Mastering the Big Easy: Cooking a Turkey to Perfection

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The Big Easy, with its innovative design and ease of use, has revolutionized the world of outdoor cooking. But when it comes to tackling a Thanksgiving turkey, questions arise: how long should it cook, and how do we ensure a juicy, flavorful bird? Fear not, fellow Big Easy enthusiasts, for this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tips to conquer the turkey challenge and impress your guests with a culinary masterpiece.

Understanding the Big Easy:

The Big Easy’s unique combination of charcoal and infrared technology delivers intense heat and consistent cooking, making it ideal for large cuts of meat like turkeys However, unlike traditional ovens, the Big Easy’s cooking times may differ, requiring a slightly different approach

Estimating Cooking Time:

A good starting point for estimating Big Easy turkey cooking time is 9-10 minutes per pound However, this is just a guideline, as factors like turkey size, ambient temperature, and desired doneness can influence the actual cooking time.

The Importance of Temperature:

Relying solely on cooking time can be risky, especially with a large and expensive bird like a turkey. To ensure perfect results, use an instant-read thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the turkey.

Safe Internal Temperatures:

For a perfectly cooked turkey, the internal temperature should reach:

  • Breast: 165°F
  • Thighs: 175°F

Tips for Big Easy Turkey Success:

  • Prepare the Turkey: Thaw the turkey completely and remove the giblets and neck. Pat it dry with paper towels.
  • Seasoning: Apply your favorite rub or marinade to the turkey, ensuring even coverage.
  • Preheat the Big Easy: Light the charcoal and let the Big Easy preheat to 325°F.
  • Place the Turkey: Carefully place the turkey on the cooking grate, breast-side up.
  • Monitor Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey every 30 minutes or so.
  • Basting (Optional): Baste the turkey with melted butter or your favorite sauce every hour for added flavor and moisture.
  • Resting: Once the turkey reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the Big Easy and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.

Additional Tips:

  • Use a drip pan: Place a drip pan under the turkey to catch drippings and prevent flare-ups.
  • Tent with foil: If the turkey starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with foil to prevent burning.
  • Adjust cooking time: If the turkey is browning too quickly or cooking too slowly, adjust the heat accordingly.
  • Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different rubs, marinades, and basting liquids to find your perfect flavor combination.

With the Big Easy and this guide as your allies, conquering the Thanksgiving turkey is within your reach. By following these tips and using an instant-read thermometer, you can ensure a perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful turkey that will be the star of your holiday feast. So, fire up your Big Easy, grab your thermometer, and get ready to impress your guests with your culinary prowess!

Louisiana-Style Fried Turkey in The Big EasyMain Course

Recipe courtesy of The Big Easy

Serves a crowd Ingredients:

Method: Fried Turkey in The Big Easy Remove the giblets, neck, etc. Remove any plastic or metal ties used to hold legs or cavity in place. Brine overnight if desired. Remove from brine about 1 hour prior to cooking, rinse and pat dry with paper towels. Apply dry rub between skin and meat if desired, rub on the outside will flavor the skin and not the meat. Note: At this time, you may also inject the turkey with the marinade. Lightly spray or brush peanut oil on outside of turkey. Place turkey, legs down in the cooking basket.

  • Whole turkey (see product manual for size recommendation)
  • 3 tablespoons Peanut oil
  • Creole Seasoning dry rub
  • Optional Inject turkey with Cajun-style seasonings, Click for 5 different Injection marinades

Louisiana-Style Fried Turkey in The Big Easy

Click to enlarge

Note: To help prevent sticking, oil the wire in the cooking basket before placing turkey in it.

Insert the meat thermometer into the breast so that the tip remains off the bone and the dial is easy to read once the basket is in the cooker. Light the burner according to instructions in manual – no pre-heating required. Pay special attention to the turkey’s temperature as the last “planned” 20 minutes of cooking draw near, and cook it for approximately 10 minutes per pound.

When the thermometer reads about 5 degrees below the desired temperature of 165˚F, turn off the cooker and remove the cooking basket with the turkey inside. Placing the basket in a shallow jelly roll pan, let it rest for about fifteen minutes while the turkey continues to cook internally. Remove the turkey from the cooking basket.

Note: Cooking times in the infrared Big Easy are approximate. The actual cook time will depend on the size of your turkey.

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How to Cook Turkey in the Big Easy Fryer

FAQ

How many minutes per pound for turkey in Big Easy?

Generally, you can expect it to take approximately 10 minutes per pound. Cook times are included as a general guideline. Meat doneness is ALWAYS determined by the meat’s internal temperature, not time elapsed. For larger birds and cuts of meat, use a meat thermometer.

How long does it take to cook a 15 pound turkey in an oilless fryer?

A general rule of thumb is to cook the turkey for about 10-12 minutes per pound. 2. During the cooking process, it’s essential to monitor the turkey’s internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe minimum temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

How long to smoke a turkey in the Big Easy?

I then let Tom bask in the infrared glow of the Big Easy for 2 1/2 hours when the thermometer read just under 170º. Because the bird cooks breast-up, and the cooker is hotter at the bottom (where the burner is), you don’t have to worry about the dark meat taking longer than the white.

How many minutes per pound to cook a turkey?

The simplest way to figure out turkey roasting times is to calculate 13 minutes per pound at 350°F for an unstuffed turkey (that’s about 3 hours for a 12- to 14-lb. turkey), or 15 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey.

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