Some people might say that the best part of Thanksgiving dinner is when the turkey gets carved. Others may say it’s all about those tasty pies. But, for many, there is nothing better than a smoked turkey neck. For years, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts have been cooking these delicious treats before they head back home to their families on Thanksgiving Day.
For some reason, though, just how long you should cook them has always remained a mystery. That is until now!
In this article, we’ll give you some quick answers to all your questions about smoking turkey necks.
Is a smoked turkey already cooked?
Yes, some smoked turkey necks come fully cooked through the smoking process. However, they still require cooking time before consumption to make them more tender and juicy.
Is smoked turkey necks good for you?
Smoked turkey is considered lean meat which means that it is a good choice of healthy meat for most people. But it is high in sodium, so you might not be able to eat if you are on a low-salt diet.
Smoked turkey necks are usually smoked over hickory wood which gives them a great flavor. They have very little fat and can be eaten with or without the skin depending on your preference. The meat is roughly 70% bone, 30% muscle so they contain fewer calories than any other poultry dish out there but still offer enough protein to fill you up!
Like most other foods, moderation is key. So as long as you’re eating healthy and not going overboard, smoked turkey necks are a good choice.
How do you clean smoked turkey necks?
The best way to clean smoked turkey necks is to soak them in a mixture of vinegar and water for an hour before rinsing.
Some people may want to make this soak longer, but it is important not to leave the turkey necks soaked too long, as meat left soaking tends to become mushy.
After you have soaked your smoked turkey neck, rinse off all of the impurities that are on its skin with cold water then pat dry with paper towels.
Once again, these steps should be done right before cooking so that there isn’t any time given for bacteria to grow.
How long does it take for smoked turkey necks to boil?
In a 6-quart pot, smoked turkey necks need 1 hour and 10 minutes to boil. Season the turkey beforehand with all the necessary spices. Fill the pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add in the turkey necks and let them boil for 1 hour. When it is done boiling the meat should have an internal temperature between 165-180 degrees F.
How long does it take to cook frozen turkey necks?
It takes frozen turkey necks 50% more time to cook using most cooking methods. So if you planned to boil the turkey necks, instead of it taking 1 hour to boil it would now take 1 hour and 30 minutes to boil frozen turkey necks.
How do I cook store-bought smoked turkey necks?
In a pot, put 3 quarts of water. Put it on the stove and bring it to a rolling boil. Add in the store-bought turkey necks and let them boil for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes check the internal temperature of the meat for a reading of 170-180°F.
If the turkey necks haven’t reached that temperature let it cook for another 15 minutes until it is 180°F which means they will be well done.
How to reheat smoked turkey necks?
Reheat turkey necks by heating the oven to 325 degrees. Pour meat broth or apple juice on them in a pan and cover with foil. Bake it for 15-30 minutes until it is warm enough for your liking and the internal temperature is about 165 degrees.
Wrapping Up
It can take anywhere from 1 hour to 1 and 30 minutes for smoked turkey necks to boil. Take into account your preferred cooking method and the size of your pot when figuring out how long it will take for them to cook. You want the meat to have an internal temperature between 165-180 degrees F.