How To Cook Turkey Necks In Instant Pot

How to Cook Turkey Necks in an Instant Pot: A Delicious and Easy Guide

Turkey necks are an incredibly affordable and flavorful cut of meat, perfect for making rich stocks, stews, and even shredded turkey for tacos or sandwiches. The Instant Pot makes cooking them incredibly easy and fast, resulting in tender, succulent meat every time. This guide will walk you through the process, providing tips and tricks for achieving perfect results.

Why Use an Instant Pot for Turkey Necks?

The Instant Pot's pressure cooking function significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods. This results in:

• Tender Meat: The pressure cooking process breaks down the connective tissues in the turkey necks, resulting in incredibly tender meat that easily shreds.
• Rich Flavor: The enclosed environment of the Instant Pot allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a deeply flavorful broth.
• Convenience: The Instant Pot minimizes hands-on time, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the turkey necks cook.
• Versatility: The cooked turkey necks can be used in a variety of dishes, from hearty soups and stews to flavorful tacos and salads.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• Turkey Necks: About 2-3 pounds, depending on your Instant Pot size and desired quantity.
• Water or Broth: Enough to cover the turkey necks. Chicken broth adds extra flavor.
• Aromatics (Optional, but Highly Recommended):
  • 1 Onion, roughly chopped
  • 2 Carrots, roughly chopped
  • 2 Celery Stalks, roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic, smashed
  • Bay leaf
  • Fresh Thyme or Rosemary sprigs
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Turkey Necks: Rinse the turkey necks under cold water and pat them dry. Trim away any excess fat if desired.

2. Sauté Aromatics (Optional): For deeper flavor, you can sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a little oil within the Instant Pot's sauté function before adding the turkey necks and other ingredients. This step adds a delicious layer of complexity.

3. Add Ingredients to Instant Pot: Place the turkey necks in the Instant Pot. Add the chopped aromatics, garlic, bay leaf, thyme/rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour in enough water or broth to cover the turkey necks by about an inch.

4. Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 30-40 minutes, depending on the size and quantity of turkey necks. Larger necks may require the longer cooking time.

5. Natural Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 15 minutes, followed by a quick release of any remaining pressure. This ensures the meat is perfectly tender.

6. Shred the Meat (Optional): Once the pressure is released, carefully remove the turkey necks from the Instant Pot. Let them cool slightly, then shred the meat using two forks.

7. Strain the Broth: Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids. This broth is fantastic for soups, stews, or gravies. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Tips and Tricks for Success:

• Don't Overcrowd the Instant Pot: Ensure there's enough space for the steam to circulate.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Monitor the tenderness of the turkey necks. If they are not tender enough after 40 minutes, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
• Experiment with Spices: Add other spices to suit your taste, such as paprika, cumin, or chili powder.
• Use the Broth: Don't discard the flavorful broth! Use it as a base for soups, stews, or sauces.

Serving Suggestions:

• Shredded Turkey Tacos: Use the shredded turkey in tacos with your favorite toppings.
• Turkey and Vegetable Stew: Combine the shredded turkey with vegetables and the cooking broth for a hearty stew.
• Turkey Soup: Create a flavorful soup using the broth and shredded turkey.
• Turkey Pot Pie Filling: Use the shredded meat as the filling for a delicious pot pie.

This comprehensive guide will help you master the art of cooking turkey necks in your Instant Pot. Enjoy the delicious results!