How Long To Cook Smoked Turkey Necks: The Complete Recipe Guide

Many people eat other parts of the turkey but reject the neck. However, it is another delicious part of this bird that you should enjoy at least once. If you have a smoker, that is even better, as you can cook smoked turkey necks. 

However, knowing how long to cook smoked turkey necks and the complete recipe is crucial. So, if you want to smoke this part of the turkey, you are in the right place. Here is what you should know. 

How Long To Cook Smoked Turkey Necks For? (Answered)

You can cook smoked turkey necks for around two hours in the smoker. Such a time will be enough for them to have juicy and tender meat that you will enjoy. The key is to keep checking the turkey necks inside the smoker to see if they have reached the right temperature. 

You have to follow the right recipe that will allow you to get the most out of the recipe. Now that you have the answer, keep reading for a delicious smoked turkey neck recipe. 

How To Cook The Perfect Smoked Turkey Necks In The Smoker

Here is the complete recipe for you to create a delicious smoked turkey neck in the smoker:

Ingredients

• A quarter cup of Worcestershire sauce 
• Four turkey necks 
• Two tablespoons of malt vinegar
• 1/3 cup of olive oil 
• One tablespoon of brown sugar
• Two teaspoons of salt 
• Two teaspoons of garlic powder
• One teaspoon of black pepper

The Recipe For The Perfect Smoked Turkey Necks 

1. Add all the ingredients except the olive oil and turkey necks to a large mixing bowl. Mix all the ingredients, then slowly add the olive oil as you whisk. 
2. Add the turkey necks to a shallow pan and marinate them with the mixture you just made. Mix the necks thoroughly to ensure that they are coated properly. Now, you have the option to leave the marinade on the necks for twelve hours, or you can keep it in the refrigerator till the smoker is ready. 
3. Make sure that you set the smoker to 275F. As soon as it is warm, you must take out the turkey necks from the fridge and keep them in an aluminum pan. Leave a lot of space between the necks. 
4. Time to pop the pan inside the smoker. 
5. Opt for the right airflow by opening the vents and letting the necks smoke for half an hour. 
6. After fifteen minutes have passed, make sure that you decrease the temperature of the smoker to 180F and close the vents. 
7. Then, let the meat cook for another half an hour. 
8. Next, you have to check the internal temperature of all the necks. The key is to ensure that they smoke at the same rate. 
9. Keep cooking the necks until all of them have an internal temperature of 170F. It will take the turkey another hour or even more to reach this state. 
10. Once it is at 170F, you must take out the necks from the smoker and let them rest for fifteen minutes before you serve them.

What Can You Serve With The Smoked Turkey Necks?

Now that you have the delicious turkey necks, you might be wondering what you can serve it with. After all, you want the right type of side to wow your guests or your family. Here are some sides you can serve it with:

• Collard greens 
• Rice 
• Mashed potatoes 
• Roasted vegetables 
• Mac and cheese 
• Green beans 
• Mustard greens 
• Sweet potatoes 
• Cabbage
• And much more

There are many foods that will go well with the turkey neck. However, these are the top ones that you can opt for. The choice depends on your preferences and the flavor profile you like. Once you have made your choice, you will enjoy these for a long time. 

Also Read: Top 10 Best Meat To Smoke For Beginners: Everything You Need To Know

Should You Use Frozen Or Fresh Turkey Necks?

It is not so easy to find turkey necks because most people don’t think of cooking this meat. Instead, there are people that get rid of the neck even when using a whole turkey. This is why you might have some trouble finding fresh turkey necks at your local store. 

If you are worried about the taste difference between frozen and fresh, then you will realize there is none. However, before you use the frozen turkey neck, you have to let it completely defrost. Therefore, it is not ideal for cooking frozen meat inside the smoker, as that will cause a lot of hassle for you. 

This is why you must ensure that you let the turkey necks thaw before you use them inside the smoker. It will cook the necks at the perfect temperature that will provide you with a juicy and tender taste. 

Are Turkey Necks Healthy To Eat?

There is a misconception that turkey necks are not healthy, which is why many people discard these parts of the bird. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Instead, the turkey necks are rich in selenium, zinc, and protein, providing you with important nutrients. 

Besides that, the cartilage and bone of the beck are also rich in nutrients such as glucosamine, phosphorus, and calcium. In the long run, this can help support mobility, arthritis, joint health, and much more. So, if you are looking for healthy meat, then turkey necks are also great. 

How To Store And Reheat The Turkey Necks?

If there are leftovers, you can always store the turkey necks to consume them later on. For example, you can store the leftover turkey necks inside an airtight container. Once you do, you can refrigerate them for three to five days, or you can freeze these necks for three months. 

Whenever you want to enjoy these delicious necks, you can reheat them inside an air fryer or microwave, depending on what you prefer. It will only take a few minutes for the necks to reheat. Then, you can consume them for the perfect taste. 

What Type Of Wood Is Ideal For Smoking Turkey Necks?

There are various types of wood you can use for the smoked turkey necks, depending on the taste you prefer. However, some of the top options include hickory, oak, maple, and much more. These types of woods will add a depth of flavor to the smoked turkey necks and provide you with a robust flavor. 

You can experiment with all these types of wood and see which one you like the best. Maple and hickory go best with turkey, so you can start with them if you like. Once you do, you can decide which one you and your family enjoy the most. 

Can You Vary The Recipe Of The Smoked Turkey Necks?

Yes, you can easily vary the recipe of the smoked turkey necks, depending on what you like. For example, you can change the recipe of the marinade to seasonings that you enjoy and like. The key is to experiment and see what you like for a flavor you will enjoy. 

There are many different types of flavors and marinades you can work with. Once you do, you will find the perfect one for your palate. 

Final Thoughts

That was your complete guide to making the perfect smoked turkey necks and how long you can smoke them for. Two hours will be more than enough for you to get juicy and tender meat that will melt in your mouth. When you smoke it right, the meat will fall right off the bone, and you can enjoy the incredible taste. 

So, be sure to follow this recipe and the timing to create turkey necks that your entire family will enjoy. By the end, everyone will want to keep reaching for more.