Deep-Fried Turkey with Canola Oil: The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe

ByMike Thompson Turkey For Thanksgiving

Deep-Frying a Turkey with Canola Oil

The holidays are coming up, and that means it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to cook for your family and friends. If you’re looking for something different than the traditional roasted turkey, why not try deep-frying it? Deep-fried turkey is a delicious and impressive way to serve your holiday bird, and it’s not as difficult as you might think.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of deep-frying a turkey with canola oil. We’ll provide you with tips on how to choose the right turkey, how to prepare it for frying, and how to cook it to perfection. So if you’re ready to give deep-fried turkey a try, read on!

Ingredient Quantity Instructions
Turkey 1 whole turkey Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
Canola oil 6 quarts Heat the oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350 degrees F.
Breadcrumbs 1 cup In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Egg 1 In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg.
Milk 1 cup In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the milk.
Instructions Dip the turkey in the egg, then the breadcrumbs, then the milk, and then the breadcrumbs again.
Carefully place the turkey in the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Remove the turkey from the oil and let it drain on a wire rack for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Equipment and Ingredients

Deep frying a turkey is a great way to cook a large bird for a holiday meal or other special occasion. It’s also a relatively easy way to cook a turkey, as long as you have the right equipment and ingredients.

Here is a list of the equipment you will need to deep fry a turkey:

* A large stockpot or deep fryer that can hold at least 5 gallons of oil
* A turkey fryer basket
* A thermometer to monitor the oil temperature
* A long-handled spoon or spatula for turning the turkey
* A fire extinguisher

Here is a list of the ingredients you will need to deep fry a turkey:

* A 12- to 14-pound turkey, thawed
* 3 quarts of canola oil
* 1 cup of white vinegar
* 1 tablespoon of salt
* 1 teaspoon of black pepper

Preparation

The first step in deep frying a turkey is to prepare the turkey. This involves thawing the turkey, removing the giblets, and brining the turkey.

To thaw a frozen turkey, place it in a large cooler or sink filled with cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure that the turkey thaws evenly. The turkey should thaw completely within 24 hours.

Once the turkey is thawed, remove the giblets from the cavity. The giblets are the internal organs of the turkey, including the heart, liver, and gizzard. You can discard the giblets or use them to make gravy.

To brine the turkey, mix together 3 quarts of water, 1 cup of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper in a large container. Submerge the turkey in the brine and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours. Brining the turkey will help to keep it moist and flavorful.

After the turkey has been brined, it’s time to fry it. The first step is to heat the oil in the deep fryer or stockpot to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the oil is hot, carefully lower the turkey into the fryer.

The turkey will cook for approximately 3 to 4 minutes per pound. To check if the turkey is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the turkey is done cooking, carefully remove it from the fryer and place it on a platter. Cover the turkey with foil and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving.

Tips for Deep Frying a Turkey

Here are a few tips for deep frying a turkey:

* Use a high-quality canola oil for frying. Canola oil has a high smoke point, which means that it can be heated to a high temperature without smoking.
* Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the turkey. The oil should be between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil. Do not drop the turkey into the oil, as this could cause the oil to splatter and cause a fire.
* Use a long-handled spoon or spatula to turn the turkey. Do not poke or prod the turkey with a fork, as this will release juices and make the turkey dry.
* Cook the turkey for approximately 3 to 4 minutes per pound. To check if the turkey is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Carefully remove the turkey from the fryer and place it on a platter. Cover the turkey with foil and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving.

Deep frying a turkey is a great way to cook a large bird for a holiday meal or other special occasion. It’s also a relatively easy way to cook a turkey, as long as you have the right equipment and ingredients.

By following these tips, you can cook a delicious and juicy turkey that everyone will enjoy.

Deep Frying

Deep frying is a cooking method that involves submerging food in hot oil. This method of cooking can produce crispy, golden brown results, but it is also important to take precautions to avoid accidents.

When deep frying, it is important to use the right type of oil. Canola oil is a good choice for deep frying because it has a high smoke point, which means that it can be heated to a high temperature without smoking or burning. Other good options for deep frying include peanut oil, vegetable oil, and soybean oil.

It is also important to use the right temperature when deep frying. The ideal temperature for deep frying is between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit. If the oil is too hot, the food will burn. If the oil is too cold, the food will not cook evenly.

