Benefits and Advantages of Turkey Neck Recipe
The turkey neck recipe is a staple in Southern cooking that stands out for its simplicity and remarkable health benefits. This dish is not only easy to prepare with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, but also rich in essential nutrients, making it a flavorful and nutritious option for any meal. Turkey necks provide a hearty source of protein, which supports muscle repair and growth, along with collagen that promotes joint health and skin elasticity.
The recipe’s versatility enhances its appeal; it can be easily adjusted to accommodate various dietary preferences such as gluten-free, low-calorie, or ketogenic diets without compromising flavor. Its balanced calorie content and nutrient density make it a smart choice for those mindful of their diet but unwilling to sacrifice taste.
One of the standout features of this recipe is its use of an affordable yet flavorful cut of poultry. Turkey necks, often overlooked, offer a cost-effective way to create a rich, satisfying meal that fits well within family budgets. The slow cooking process allows the meat to become tender and juicy while infusing the gravy with deep, savory flavors.
The turkey neck recipe combines ease, nutrition, and rich Southern flavors, making it an excellent option for a soulful, comforting meal.
This recipe is also a wonderful way to bring traditional Southern cooking into your home kitchen. For other delicious poultry options, consider trying the Garlic Chicken recipe, which complements the hearty flavors of slow-cooked turkey necks beautifully.
Jump To
Essential Ingredients for Turkey Neck Recipe
Creating a classic Southern-style turkey neck recipe relies on a carefully selected list of essential ingredients that combine rich flavors with hearty textures. Below is the key ingredient list for a smothered, slow-cooked turkey necks dish:
- 2 to 4 pounds turkey necks, thoroughly cleaned and trimmed of excess fat
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or substitute with a blend of 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning, 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons paprika)
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon browning sauce (optional, for color and added flavor)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour to make the roux for gravy
- 1 diced onion (approximately 3/4 cup)
- 1 diced bell pepper (approximately 1/4 cup)
- 1/4 cup chopped celery (optional, for extra depth)
- 4 cups chicken or turkey stock (or substitute one quart chicken broth and one quart water when doubling)
- 1 to 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (optional, adds tanginess)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Each ingredient plays an important role in building the dish’s layered flavors: the robust spices create a signature Southern character, while the aromatics like onion, bell pepper, and celery add sweetness and complexity. Using a rich broth as the cooking liquid helps tenderize the meat and makes the luscious gravy that coats each tender bite.
For detailed tips and techniques on cooking turkey necks perfectly, you can visit How to Cook Turkey Necks.
Print
turkey neck recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
🍗 Experience the rich flavors of Southern comfort food with tender, slow-cooked turkey necks smothered in savory gravy.
🍲 This dish is perfect for those seeking a hearty and flavorful meal that’s deeply satisfying and full of tradition.
Ingredients
– 2 to 4 pounds turkey necks, thoroughly cleaned and trimmed of excess fat
– 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or substitute with a blend of 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning, 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons paprika)
– 2 teaspoons onion powder
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon browning sauce (optional, for color and added flavor)
– 1/3 cup vegetable oil or olive oil
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour to make the roux for gravy
– 1 diced onion (approximately 3/4 cup)
– 1 diced bell pepper (approximately 1/4 cup)
– 1/4 cup chopped celery (optional, for extra depth)
– 4 cups chicken or turkey stock (or substitute one quart chicken broth and one quart water when doubling)
– 1 to 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (optional, adds tanginess)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
Step 3: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture until just blended.
Step 5: Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Step 6: Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.
Notes
🔥 Browning the turkey necks before simmering develops deep, caramelized flavors that enrich the gravy.
⏲️ Slow cooking at low heat makes the meat incredibly tender and allows flavors to meld.
🧼 Properly cleaning and removing excess fat from turkey necks improves the texture and overall taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Simmering time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering, Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cup turkey neck with gravy)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Turkey Neck, Southern Cooking, Slow Cooked, Smothered
I tried this turkey neck recipe last night, and it was such a hit with my family! 🦃💖 I added a little smoked paprika for an extra kick, and it turned out perfectly. Will definitely be making this again!
★★★★★