With the invention of portable propane cookers in the 1970s came the unique tradition of deep frying turkeys. This craze originated in Louisiana and quickly spread worldwide. By the 1990s, fried turkey had become a food phenomenon and a certified specialty of the South, specifically Cajun Louisiana, where the cooking style was developed. Here’s how deep-fried turkeys became a thing:
THE ENTERTAINMENT FACTOR
Embracing both hilarity and hazard, deep-fried turkeys are more than just a tasty culinary delight. Possibly the best thing about deep frying a turkey is the unique entertainment factor it adds to any Thanksgiving gathering. Because it must be done outside, there will always be a faithful following of turkey-frying spectators keeping the chef company during his or her vigil.
But make no mistake: the popularity of a deep fried turkey is not only due to its entertainment factor. It is, more importantly, amazingly tasty and juicy due to the method in which it is prepared and then cooked.
HOW IT’S DONE
Cajun-style deep fried turkeys are first injected with a liquified blend of Italian dressing, mustard, salt, pepper, cayenne and garlic salt. This concoction is injected into the turkey two days in advance of the frying.
It takes about an hour to deep fry a 12-lb bird, which is the recommended size when deep-frying. This relatively quick cooking time in intense heat serves to lock the juices inside a decidedly crispy, tasty crust of skin. The method of deep frying a turkey means you won’t have to worry about a dry, overcooked bird.
KEEP IT SAFE
However, there are some problems you will certainly want to avoid. Deep-fried turkeys have gained a rather infamous reputation for occasionally causing fires and explosions. This is almost always because the turkey was not fully thawed. The recommended process is 3 to 4 days of thawing your turkey in the refrigerator prior to deep frying. Additionally, the chef must be continually present while deep frying is taking place. However, including fellow spectators and an outdoor TV with the latest football game should help make this part highly enjoyable.
Besides an incredibly tasty turkey and free entertainment, there is another advantage to deep frying your turkey: More room in your oven for the wide variety of dishes necessary to make your Thanksgiving meal complete.
Disadvantages to be aware of include possible fire, explosion, bodily harm, lots of left over oil, and the necessity of acquiring the equipment to do it safely and successfully.
But for those that want to add a spin of daring and adventure to their Thanksgiving soiree, a deep-fried turkey could be just the thing.