OK, not being a Texas native, but knowing a few, they all rave about turkey friers. Who here has one? Should I fry or traditionally bake my turkey this Turkey Day? Are the regular ones at places like Home Depot for $80 all ya need? Let's hear it?
The advice doesn't get much better. Don't forget garage, breezeway, screened porch, etc. are also poor choices. That said, go to Academy and buy something big enough to boil crawfish in, too. You wouldn't want a one-trick pot, would you? I've been doing this for a long time and will pick fried over dried any day. Make sure your turkey is fully thawed and all the "goodies" are out. We got a fried turkey from the grocery store in Houma, LA many years ago - they forgot about that "goodies" part. Anyway, squirt in a bottle of your favorite flavor of Chef Williams' Cajun Injector marinade and boil your bird in peanut oil for 3.5 minutes per pound at 350 degees F. Don't go much over a 15 pound turkey because the thighs and the big end of the drumstick may be undercooked. Watch the temperature closely - too hot and you smoke the oil. I let the temp get to 360 or so before I gently lower the turkey in. The oil temp will tend to droop a little. When it comes out, put it in a pan and let it sit covered for 15-20 minutes before you carve it. Enjoy! P. S. Don't let the dog slurp up too much of that delicious oil.
The Home Depot version is all you need. Buy peanut oil to fry it in. If HD doesn't have it, try Sports Authority. IIRC, cook it 3 minutes per pound. And Will is right, do it OUTSIDE.
Thanks for the advice, especially you Will! Until I read that article, I was going to set it up on the pool table. LOL Seriously, good advice though. People forget about simple things like that. Mike, Excellent description of how to cook it and your preferences! That was exactly what I was looking for!
We have broiled every turkey except last years. Man, what a difference!! Fried Turkey is so much better. Can't add much to what is already said. Ace and Academy usually have a kit that is about half the price of the HD one.
Here's an interesting article on the fat content and healthy choice of frying your turkey. Interestingly, temperature of the oil plays a significant role! http://www.ediets.com/news/article.cfm/cmi_748615/cid_1
