How to Deep-Fry a Cajun-Style Turkey

Why not shake things up by having a Louisiana-style Thanksgiving this year? Bursting with Creole flavor, deep fried turkey is unbelievably juicy under its crispy skin. Propane-fueled deep fryers and accessories are available at most major hardware stores.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Deep Fryer
• Lifting Rack
• Thermometer
• 15ib. Turkey
• 2 Gallons Oil
• Cajun Marinade
• Creole Seasoning

1. Set up your cooking station in an open area. Never deep-fry a turkey inside, or even under your carport. Numerous house fires and fatalities have resulted from chefs attempting to deep fry turkey in enclosed spaces.

2. Heat the oil to 350 degrees, using a deep-fryer thermometer to make sure it doesn't get too hot. Check the temperature often; hot oil can easily start smoking or catch on fire.

3. Make sure the oil you use has a smoking point of at least 450 degrees. Flavorful peanut oil is recommended for Cajun cooking, but safflower oil will work if anyone is allergic to peanuts.

4. Remove the thawed turkey's innards and inject it with your choice of Cajun-style marinade, using about 2oz. fluid per pound of poultry. Then pat the turkey completely dry with paper towels. Rub the skin generously with fresh Creole seasoning.

5. Carefully set the turkey on the lifting rack. Lower it into the oil slowly. Move too fast and hot grease might splash up onto your skin! Fry for 3 minutes per ib. - 45 minutes for a 15ib. turkey.

6. Cautiously remove the turkey from the deep-fryer. Cover it with foil and give the juices time to redistribute. Everyone will be able to gobble down this delish main dish in 20-30 minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• For turkeys under 12ibs, only fry for 2.5 minutes per pound.
• Raw poultry is buzzing with germs, so wash anything it touches.
• The turkey should not float; this shows that it was fried too long.
• Do not fry a frozen turkey. This will result in a dangerous explosion.

Resources

• Bon Appetit, Y'all: Southern Cooking Recipes
• Suddenly Southern: A Yankee's Guide to Living Dixie

[maestro83]

on 1/5/2009 I have lived in louisiana almost all my life and never ever did I try some real cajun style turkey, great article-will have to try this one year!

[JToppel]

on 12/30/2008 I'll have to try this! Sounds Yummy!

[2besure]

on 12/17/2008 I get tired of the same old thing. This sounds like a wonderful departure from baked turkey!

[Susanh]

on 12/7/2008 Great to see you here Shannon! Yummy recipe.

[tikrit01]

on 12/2/2008 This sounds great! We'll have to give it a try next turkey dinner! five stars!