I may occasionally be dramatic, but when I say that this recipe for fried turkey is LIFE CHANGING, I’m not being dramatic. I can say that because it seriously changed mine. Before we fried the turkey, I had never had a bird so juicy, flavorful, and appetizing in my life. Fear not, people! I will walk you through the process of creating the world’s greatest fried turkey, along with simple yet incredibly tasty rub and injection marinades.
Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and you’re probably already dreaming of the delectable feast that awaits But this year, let’s take your Thanksgiving turkey game to the next level with a deep-fried turkey marinade that will tantalize your taste buds and leave your guests begging for more.
Why Deep-Fry Your Turkey?
Deep-frying your turkey unlocks a whole new dimension of flavor and texture. Imagine biting into a juicy tender turkey with a crispy golden-brown crust that crackles with every bite. It’s a culinary experience that will redefine your Thanksgiving tradition.
The Allrecipes Deep-Fried Turkey Marinade: A Flavorful Journey
The Allrecipes recipe offers a simple yet effective marinade that infuses your turkey with a symphony of flavors. The key ingredients include:
- Italian dressing: This provides a base of savory and tangy notes.
- Cayenne pepper: A touch of heat adds a kick to the marinade.
- Black pepper: Enhances the overall depth of flavor.
- Creole seasoning: A blend of spices like paprika, garlic, and onion adds a unique Cajun flair.
- Garlic powder: A generous amount of garlic powder ensures a pungent and aromatic experience.
The Food & Wine Deep-Fried Turkey Marinade: A Sweet and Spicy Symphony
The Food & Wine recipe takes a different approach, starting with a brine that infuses the turkey with moisture and flavor. The key ingredients include:
- Brown sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness and caramelizes beautifully during frying.
- Dijon mustard: Provides a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness.
- Cayenne pepper: Adds a subtle heat that complements the other flavors.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves infuse the turkey with a pungent aroma.
- Thyme: A sprig of thyme adds a touch of herbal complexity.
The Deep-Fry Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you’ve chosen your marinade, it’s time to embark on the deep-frying adventure. Here’s a general guide:
- Prepare the turkey: Pat the turkey dry and remove any giblets.
- Marinate the turkey: Submerge the turkey in your chosen marinade for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
- Heat the oil: Use a deep fryer or a large pot filled with vegetable oil. Heat the oil to 350°F.
- Fry the turkey: Carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil and fry for approximately 3 minutes per pound.
- Rest and carve: Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving.
Tips for Deep-Frying Success
- Use a deep fryer or a large pot with a thermometer to ensure accurate oil temperature.
- Pat the turkey dry before marinating to prevent splattering during frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in uneven cooking.
- Use a frying thermometer to monitor the oil temperature throughout the process.
- Be cautious when handling hot oil and always use proper safety precautions.
Additional Resources:
- Allrecipes Deep-Fried Turkey Marinade: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/37952/deep-fried-turkey-marinade/
- Food & Wine Deep-Fried Turkey Marinade: https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/deep-fried-turkey-brined-in-cayenne-and-brown-sugar
- Deep-Frying Turkey Safety Tips: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat/turkey-fryers
Deep-frying your turkey is a surefire way to impress your guests and create a memorable Thanksgiving feast. With the right marinade and a little bit of know-how, you can achieve a crispy, flavorful turkey that will become the star of your holiday table. So, go ahead, embrace the adventure, and let the deep-fried turkey marinade work its magic!
How to inject a turkey for frying
As much marinade as possible should be injected into the turkey while trying to leave as few holes as possible. How you do this? By sticking the needle in and moving it in different directions through one hole. See pictures below.
How to Deep-Fry a Turkey
There are a few warnings when frying turkey, but if you follow the instructions, you should have no trouble! We’ve been making fried turkey for a number of years, so we’ve accumulated some expert tips.
1. Follow directions. (wait, did I already say that?) 3. INJECT and RUB that baby!
We’ve tried just injecting, just marinating the turkey in a rub the following year, but our incredible year was the third one. We RUBBED and INJECTED that year, and we can genuinely state that there is no other way to do it.
How to Make Deep Fried Turkey Marinade | Allrecipes.com
FAQ
How to season a turkey before deep frying it?
Should I brine or inject my turkey for deep frying?
What is the formula for deep frying a turkey?
How to get crispy skin when deep frying turkey?
How do you marinate a Turkey in a frying pan?
Cut off wing tips and tail because they can get caught in the fryer basket. Place turkey in large pan. Rub inside and outside of turkey with spice rub. Inject marinade into turkey, following directions that came with injector. Cover turkey in pan; place in refrigerator at least 8 hours but no longer than 24 hours.
How do you deep fry a turkey breast?
Dry the turkey completely with paper towels. Inject marinade into the turkey breast, legs, and thighs. Allow turkey to marinate in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before frying. Heat oil to 400 degrees or the temperature recommended by the deep fryer’s manufacturer. Place the turkey on the deep fryer rack or basket.
Can you add Italian dressing to deep fried turkey?
In a medium bowl, mix 3/4 Italian dressing, cayenne pepper, black pepper, Creole seasoning, and garlic powder. Rub over turkey, using remaining Italian dressing to fill cavity. Allow turkey to marinate 8 hours, or overnight, before deep-frying as desired. This mean rub adds a flavorful zest to deep-fried turkey!
How do you season a deep fried turkey?
Simple and Savory – 2 cups chicken broth, 1/4 pound butter, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt You may also want to use a rub if desired. I like using a simple rub of salt and pepper, it works well to help season the skin of the deep fried turkey.