Exploring The Best Ways To Cook Turkey Necks In The Oven

March 10, 2023 Post a Comment

Let's Make Turkey Necks *with pics* from www.tigerdroppings.com

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about the star of the show – the turkey! But what about the often-overlooked turkey neck? While it may not be the centerpiece of the meal, it can still be a delicious and nutritious addition to your Thanksgiving feast. In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to cook turkey necks in the oven, so you can impress your guests with this underrated dish.

Why Cook Turkey Necks in the Oven?

The oven is a great way to cook turkey necks because it allows for slow and even cooking, resulting in tender and juicy meat. It also allows for the addition of flavorful herbs and spices, which can infuse the meat with delicious aromas and tastes. Additionally, cooking turkey necks in the oven requires minimal effort and can be done while you prepare other dishes for your Thanksgiving feast.

How Long to Cook Turkey Necks in the Oven?

The cooking time for turkey necks in the oven will depend on the size and thickness of the necks. A general rule of thumb is to cook them for approximately 45 minutes to an hour at 350°F. However, it’s important to check the internal temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer to ensure that it has reached a safe temperature of 165°F. If the meat is not fully cooked, continue to cook it in 10-minute increments until it reaches the desired temperature.

How to Prepare Turkey Necks for Oven Cooking?

Before cooking turkey necks in the oven, it’s important to properly prepare them. Start by cleaning the necks with water and patting them dry with a paper towel. Then, season them with your desired herbs and spices. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme, to name a few. Once seasoned, place the turkey necks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the oven at 350°F for 45 minutes to an hour.

Other Ways to Cook Turkey Necks in the Oven

While baking is one of the easiest and most popular ways to cook turkey necks in the oven, there are other methods you can try. For example, you can also grill turkey necks in the oven by placing them on a grill pan and broiling them on high for 6-8 minutes per side. Another option is to slow-cook turkey necks in the oven by placing them in a roasting pan with onions, carrots, and celery, and cooking them at 300°F for 3-4 hours. This method will result in fall-off-the-bone tender meat that is perfect for soups and stews.

Tips for Cooking the Perfect Turkey Necks in the Oven

Here are a few tips to help you cook the perfect turkey necks in the oven:

Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the meat has reached a safe temperature of 165°F.
Baste the turkey necks with melted butter or olive oil halfway through cooking to keep them moist and flavorful.
If you want to add a crispy texture, broil the turkey necks for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
Let the turkey necks rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

With these tips and techniques, you can cook delicious and flavorful turkey necks in the oven that your guests will love. Whether you bake, grill, or slow-cook them, turkey necks are a great addition to any Thanksgiving feast.