"skin I'm in" how to make braised pork neck bones

Are you a fan of pork neck bones? I have to admit, I wasn't always. In fact, I used to think this Southern favorite was kind of gross. But then I tried them cooked the right way and now I'm hooked!

If you're looking for an easy and affordable recipe that the whole family will love, check out this boiled pork neck bones recipe below. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. This Southern style neck bones recipe is typical of popular soul food meat dishes.

Tough, humble, this inexpensive cut of pork neck bones is braised into tender chunks of the most flavorful of meats. The meat is so tender no knife is needed.

There are several bones to maneuver around, but it’s well worth it. Not only is the meat everything, but the resulting gravy is also an added bonus and makes everything it touches golden!

Neck bones, beef or pork, are the ultimate comfort food. It's also that classic soul food. It's on the menu in just about any hole in the wall soul food joint or served monthly in Southern households. It's one of my mom's favorite dishes and I made this with her in mind.

This recipe isn't the typically boiled neck bones and potatoes version. I skipped the potatoes and opted for more briny vegetables to pair with the pork.

What Are Pork Neck Bones

Pork neck bones are cuts of meat taken from the neck area of the pig. They are characterized by their meaty texture, rich flavor, and abundance of connective tissues, which makes them ideal for slow cooking methods like braising or stewing.

They are often used in various cuisines, including soul food and traditional dishes where their tenderness and gelatinous qualities contribute to creating flavorful and hearty meals.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with pork neck bones)

Cameo's "Skin I'm In" pairs seamlessly with braised pork neck bones due to the shared essence of soulful expression and cultural richness. The song's funky beats and expressive lyrics mirror the robust flavors and vibrant character of braised pork neck bones.

Both celebrate authenticity, delivering a sensory experience that transcends boundaries, blending musical and culinary artistry into an incredible fusion. The groove of "Skin I'm In" enhances the enjoyment of every succulent bite, creating a dynamic synergy that elevates both the auditory and gustatory pleasures. It's a soulful rendezvous that amplifies the joy of savoring a dish rooted in tradition and seasoned with musical finesse.

Braised Neck Bones Ingredients

• Pork Neck Bones
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Chicken Stock
• Onions
• Carrots
• Garlic Cloves
• Pickled Peppers
• Pickled Cactus (optional)
• Canned Chipotle Peppers plus adobe sauce
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper

How to Cook Pork Neck Bones (step by step)

Braising makes for the best neck bones flavorwise and it is an easy cook. It just requires time and patience. Neck bones have lots of collagen and slow cooking over long period allows that collagen to break down and produce those tender delicious results.

Step 1: Season neck Bones

Rinse neck bones under cold water then season them with salt and pepper

Step 2: Brown Neck Bones

Heat a large pot or dutch oven on medium heat. Add olive oil then brown the neck bones on all sides. Remove and set the browned neck bones aside.

Step 3: Saute Vegetables

Add onions and carrots to the pot. Saute for 2 minutes then add the cloves of garlic cooking for another 30 seconds or so. Add half the spices (salt, pepper, and smoked paprika) to the pot.

Step 4: Braise the Neck Bones

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Add the chicken stock, cider vinegar, water, bay leaves, red pepper flakes, pickled vegetables (plus a ¼ cup of the brine), the chipotle peppers with the sauce, and the remaining spices. Mix well scraping up any brown bits. Nestle the neck bones back in.

Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer and cover. Place in the preheated oven and cook for 1 ½ hours or until neck bones are bone tender. Cooking times will vary depending on a few different variables so just just based on level of tenderness achieved.

Serving Suggestions

I like to eat my cooked neck bones with a plate of rice. The gravy and neck bones over the top of the rice is a beautiful thing. Same holds true for mashed potatoes.

What To Serve With Neck Bones

When serving pork neck bones, consider pairing them with traditional Southern sides such as collard greens, cornbread, fried blackeyed peas, and cauliflower curry. The rich and flavorful meat of the neck bones pairs well with the comforting and hearty flavors of these classic dishes. Other side dish ideas include:

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth and creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the tender and succulent pork neck bones.
2. Rice or Grits: Serve the pork neck bones over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy grits to soak up the flavorful juices and create a satisfying meal.
3. Coleslaw: The refreshing and tangy flavors of slaw complement the richness of pork neck bones, providing a refreshing contrast to the dish.
4. Baked Beans: The sweet and smoky flavors of baked beans make them an excellent side dish to serve alongside pork neck bones, creating a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

Tips for Cooking Neck Bones

• Wash the neck bones thoroughly and then dry them before cooking
• Brown the neck bones well before braising. This locks in the flavor and ensure caramelization. Plus it renders pork neck bone fat to saute the vegetables in, creating even more flavor.
• Make sure you use a heavy lid when braising. For insurance if you don't have one, lay parchment paper over the top of the pot and then top with your lid.
• Reduce the braising liquid down to a gravy and serve over rice. You can add a corn starch slurry (water and corn starch mixed in a bowl) for a thicker gravy

