Deep Fried Turkey Recipe: A Deliciously Crispy Thanksgiving Treat

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, a delicious turkey. But if you’re tired of the same old roasted bird, why not try something a little different this year? Deep-frying your turkey is a surefire way to impress your guests and create a truly memorable Thanksgiving feast.

This recipe from Food.com provides a step-by-step guide to deep-frying a turkey from brining and injecting to rubbing and frying. It also offers optional steps for an extra flavorful and juicy bird.

Ingredients:

For the Turkey:

• 1 (14-16 lb) whole turkey (completely thawed, not a self-basting or kosher)

Optional Brine:

• 1 cup coarse salt or 1 cup pickling salt
• 1 lb brown sugar
• 4 oolong tea bags
• 2 quarts apple juice
• 1 inch ginger, sliced lengthwise
• 10 whole allspice
• 10 peppercorns
• 2 bay leaves
• 10 fresh sage leaves
• 4 sprigs rosemary
• 10 garlic cloves
• 4 quarts cold water

Optional Injection Liquid:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 garlic cloves, slightly smashed skin removed
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 4 sage leaves
• Cracked black pepper, to season

Optional Dry Rub:

• 1/2 cup dry rub seasonings (Cajun Spice Rub Mix Recipe or Sweet and Spicy Dry Rub on Ribs or Salmon)

Other:

• Peanut oil for frying
• Cotton string

Instructions:

1. Brine the Turkey (Optional): Combine all brine ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and cool. Add the washed turkey to the cooled apple mixture and cover with ice-cold water, making sure the turkey is completely submerged. Refrigerate for 10-15 hours.
2. Prepare the Injection Liquid (Optional): Combine butter, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, sage, and cracked black pepper in a pot. Bring to a slow simmer for 10-15 minutes, removing any water from the butter and bringing out the flavors of the herbs. Cool, drain the herbs and garlic, and set aside.
3. Inject the Turkey (Optional): Remove the turkey from the brine, discard the brine, and rinse the turkey. Towel dry inside and out. Inject the dry turkey in the breasts and thighs with the butter mixture.
4. Rub the Turkey (Optional): Place the turkey uncovered on a rack in the refrigerator overnight. Rub the turkey with any oil mixture that escaped while sitting overnight, then rub inside and out with the dry rub mixture.
5. Prepare for Frying: Tie the legs and wings to the body with cotton string. Heat peanut oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or large pot.
6. Fry the Turkey: Carefully lower the turkey, breast side up, into the hot oil. Be cautious of hot splattering oil. Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F. Fry for 3 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 180°F.
7. Rest and Carve: Remove the turkey from the oil and let it rest for 15 minutes. Carve and enjoy your delicious deep-fried turkey!

Tips and Tricks:

• Make sure your turkey is completely thawed before frying.
• Use a deep fryer or a large pot with a thermometer to ensure the oil temperature stays at 350°F.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot. Fry the turkey in batches if necessary.
• Be careful when handling hot oil.
• Let the turkey rest before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Deep-frying a turkey is a fun and rewarding way to cook a delicious Thanksgiving feast. This recipe provides a detailed guide to help you achieve perfect results. With a little preparation and care, you can impress your guests with a crispy, juicy, and flavorful turkey that will be the star of the show. So, grab your deep fryer and get ready to enjoy a truly memorable Thanksgiving meal!