Deep Fried Turkey Recipe
Come Thanksgiving or Christmas, there’s always one dish that forms the feast’s centerpiece – the turkey. Turkey and Thanksgiving go together like apple pie and cream; it’s tradition! But while most Americans roast their enormous birds for hours to achieve the perfect golden-brown spectacle, there’s another – better – way: deep-fried turkey!
This staple of southern cuisine is renowned for its delicious crispy exterior and succulent taste. Pioneered by four Cajuns in Baton Rouge, it’s become a popular American dish ever since.
While many Americans are familiar with roasting a turkey, the particulars of a deep-fried turkey recipe are a little less familiar. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about deep frying a turkey.
Prep time: 10 mins (18-24 hours cooling time)
Cook time: 35 mins
Servings: 12
Deep-fried turkey ingredients
Unlike most recipes, deep-frying a turkey is simple; you’ll need the following:
Oil. Peanut oil is perfect for frying. The recipe was inspired by the excess lard from a cochon de lait. However, the lard spoiled easily. Peanut oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor – just what you need. You’ll want around 15 to 17 L of peanut oil, depending on the volume of your fryer.
Turkey. In this recipe, we’re assuming you have a 10-pound turkey. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time if your bird is larger or smaller.
Seasonings. At least, you’ll need a healthy sprinkling of salt and pepper. But you can use any appropriate seasoning you want. We advise 2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon paprika.
Directions
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- Mix together all your seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. With your fingers, gently loosen the skin from the turkey. Pat the turkey to dry, and cut away any neck skin to leave a hole at least 1-inch in diameter. Rub the salt-seasoning mixture under the skin, inside the cavity, and over the outside of the turkey. You’ll want to achieve an even covering. Next, tuck the wings under the turkey, and tie the drumsticks together. Refrigerate the turkey for 18 to 24 hours.
- Pour oil into the deep fryer. Preheat oil to 350 degrees F. Lower the turkey slowly into the fryer, neck-side down. The turkey should be completely covered. Fry the turkey until completely cooked through – about 35 to 45 minutes (or 3 ½ minutes per pound). The turkey should no longer be pink at the bone, and the juices will run clear.
- Carefully remove the turkey from the fryer and drain. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone – it should read at least 165 degrees F but no more than 180 degrees F. Transfer to a plate and allow the turkey to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Carve and serve with accompaniments.
Use a turkey fryer
Many people ask, how do you fit a turkey in a fryer? The answer is to use a turkey fryer. These specialized units allow you to comfortably fit a whole turkey without any increased risk of splashing or overspilling.
You’ll also need a basket or a poultry holder. Removing the turkey should be easy – the harder it is, the more dangerous the cooking process. You want to be able to lower the turkey in slowly with control, and the same when removing.
What to serve with deep-fried turkey
Just like a roasted turkey, your deep-fried turkey pairs well with all your holiday favorites. Try it with a green bean casserole and cranberry sauce.
The Origins of the Thanksgiving Turkey
Thanksgiving has been “Turkey Day” since at least the mid-19th century. Contrary to popular belief, the Pilgrims and Native Americans probably weren’t eating a bird on the “First Thanksgiving” in 1621. Rather, the story of the Thanksgiving turkey is credited to Sara Joseph Hale – the “Godmother of Thanksgiving.”
According to her accounts, roast turkey was popular in early New England celebrations; when Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday in 1863, these traditions were adopted nationwide. Not everyone agrees, however. Some credit the turkey’s position as America’s favorite bird as the reason – Benjamin Franklin had, after all, considered it more “respectable” than even the Bald Eagle.
What is clear is the origins of the deep-fried turkey. First appearing in the Baton Rouge Times-Picayune, it was attributed to Charlie Grant and two friends, who used the excess pig lard from a cochon de lait to deep fry turkeys after trying the recipe on chickens. Declaring it delicious, it’s become a firm southern fried favorite to this day. Who are we to disagree?
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