How Long To Cook Turkey Necks In Instant Pot

How Long to Cook Turkey Necks in an Instant Pot: A Deliciously Easy Guide

So you've got a bunch of turkey necks and an Instant Pot – fantastic! Turkey necks are a fantastic source of collagen, perfect for making rich broths and stocks. But how long do you cook them for the best results? Let's dive in!

Understanding Instant Pot Turkey Neck Cooking Time

The cooking time for turkey necks in an Instant Pot depends on a few factors:

• Amount of turkey necks: More necks will require a slightly longer cooking time.
• Desired tenderness: Do you want fall-off-the-bone tender meat, or something with a little more bite?
• Adding other ingredients: Vegetables and aromatics will add flavor but might slightly alter the cooking time.

The Perfect Instant Pot Turkey Neck Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

This recipe yields incredibly tender turkey necks, perfect for broth or shredding for other dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 lbs turkey necks
• 4 cups water or broth (chicken or turkey broth is ideal!)
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste (add at the end, to avoid making the broth too salty)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Turkey Necks: Rinse the turkey necks under cold water. There's no need to trim excess fat unless it's excessive.

2. Layer the Instant Pot: Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaf to the bottom of your Instant Pot.

3. Add the Turkey Necks: Place the turkey necks on top of the vegetables.

4. Pour in the Liquid: Pour the water or broth over the turkey necks, ensuring they're mostly submerged.

5. Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "sealing." Cook on high pressure for 35-45 minutes for 2-3 lbs of necks. For larger quantities, add an extra 10 minutes per pound.

6. Natural Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 20 minutes. This is crucial for tender turkey necks!

7. Quick Release (Optional): After the natural pressure release, you can carefully quick release any remaining pressure.

8. Remove and Shred: Carefully remove the turkey necks from the Instant Pot. Let them cool slightly before shredding the meat from the bones.

9. Season and Strain (optional): Season your broth with salt to taste. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids.

Tips for the Best Instant Pot Turkey Necks:

• Don't overfill the Instant Pot: Leave enough space for steam to circulate properly.
• Start with cold water: This helps prevent the meat from becoming tough.
• Taste and adjust seasoning: Add more salt, pepper, or other herbs and spices to your liking after cooking.
• Save the broth!: The broth created is incredibly flavorful and perfect for soups, stews, or sauces. It can be frozen for later use.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Flavor Variations

Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices! Consider adding:

• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Parsley
• Ginger
• Star anise

By following these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, tender turkey necks from your Instant Pot. Happy cooking!