Southern-Style Neck Bones are a recipe that has been passed down through generations. While some might shy away from using neck bones due to their unconventional appearance, seasoned cooks know that these bony treasures hold the key to unlocking unparalleled flavor.
1. Southern-Style Neck Bones Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (approximately 1 kg) of pork or beef neck bones
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 cup of chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of ketchup
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of mustard
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Begin by rinsing the neck bones under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Season the bones generously with salt and black pepper.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the neck bones and sear them until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them until the onions become translucent and aromatic.
Pour in the chicken or beef broth, water, and apple cider vinegar, using them to deglaze the pot and scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
Add the brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together to combine, and then bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
Cover the pot with a lid and let the neck bones cook on low heat for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the meat becomes tender and starts to pull away from the bones. During this time, check on the dish occasionally and give it a gentle stir.
Once the neck bones are fully cooked, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or spices.
Serving Suggestions
Southern-Style Neck Bones are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways, depending on your preference and accompanying side dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions to enjoy this soulful delight:
- Over Rice: Spoon the succulent neck bones and its flavorful sauce over a bed of steamed white rice for a simple and satisfying meal.
- With Collard Greens: Serve the neck bones alongside a heaping pile of tender collard greens cooked with smoky bacon for a classic Southern combination.
- With Cornbread: Pair the neck bones with a slice of golden, crumbly cornbread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Accompany the neck bones with creamy mashed potatoes to balance the richness of the dish.
- On a Po’ Boy Sandwich: Shred the tender meat from the bones and serve it on a crusty baguette with coleslaw for a delicious Southern-style sandwich.
Next time you’re in the mood for a comforting and down-home meal, give this Southern-style neck bones recipe a try. It’s an authentic taste of the South, sure to transport your taste buds to a new world.
