What Meat Goes With Turnip Greens (25 Interesting Ideas to Try)

Turnip greens are a delicious side dish that can be paired with many different types of meat. As a chef, I always on the lookout for new and exciting side dishes to add to my meal plan, and when I came across turnip greens, I knew I had to try them. I have to say, I was not disappointed! The combination of flavors was fantastic, and I quickly became a fan.

But what meat goes best with turnip greens? Well, that’s what we’re here to explore! I have been very curious about this and so I did a ton of research and trials and errors in my kitchen before I finally came up with a list of what I think are the best meats to pair with this fantastic side dish.

So, without further ado, here are what I believe to be the best meats to go with turnip greens!

What Meat Goes With Turnip Greens

1. Smoked Turkey
2. Salted Pork
3. Smoked Neck Bones
4. Ham Hocks
5. Pork Belly
6. Bacon
7. Hamburger
8. Meatloaf
9. Steak
10. Salmon

Smoked Turkey

Smoked turkey has a great flavor that can elevate your dinner. The key is to find the right balance of smoke and salt.

I like to use smoked turkey with turnip greens. The slight sweetness of the greens pairs well with the smokiness of the turkey. Plus, the turkey provides a nice contrast in texture.

The important thing to remember when using smoked turkey is that less is more. A little bit of salt for the smoked turkey goes a long way. Too much can easily overwhelm a dish. When in doubt, start with less and add more to taste.

Salted Pork

Salted Pork is a great option for a meat dish when you’re looking to change things up. They have a unique taste and texture that can elevate a dish. When pairing them with turnip greens, I suggest using a sweet and savory BBQ sauce to bring out the flavors.

Salted pork can be tricky to work with, so here are a few tips and tricks to get the best results:

• Make sure to slice the pork thinly so that it cooks evenly.
• Add the pork towards the end of cooking so that it doesn’t dry out.
• Use a little extra salt when seasoning the dish, since the pork already has salt in it.

Overall, salted pork is a great way to add some extra flavor to your dish. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you’ll end up with a salty mess!

Smoked Neck Bones

Smoked neck bones are a great option for turnip greens. They have a rich, smoky flavor that pairs well with the slightly bitter taste of the greens. The neck bones also add some texture to the dish, making it more filling and satisfying.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using smoked neck bones.

• They can be quite salty, so be sure to taste the greens before adding any additional salt.
• The neck bones will release some fat as they cook, so you may want to remove them from the pan after a few minutes to avoid greasy turnip greens.
• Smoked neck bones can sometimes be tough, so it’s best to simmer them in water for a few hours before cooking.

Ham Hocks

Ham hocks might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of turnip greens, but they can be a perfect pair. Ham hocks are a type of smoked pork that comes from the pig’s leg. They have a distinct flavor and a chewy texture, which pairs well with the bitterness of turnip greens.

However, ham hocks can also be very fatty, so it’s important to trim off any excess fat before cooking. In addition, ham hocks can take a long time to cook, so it’s best to simmer them in water for several hours before adding them to the greens.

When done right, ham hocks can add a delicious smoky flavor to turnip greens. Just be sure to keep an eye on the fat content and cooking time.

Pork Belly

Pork belly is a delicious and versatile meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its rich, fatty flavor pairs well with turnip greens, and its firm texture ensures that it holds up well to cooking.

However, pork belly can be difficult to work with, as its high-fat content can make it tough and dry. To get the best results, be sure to cook it slowly and at a low temperature. This will help to render out the fat and keep the meat tender and juicy.

Additionally, be sure to trim away any excess fat before cooking, as this will help to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy. With a little care and attention, pork belly can make a delicious and hearty meal that is sure to please.

Bacon

One popular way to enjoy turnip greens is to pair them with bacon. Bacon is a flavorful and fatty cured meat that pairs well with the bitterness of turnip greens.

When choosing bacon for this dish, look for a high-quality option that is not too lean or too fatty. Thick-cut bacon will provide the best flavor and texture. If you are looking for a healthier option, you can also use turkey bacon or veggie bacon.

To cook the bacon, simply follow these steps:

1. Fry the bacon in a pan until it is crisp.
2. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel to cool.
3. Then, add the turnip greens to the pan and sauté them until they are wilted.
4. Once the greens are cooked, add the bacon back into the pan and stir everything together.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Hamburger

Marbled, thick, and juicy, a hamburger is one of the most versatile meats out there. It can be cooked in a myriad of ways and pairs well with a plethora of sides and flavors.

The key to making the hamburger and turnip green pairing work is to let the greens shine. That means going easy on the toppings and condiments, allowing the bright acidity and bitterness of the greens to cut through the richness of the burger. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is all that’s needed to bring out the best in both dishes.

Meatloaf

I’m a big fan of meatloaf, and I think it makes a great meat dish for turnip greens. The taste and texture of the meatloaf are similar to that of ground beef, but it has a bit more flavor. I also like to pair it with aioli or horseradish cream sauce.

The pros of using meatloaf are that it’s easy to find in most supermarkets, and it’s very versatile. You can use it in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to main courses.

On the other hand, the cons are that it can be a bit dry, so be sure to add some moisture to the mix. One tip is to add an egg to the mixture before cooking. This will help to keep the meat moist and prevent it from drying out. Another tip is to bake the meatloaf in a loaf pan lined with parchment paper. This will also help to prevent drying out.

Steak

Steak is a great way to change up the typical meat dish for turnip greens. It has a rich, savory taste that pairs well with the bitterness of the greens. The texture is firm but juicy, making it a satisfying option for a hearty meal.

One downside of using steak is that it can be expensive, so be sure to shop around for the best deal. Another drawback is that it can be difficult to cook evenly, so pay attention to the grill or pan and make sure to rotate the meat frequently.

Salmon

If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to dress up your turnip greens, salmon is a great option. It is a versatile fish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, making it perfect for pairing with greens. Plus, the healthy omega-3 fatty acids in salmon make it a nutritious option for any meal.

However, there are some things you need to remember while preparing this:

• Be sure to choose wild-caught salmon whenever possible since farmed salmon can contain higher levels of toxins and chemicals.
• Cook salmon only until it is opaque in the center. Overcooking can make salmon tough and dry.
• Use simple seasonings to let the natural flavor of the salmon shine through.

Related Questions When Choosing What Meat Goes With Turnip Greens

What are other options when choosing what meat goes with turnip greens?

1. Beef Pot Roast
2. Fried Chicken
3. Baked Chicken
4. Broiled Chicken
5. Braised Duck
6. Glazed Duck
7. Lamb Burger Patties
8. Lamb Chops
9. Pork Chops
10. Pork Loins
11. Baked Venison
12. Slow-Cooker Venison
13. Stewed Venison
14. Catfish
15. Crawdads
16. Shrimp

What are some tips when choosing what meat goes with turnip greens?

When choosing what meat goes with turnip greens, it’s important to consider the flavor and texture of the meat. You want meat that will complement the bitterness of the greens and provide a satisfying, hearty meal.

Additionally, it’s important to cook the meat properly to avoid drying out or overcooking. Use simple seasonings to let the natural flavors shine through, and be sure to add moisture to the mix if necessary.

Conclusion

When it comes to what meat goes with turnip greens, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from.

Whether you’re looking for something simple and easy or something a bit more extravagant, there’s sure to be a perfect match for your taste buds.

So go ahead and try something new the next time you make turnip greens. You might just find your new favorite way to enjoy them.