• Wash the neck bones thoroughly and then dry them before cooking
• I season them simply with salt and pepper, but garlic powder and onion powder are great adds as well
• Brown the neck bones well before braising. This locks in the flavor and ensure caramelization. Plus it renders pork neck bone fat to saute the vegetables in, creating even more flavor.
• Make sure you use a heavy lid when braising. For insurance if you don't have one, lay parchment paper over the top of the pot and then top with your lid.
• Reduce the braising liquid down to a gravy and serve over rice. You can add a corn starch slurry (water and corn starch mixed in a bowl) for a thicker gravy
• Skim away any excess fat that accumulates during cooking
• Pork neck bones can be found at most butcher shops and some large format grocery stores. Specialty stores that serve largely Hispanic and Caribean communities will also have them on hand.
• When braising pork neck bones, be sure to use a heavy pot or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid. This will help to prevent the liquid from evaporating during cooking.
• Pork neck bones go great over a side dish like a nice bowl of grits or white rice. Neck bones, gravy, and rice is actually a complete meal. I also typically have hot water cornbread and sides like a greens and/or black-eyed pea dish such as any of these:

Black-eyed Pea Salad

Pan-fried Black-eyed Peas

Instant Pot Black-eyed Peas

Southern Collard Greens

Curried Collard Greens

Black-eyed Pea Soup

Neck Bones Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I buy neck bones?

You won't find neck bones readily available unless you live in or near the hood or more ethnic areas. They are hood underground specialties and fly under the radar of most mainstream channels.

Here in Texas we have a large Hispanic chain Fiesta that sales them and on occasion, some HEB Stores (super grocery chain in Texas) will have both pork and beef neck bones on hand. You can also ask your local butcher to reserve some for you.

They will typically have pastured pork neck bones which is generally better quality from both a flavor and nutritional standpoint. Pasture raised pork are fed grass, grains, etc. and allowed to forage outdoors. Healthier animals equal more nutritious food.

Is there a substitute for neck bones?

Pork shanks would likely be the best alternative among readily available options.

What is the flavor profile of this recipe?

I intentionally wanted a briny dish relying heavily on vinegar and the brine from pickled vegetables like peppers, okra, and cactus. The briny broth cuts through the rich tender sauce rendered by braised neck bones and brings balance to the dish. The smoky chipotle peppers and their sauce add depth and complexity.

How long do neck bones cook on stove?

If you decide to cook these on your stovetop you'll want to cook at a nice low slow simmer. Plan to allow these to cook between 2-3 hours. You can start giving them the fork test for tenderness after two hours of cooking.

Can I Cook Neck Bones In Air Fryer?

I suppose you could, given it seems like everything is air fryer cookable! However, as grandma used to tell me - "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!" I'd avoid the air fryer and stick to braising in the oven, stovetop, or pressure cooker.

Same goes for slow cooker neck bones in my opinion. Slow cookers are more of a food warmer. However if you do decide to cook the neck bones in a slow cooker be sure to brown them in a separate skillet first.

What goes with neck bones?

I prefer my neck bones served over grits or rice. A side of creamy navy beans, purple hull peas, collard greens with smoked turkey pressure cooked greens, as well as fried cabbage are also favorite ways to enjoy them.

Should I Use smoked pork neck bones?

Smoked neck bones have already been cooked, which isn't the end of the world but fresh is better primarily from a texture standpoint.

For other recipes featuring humble meats made off da charts delicious try these:

Beef Oxtail Soup

Braised Beef Neck Bones

Neck Bones Sandwich

Smoked Jerk Beef Oxtails

Braised Ham Hocks

Instant Pot Oxtails

Braised Southern Turkey Necks

Southern Turkey Necks

Braised Beef Neck Bones

Make This Southern Style Neck Bones Recipe

Pork neck bones are a true soul food staple that brings comfort and flavor to any table. With their tender meat and gelatinous texture, they lend themselves perfectly to slow cooking methods that infuse every bite with rich flavors.

Whether you're doin classic Southern style cooking or exploring new culinary horizons, pork neck bones are sure to satisfy your cravings for a hearty and delicious meal. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and let the aroma of simmering pork neck bones transport you to the heart of soulful Southern cooking.

If you make these braised pork neck bones or any other from the site, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

You can also keep up with my food exploits as well as original recipes! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. If you like any of the music you find on the site, visit me at Spotify to find curated monthly playlist.

Lastly, go to my YouTube channel and subscribe to be notified when new weekly videos are uploaded.

Sharing is caring!