Every year, for the past 16 years, we’ve deep-fried a turkey for Thanksgiving. We finally realized there had to be a better solution than to riskily heat up six gallons of cooking oil on my front porch after a near-accident in the second year!
The holidays are fast approaching, and for many, that means one thing: turkey time! But if the thought of wrestling with a giant bird in your oven fills you with dread, fear not! The Big Easy Cooker is here to revolutionize your turkey-cooking experience
This innovative appliance takes the stress out of turkey preparation, delivering juicy, flavorful results every time. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this guide will walk you through the process of cooking a turkey in The Big Easy Cooker, ensuring your holiday feast is a resounding success.
Gather Your Ingredients:
Before embarking on this culinary adventure, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients:
- A whole turkey: Choose a size that comfortably fits into The Big Easy Cooker.
- Seasonings: Get creative! Salt, pepper, garlic, herbs, and spices are your friends.
- Olive oil or melted butter: This helps achieve a crispy, golden skin.
- Vegetables (optional): Carrots, celery, and onion add flavor to the stuffing.
Prepping the Turkey:
- Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey’s cavity.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Stuff the turkey (optional): Fill the cavity with your chosen vegetables for added flavor.
- Rub the turkey with olive oil or melted butter.
Seasoning the Turkey:
Now let your culinary creativity shine!
- Sprinkle a generous amount of salt and pepper all over the turkey.
- Add your preferred herbs and spices: Experiment with traditional flavors like rosemary, thyme, and sage, or explore exotic spices for a unique twist.
The Big Easy Cooker Setup:
- Preheat The Big Easy Cooker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Ensure you have enough propane gas for consistent temperature throughout cooking.
Cooking Time:
- Place the seasoned turkey, breast side up, into the cooking basket.
- Carefully lower the basket into The Big Easy Cooker.
- Set the timer based on the turkey’s weight: As a guideline, cook for 10-12 minutes per pound at 325°F (163°C).
- Refer to the instructions that come with The Big Easy Cooker for a more precise cooking time.
Monitoring and Basting:
- Keep an eye on your turkey while it cooks.
- Check the temperature periodically with a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature is 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the turkey.
- Baste the turkey with the juices from the bottom of The Big Easy Cooker to enhance flavors and keep the meat moist.
Let it Rest:
- Once the turkey reaches the desired temperature, carefully remove it from The Big Easy Cooker.
- Let it rest for about 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful bird.
Serve and Enjoy!
Finally, carve your beautifully cooked turkey and serve it with your favorite side dishes. The Big Easy Cooker will have produced a moist and flavorful turkey with a crispy skin that will impress your family and friends.
FAQ:
Can I cook a frozen turkey in The Big Easy Cooker?
No, it’s best to thaw the turkey completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and avoid food safety concerns.
How long does it take to cook a turkey in The Big Easy Cooker?
Cooking time varies depending on the turkey’s size, but on average, it takes about 10-12 minutes per pound at 325°F (163°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
Should I brine the turkey before cooking it in The Big Easy Cooker?
Brining is not necessary. The cooker uses infrared technology that locks in the turkey’s natural juices, resulting in a moist and flavorful bird without brining.
What kind of wood chips should I use to enhance the flavor?
The Big Easy Cooker uses a propane gas burner, so wood chips are not necessary. However, if you prefer a smoky flavor, use a small amount of wood chips, such as hickory or apple, to add a subtle smokiness.
Can I stuff the turkey before cooking it in The Big Easy Cooker?
It’s not recommended. The cooker is designed for even cooking from all sides, and stuffing can affect cooking time and temperature distribution. Cook the turkey unstuffed and prepare the stuffing separately.
How do I ensure a crispy skin?
Brush the turkey with oil or melted butter before cooking. This promotes browning and crispiness. Increase the heat for the last few minutes of cooking or use the cooker’s roasting basket for a more direct heat source on the skin.
Can I use The Big Easy Cooker for other meats?
Absolutely! The cooker can cook various meats, including chicken, pork, and beef. Adjust the cooking time and temperature according to the specific meat you’re cooking.
Additional Resources:
- Patio Daddio BBQ: This website provides a detailed guide on cooking a turkey in The Big Easy Cooker, including tips on seasoning, cooking time, and troubleshooting.
- Recipes.net: This website offers a comprehensive guide on cooking a turkey in The Big Easy Cooker, with step-by-step instructions, FAQs, and helpful tips.
With The Big Easy Cooker and this guide, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of turkey cooking. So, fire up your cooker, get creative with your seasonings, and prepare for a turkey-cooking experience that will leave everyone wanting seconds!
PROS of the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer
This apparatus functions as an infrared fryer and runs on a propane tank; the propane tank from your barbeque grill will suffice.
To ensure that the turkey cooks evenly, heat from the 16,000 BTU burner circulates throughout the chamber that surrounds it. To be fair, this isn’t exactly the same as “deep frying” a turkey, but the end product is almost exactly the same: juicy, moist meat (including the breast!) and a crispy skin that can’t be achieved in the oven.
Here’s what we like about the Char-Broil Big Easy:
- No oil needed. In the past, we had to buy five gallons of cooking oil and then dispose of five gallons of used cooking oil after deep-frying a turkey. No oil is needed with the Char-Broil.
- We save so much time when we use the Big Easy instead of roasting in the oven. Big Easy: 2 hours (10 minutes per pound) and Oven: 4 hours
- Quick heat-up and cool-down times: the machine heats up in 60 seconds, and by the time dinner is done, it has already cooled down. Unlike deep-frying in oil, you would have to wait for the oil to cool completely, which could take several hours.
- Drippings are collected in a small container. With deep-frying in oil, no drippings.
- Safe to use: We haven’t had any problems with it toppling over or spilling oil, which is a concern!
- Reasonably priced, well worth the $99 purchase each year for flawless deep-fried turkey sans oil
When You Should NOT Brine or Inject the Turkey
If you buy a Kosher Turkey, there’s no need to brine or inject the turkey. Kosher turkey has already been pre-brined as part of the kosher process.