When deep frying, it is important to make sure that the food is completely submerged in oil. This will help to ensure that the food cooks evenly and that it does not absorb too much oil.

It is also important to avoid overcrowding the fryer. If the fryer is overcrowded, the temperature of the oil will drop, which can cause the food to burn.

Finally, it is important to use a deep fryer that is in good condition. A damaged or poorly maintained deep fryer can be dangerous.

Here are some tips for deep frying safely:

* Use the right type of oil.
* Use the right temperature.
* Submerge the food completely in oil.
* Avoid overcrowding the fryer.
* Use a deep fryer that is in good condition.

Safety Tips

Deep frying can be a dangerous activity, so it is important to take precautions to avoid accidents. Here are some safety tips for deep frying:

* Use a deep fryer that is in good condition.
* Make sure the fryer is properly vented.
* Do not overfill the fryer.
* Do not leave the fryer unattended.
* Use a long-handled spoon or tongs to remove food from the fryer.
* Wear gloves to protect your hands from the hot oil.
* Be careful not to splash hot oil.
* If you spill hot oil, do not try to clean it up with your bare hands. Use a damp cloth or paper towel to soak up the oil.
* If you get hot oil on your skin, immediately run cold water over the affected area.

By following these safety tips, you can help to reduce the risk of accidents when deep frying.

Q: What is the best temperature to deep fry a turkey?
A: The ideal temperature for deep frying a turkey is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the turkey is cooked evenly and thoroughly.

Q: How much canola oil do I need to deep fry a turkey?
A: You will need approximately 4 quarts of canola oil for a 12-pound turkey.

Q: How long does it take to deep fry a turkey?
A: It will take approximately 3-4 minutes per pound to deep fry a turkey. So, a 12-pound turkey will take approximately 36-48 minutes to cook.

Q: What is the best way to test if a turkey is done frying?
A: The best way to test if a turkey is done frying is to insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

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

* Use a large, deep pot or Dutch oven that is at least 3 inches deep.
* Fill the pot with enough canola oil to cover the turkey by at least 2 inches.
* Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the turkey.
* Carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil using a long-handled metal spoon or tongs.
* Fry the turkey for 3-4 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the turkey from the hot oil and place it on a wire rack to drain.
* Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when deep frying a turkey?
A: Here are some common mistakes people make when deep frying a turkey:

* Using too much oil.
* Not heating the oil to the correct temperature.
* Adding the turkey to the hot oil too quickly.
* Not turning the turkey frequently enough.
* Overcooking the turkey.

Q: What are the potential dangers of deep frying a turkey?
A: Deep frying a turkey can be dangerous if not done properly. Here are some potential dangers of deep frying a turkey:

* The oil can splatter and cause burns.
* The turkey can be overcooked, which can lead to food poisoning.
* The turkey can be undercooked, which can also lead to food poisoning.

It is important to take precautions when deep frying a turkey to avoid these dangers.

Q: What are some tips for staying safe when deep frying a turkey?
A: Here are some tips for staying safe when deep frying a turkey:

* Use a long-handled metal spoon or tongs to lower the turkey into the hot oil.
* Wear gloves to protect your hands from the hot oil.
* Keep children and pets away from the deep fryer.
* Do not leave the deep fryer unattended.
* Turn off the deep fryer and unplug it from the outlet when you are finished using it.

By following these tips, you can help to reduce the risk of accidents when deep frying a turkey.

Deep frying a turkey is a delicious and festive way to cook a large bird for a holiday meal. However, it is important to use the right oil and follow the proper steps to ensure that the turkey is cooked evenly and safely. Canola oil is a good choice for deep frying turkey because it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. When deep frying a turkey, it is important to:

* Use a large pot or deep fryer that is deep enough to completely submerge the turkey.
* Fill the pot or fryer with canola oil to a depth of at least 3 inches.
* Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil.
* Fry the turkey for 3-4 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Remove the turkey from the oil and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

By following these steps, you can deep fry a turkey that is golden brown, juicy, and delicious.

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

However, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, what truly fuels my passion is the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. That's why I created this platform. This site is not just a testament to my journey but a beacon for all those who are looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventures. Whether you're a beginner eager to get started or a seasoned pro seeking advanced tips, you'll find a wealth of information here.

From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!