Deep Fried Smoked Turkey: The Ultimate Thanksgiving Dish

Deep Fried Smoked Turkey: A Holiday Tradition

Deep fried smoked turkey is a popular dish that is often served during the holidays. It is a delicious and hearty meal that is sure to please everyone at your table. This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about deep fried smoked turkey, including how to make it, what sides to serve with it, and tips for making it a success.

So if you’re looking for a delicious and impressive dish to serve your family and friends this holiday season, deep fried smoked turkey is the perfect choice!

Ingredients	Instructions	Tips
1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 cup buttermilk 1 egg 1 cup vegetable oil 1 (10- to 12-pound) whole turkey, thawed	Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Dip the turkey in the buttermilk mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey and cook for 10 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Transfer the turkey to a baking sheet and bake for 2 hours, or until cooked through.	For a crispier crust, fry the turkey in a deep fryer at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10 minutes per side. To make ahead, brine the turkey in a mixture of water, salt, and sugar for several hours or overnight. Serve the turkey with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce.

Equipment and Ingredients

Equipment

* A large stockpot or deep fryer
* A turkey fryer basket
* A meat thermometer
* A large cutting board
* A sharp knife
* A pair of kitchen shears
* A basting brush
* A large bowl
* Paper towels
* A fire extinguisher

Ingredients

* A 12- to 14-pound turkey, thawed
* 1 gallon of peanut oil
* 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
* 1 cup of water
* 1 teaspoon of salt
* 1 teaspoon of black pepper
* 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon of onion powder
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon of dried oregano

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Turkey

1. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water.
2. Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity of the turkey.
3. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
4. Trim any excess fat from the turkey.
5. Cut the turkey into 8 pieces: 2 legs, 2 thighs, 2 wings, and the breast.
6. Place the turkey pieces in a large bowl.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, water, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, bay leaf, thyme, and oregano.
8. Pour the marinade over the turkey pieces.
9. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the turkey for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

Step 2: Deep Frying the Turkey

1. Fill the stockpot or deep fryer with the peanut oil to a depth of 3 inches.
2. Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Carefully lower the turkey pieces into the hot oil.
4. Fry the turkey for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the skin is golden brown and the meat is cooked through.
5. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Remove the turkey pieces from the hot oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
7. Baste the turkey pieces with the marinade while they are still hot.
8. Serve the turkey immediately.

Tips for Deep Frying a Turkey

* Use a large stockpot or deep fryer that is large enough to hold the turkey pieces in a single layer.
* Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the turkey pieces. The oil should reach 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Fry the turkey pieces for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the skin is golden brown and the meat is cooked through.
* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Be careful when handling the hot oil. Wear gloves and long sleeves to protect yourself from burns.
* Have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of a fire.

Deep fried smoked turkey is a delicious and festive dish that is perfect for a special occasion. With a little preparation, you can easily make this impressive dish at home.

3. Cooking

Temperature and time for cooking the turkey

The cooking temperature and time for a deep fried smoked turkey will vary depending on the size of the turkey. For a turkey that weighs between 12 and 14 pounds, cook it for 3 to 3 1/2 hours at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. For a turkey that weighs between 15 and 17 pounds, cook it for 3 1/2 to 4 hours at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. For a turkey that weighs between 18 and 20 pounds, cook it for 4 to 4 1/2 hours at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips for cooking a turkey evenly

Here are a few tips for cooking a turkey evenly:

* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Make sure the turkey is thawed completely before cooking it. A frozen turkey will take longer to cook and may not cook evenly.
* Do not overcrowd the pot when deep frying the turkey. The turkey should have plenty of space to move around in the oil.
* Keep the oil at a constant temperature. The oil should be between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Turn the turkey every 15 minutes or so to ensure that it cooks evenly on all sides.
* Let the turkey rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the turkey will be more flavorful.

4. Serving

How to serve the turkey

There are many different ways to serve a deep fried smoked turkey. Here are a few ideas:

* Carve the turkey and serve it with your favorite sides. Some popular side dishes for turkey include mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.
* Make a turkey sandwich. This is a great way to use up leftover turkey. Simply slice the turkey and layer it on a bun with your favorite sandwich toppings.
* Make turkey soup. This is a hearty and flavorful soup that is perfect for a cold winter day.
* Use the turkey to make a casserole. This is a great way to use up leftover turkey and create a new and delicious dish.

Side dishes to serve with the turkey

Here are some popular side dishes to serve with a deep fried smoked turkey:

* Mashed potatoes
* Stuffing
* Green bean casserole
* Cranberry sauce
* Sweet potato casserole
* Cornbread dressing
* Mac and cheese
* Collard greens
* Carrots
* Brussels sprouts

Deep fried smoked turkey is a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for a special occasion. By following these tips, you can cook a turkey that is perfectly cooked and evenly browned.

Q: What is deep fried smoked turkey?
A: Deep fried smoked turkey is a type of turkey that is cooked by first smoking it and then deep frying it. This results in a turkey that is moist and flavorful, with a crispy skin.

Q: How do I deep fry smoked turkey?
A: To deep fry smoked turkey, you will need the following ingredients:

* 1 smoked turkey (thawed)
* 1 cup of vegetable oil
* 1 cup of water
* 1 tablespoon of salt
* 1 teaspoon of black pepper
* 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon of onion powder

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or deep fryer, heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. While the oil is heating, mix together the water, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl.
3. Dip the turkey in the brine mixture, making sure to coat all sides.
4. Carefully place the turkey in the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Remove the turkey from the oil and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Q: What are the benefits of deep frying smoked turkey?
A: There are a few benefits to deep frying smoked turkey, including:

* It is a quick and easy way to cook a turkey.
* The turkey is moist and flavorful, with a crispy skin.
* It is a great way to cook a large turkey for a crowd.

Q: What are the risks of deep frying smoked turkey?
A There are a few risks associated with deep frying smoked turkey, including:

* The turkey can easily become overcooked, resulting in a dry and tough bird.
* The oil can splatter, causing burns.
* If the turkey is not cooked properly, it can be a source of food poisoning.

Q: How can I prevent the turkey from becoming overcooked?
A: To prevent the turkey from becoming overcooked, you can:

* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey.
* Cook the turkey for a shorter period of time.
* Use a lower cooking temperature.

Q: How can I prevent the oil from splattering?
A: To prevent the oil from splattering, you can:

* Use a deep fryer that has a lid.
* Add the turkey to the oil slowly and carefully.
* Do not overcrowd the fryer.

Q: How can I ensure that the turkey is cooked properly?
A: To ensure that the turkey is cooked properly, you can:

* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey.
* Cook the turkey until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Let the turkey rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Q: What are some tips for deep frying smoked turkey?
A: Here are some tips for deep frying smoked turkey:

* Use a good quality turkey.
* Thaw the turkey completely before cooking.
* Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the turkey.
* Cook the turkey for a shorter period of time at a lower temperature.
* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey.
* Let the turkey rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

deep fried smoked turkey is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy a hearty meal. Whether you are smoking the turkey yourself or buying it from a store, be sure to follow the tips in this article to ensure that you end up with a moist and flavorful bird.