid-Back Groove: The laid-back groove of "Moonchild" sets a relaxed and enjoyable tone, creating the perfect backdrop for savoring the slow-cooked tenderness of smothered turkey necks. It's a musical journey that mirrors the unhurried and savory cooking process.
3. Culinary Soul Connection: Rick James' soulful lyrics and the comforting melody evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection, mirroring the soulful and traditional essence of Southern cuisine. The music becomes a part of the dining experience, enhancing the overall enjoyment.

What Exactly Are Turkey Necks

Turkey necks are the meaty, flavorful part of the turkey's neck that can be used in various recipes. They are known for their rich flavor and are often used in stews, soups, and stocks to add depth and richness to the dish.

In soul food cooking, turkey necks are highly regarded for their ability to impart deep, savory flavors to dishes. They are commonly used in soulful recipes such as collard greens, gumbo, and black-eyed peas.

The tender meat and rich broth created by slow-cooking turkey necks add a delicious and comforting element to soul food cuisine, making them a cherished ingredient in many traditional dishes.

However, you can feature them as the main dish like this recipe. They are braised slowly in a pot or saucepan like you would rough cuts of meat (until meat falls off the bone) leaving tender turkey neck meat for you to enjoy

Ingredients for Braised Turkey Neck Recipe

• Fresh Turkey Necks
• Bacon or olive oil
• Creole or Cajun Seasoning
• Onions
• Garlic Cloves
• Celery
• Bell Pepper
• Bay Leaf
• Dried Thyme
• Dried Oregano
• Chicken Broth or Chicken Stock
• Worcestershire sauce
• Beer
• Flour
• Butter

Turkey Necks Cooking Instructions (step by step)

Turkey necks are a delicious and inexpensive way to enjoy turkey. They're perfect for slow cooking and can be used in a variety of recipes. Here's how to cook turkey necks so they're tender and full of flavor.

Fry bacon in a large dutch oven pot or large oven-safe skillet. Remove bacon and set aside.

Season turkey necks with creole seasoning. Place turkey necks in the large skillet. Brown all side of the turkey necks in the bacon fat. Remove and set aside.

Add the onions and saute 3-5 minutes until onions are a bit translucent. Add the celery, garlic, and peppers sautéing for another minute.

Season the vegetables with the creole spice mix plus the dried herbs.

Add a ½ cup of beer and deglaze the bottom of the pot scraping up any browned bits. Reduce the beer by about half, then add the stock and Worcestershire sauce. Add a bit more seasoning plus the bay leaf and mix well.

Add the turkey necks back to the pot. Bring everything to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cover with lid.

Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees F. Place the pot into the oven and let braise about 2 hours.

While the turkey necks cook, make your roux. Add butter and flour to a cast iron skillet and heat on medium. Mix the flour into the melted butter well and stir continuously until desired color.

Remove the browned turkey necks from the oven. Take the turkey necks out of the pot and set aside. Add the roux to the pot and mix well. Cook on the stovetop over medium heat to allow the sauce to thicken. 

Serve the turkey necks with rice, topped with the brown gravy. Garnish with green onions.

What To Serve With Turkey Necks

When it comes to serving turkey necks, there are plenty of delicious options to complement their rich flavors. Serve turkey necks with classic soul food sides like collard greens, fried black-eyed peas, or buttery cornbread.

For a heartier meal, serve them alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, cauliflower curry, mofongo, or Southern-style green beans. You can also opt for lighter options such as a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the turkey necks.

Whatever you choose, be prepared to savor a soulful feast that will leave your taste buds satisfied and your belly full of comfort.

Cooking Considerations and Tips For Braising Turkey Necks

You can make these with either raw or smoked turkey necks depending on what’s available to you. I prefer raw meat as it tends to be slightly more tender when cooking.

I like to make my own seasoning mix for more control particularly when it comes to salt. Many commercial ones, though flavorful typically contain a lot more salt. To make your own mix together paprika, cayenne, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.

Use a full-body beer vs a light one. I’m partial to a lager or pilsner-style brew.

Season at each step for rich, deep flavor.

Turkey necks can also be cooked in a slow cooker or pressure cooker

They can also be frozen and thawed for later use

Turkey necks can be used in soups, stews, and casseroles. They're also great for making homemade broth.

Serve these turkey necks with white blackeyed pea soup, rice, stewed green beans, mashed potatoes, and Southern collard greens, or even mustard greens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Making a Delicious Turkey Neck Recipe Braised Turkey Necks

What is the best way to cook turkey necks?

There's no one answer to this question as everyone has their own preferences. However, oven-baking or slow cooking are both excellent methods for cooking turkey necks.

How long should I cook turkey necks?

Cooking times will vary depending on how you're cooking turkey necks (oven, slow cooker, pressure cooker, etc.). However, turkey necks should be cooked until they're cooked through and tender. The internal temperature should be around 170 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer to check for internal temperature.

Can I use frozen turkey necks?

Yes, frozen turkey necks can be used in recipes. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

What can I make with leftover turkey necks?

You can use the leftover cook necks in a few different ways in different recipes. I use them to flavor my favorite side dish pinto beans. They can also be used to make turkey neck soup.

Where Can I Buy Turkey Necks?

Neck bones are cheap eats. You can readily find turkey necks in the hood lol, but ethnic grocery stores will have them as will your local butcher.

Similar Recipes

Turkey necks are what I consider cheap cuts when it comes to meat. Though they are highly flavorful, similar to oxtails, ham hocks, and neck bones they tend to be deemed less desirable historically relative to let’s say beef short ribs or even shanks. Here are a few similar to this turkey neck recipe

Beef Oxtail Soup with Blackeyed Peas and Collard Greens

Braised Beef Neck Bones

Beef Neck Bones Sandwich

Braised Pork Neck Bones

Braised Ham Hocks

Ham and Beans

Mexican Flavored Braised Oxtails

Instant Pot Oxtails

popular soul food meat dishes

make this smothered turkey necks recipe

Have you ever cooked a turkey neck before? If not, we hope that this recipe has inspired you to give it a try. Turkey necks are an affordable and delicious cut of meat that can be used in all sorts of recipes.

We think they make the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast, but they would also be great for any other meal. So what are you waiting for? Go get yourself some turkey necks and start cooking!

Have you ever cooked a turkey neck before? If not, we hope that this recipe has inspired you to give it a try. Turkey necks are an affordable and delicious cut of meat that can be used in all sorts of recipes.

We think they make the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast, but they would also be great for any other meal. So what are you waiting for? Go get yourself some turkey necks and start cooking!

If you make this smothered Southern turkey neck recipe please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

You can also keep up with my food exploits as well as original recipes! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. If you like any of the music you find on the site, visit me at Spotify to find curated monthly playlists. Lastly, go to my YouTube channel and subscribe to be notified when new weekly videos are uploaded.

Sharing is caring!