This Turkey Neck Recipe, Jamaican Style, is sure to please the palate, especially if you are one who enjoys sucking on bones.
It is typical for a Jamaican to add butter beans or broad beans to this dish, although no Jamaican cooks the same. Adding the beans to the turkey neck recipe creates a richer and thicker sauce. Although one of the main reasons, us as Jamaicans, add beans is to stretch the food. Stretching the food usually means creating more portions that the actual meal would generate. Like, Oxtail and Butter Beans or even Ackee and Saltfish.
Is the Neck of a Turkey Good for Cooking?
Turkey neck has an acquired taste which is either loved or hated. When cooked properly, turkey neck is an awesome, cost effective comfort food. Browned and simmered in either stock or water, with vegetables and spices, this turkey neck recipe is perfect for a tasty dinner.
The neck of the turkey has a greatly different taste than the rest of the bird, which is similar to that of chicken.
Can I Fry Turkey Necks?
Anyone who has ever cooked turkey necks, will know that they are sometimes a little tough if not properly cooked. Deep frying them for the right amount of time is usually a delicious option. However, the best cooking method for the most flavor is either stewing or briasing.
Ingredients for this Turkey Neck Recipe
This turkey neck recipe is a version of Jamaican Stew that is enjoyed by many. Also known as "ghetto oxtail", turkey neck is a more affordable alternative to the expensive oxtail that we grew to love so much.
In the photo below, you will see the main ingredients used to prepare this dish. I will list those depicted in the image as well as the spices used.
- Uncooked Turkey Necks
- Fresh Thyme
- Dried Chilis or Scotch Bonnet Pepper
- Pimento
- White Onion
- Fresh Carrots
- Fresh Garlic Cloves
- Green Bell Peppers
- All Purpose Seasoning
- Smoked Paprika
- Jamaican Browning
6 Ways to use the Turkey Neck and Giblets from Your Thanksgiving Turkey
- Turkey broth or stock
- Turkey gravy
- Roasting or Smoking for future use and added flavor
- Braising
- Stewing
- Dog Food (raw)
Turkey Neck Recipe
Ingredients
Seasoning the Turkey Neck
- 2 Pounds Uncooked Turkey Necks Cleaned, washed and cut into 1 inch pieces
- 2 Tablespoons Jamaican All Purpose Seasoning with or without salt
- 1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika
- 2 Tablespoons Jamaican Browning
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
Stewing the Turkey Necks
- 1 Sprig Fresh Thyme
- 2 Whole Dried Chilis or 1 teaspoon of Scotch Bonnet Pepper
- 6 Whole Pimento or All Spice Berries
- 1 Large Carrot Peeled and Chopped
- 6 Cloves Garlic Chopped
- 1 Cup Bell Peppers Chopped
- 1 Cup Onions Chopped
- 2 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- Water (or Stock) as needed
Instructions
Seasoning the Turkey Neck
- In a clean bowl, add the washed turkey neck pieces, Jamaican all purpose seasoning, smoked paprika, Jamaican browning, salt and pepper.
- Use your hands or a large spoon to incorporate all the ingredients. Set aside until ready to cook or refrigerate overnight.
Stewing the Turkey Neck
- Place a large, thick pot on medium high heat and add the vegetable oil.
- Brown each piece of turkey neck on each side for 3 minutes. Remove the browned pieces and add them to a bowl, Repeat the process until all the pieces are browned.
- Once all the pieces are browned, turn the flame to medium.
- Immediately add all the chopped vegetables, fresh thyme, pimento, dried chilis or scotch bonnet pepper and water. Just enough water to cover the turkey neck.Cover and allow the turkey neck to cook for about 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, check the water level, if it has dried out, add more water to cover the turkey neck. Cover and allow the turkey neck to cook for another 45 minutes.
- Uncover and simmer for 10 minutes. Ajust the salt if needed.
- Serve over Jasmine Rice
This looks delicious! I will definitely try the recipe.
This is absolutely delicious. Highly recommended 😋😋
Thank You