Put a Twist on Traditional Turkey Preparation Methods

Turkey has long been a holiday tradition; in fact, 88 percent of those surveyed by the National Turkey Federation (NTF) reported eating turkey last Thanksgiving. While most Americans preparing Thanksgiving dinner roasted their turkeys (74 percent), interest and experimentation in non-traditional methods of turkey preparation, such as deep-frying, brining, smoking and grilling, are gaining in popularity. Surprise your family and friends with a new spin on this old favorite.

It's simple to be creative when you cook with turkey because it's easily seasoned and complements any dish on the table. "You can change the flavor profile of turkey by altering the cooking method, preparation or both," said Sherrie Rosenblatt, NTF's vice president of marketing and communications. "Experiment with different rub and marinade seasonings, then try deep frying, brining or grilling for added flavor." Four of our most popular whole bird recipes reflect these three methods of cooking the holiday bird as well as the traditional oven roasting method. Check out the Southern Deep Fried Turkey, a Brined Whole Turkey, Smokey-Sweet Grilled Turkey, and Herb-Roasted Turkey with Citrus. The variety of ingredients in these recipes reflects the versatility of turkey to combine so beautifully with citrus flavors, a wide selection of herbs, spices and peppers as well as strong garlic and onion flavors.

Be creative with other dishes on the table too. Present Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash for a vegetable that combines extra flavor with seasonal ingredients. This side dish can be prepared ahead and reheated in the oven while the turkey is being carved.

Don't forget to use these flavorful leftovers for quick-to-prepare meals. Cooked turkey is an ideal base ingredient for stir-fry dishes, pizzas, frittatas, fajitas, casseroles, chilis, sandwiches, salads and soups. For more ideas on using turkey to create deliciously different recipes, go to www.eatturkey.com for a virtual encyclopedia of cooking and preparation tips.

MARINATE FIRST
Marinades are seasoned liquids in which the turkey is soaked both to absorb flavor and to tenderize. Most marinades contain an acid such as vinegar, citrus juice, wine and herbs or spices. One of the easiest ways to marinate a turkey is by using a needle-like injector. Injectors can be purchased at kitchen supply stores and range in price from $10 to $15.

To marinate a turkey without an injector, simply use a fork to make random holes over the entire bird. Place the turkey in a large, plastic cooking bag or foodservice grade plastic bag, pour in the marinade, close the bag securely and let it marinate overnight. Turkey should always be marinated in the refrigerator. Before cooking, be sure to scrape off excess marinade and discard. Do NOT re-use marinade to baste the turkey.

ROASTING TURKEY
Roast until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF to 170ºF in the breast and 175ºF to 180ºF in the thigh. Cooking times are for planning purposes only--always use a food thermometer to determine the correct stage of doneness.

NTF Roasting Guidelines for a Fresh or Thawed Turkey Roast in a 325º F Conventional Oven on the Lowest Oven Rack
Weight	Unstuffed Turkey	Stuffed Turkey
8 to 12 pounds	2 3/4 to 3 hours	3 to 3 1/2 hours
12 to 14 pounds	3 to 3 3/4 hours	3 1/2 to 4 hours
14 to 18 pounds	3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours	4 to 4 1/4 hours
18 to 20 pounds	4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours	4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours
20 to 24 pounds	4 1/2 to 5 hours	4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours
24 to 30 pounds	5 to 5 1/4 hours	5 1/4 to 6 1/4 hours

GRILLING TURKEY
Indirect heat is ideal for grilling a whole turkey or a turkey breast, as these foods need a slower grilling method. With indirect heat, the lid is closed and the meat is placed over a tray or on the unlit portion of the grill. Grill the turkey for approximately 12 to 15 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF to 170ºF for a turkey breast and 175ºF to 180ºF in the thigh for a whole bird.

DEEP-FRYING TURKEY
Deep-fried turkey, a concept that started in the south, is gradually rising in popularity nationwide. It's a perfect twist for barbecues, block parties and holiday feasts. In fact, since deep frying turkey requires special equipment and lots of oil, families and groups of neighbors often get together to share the costs and the feast. To get you started, we have several deep-fried turkey recipes for you. For a deep frying turkey experience that is fun and produces delicious results follow these guidelines:

Equipment
You'll need a 30 quart to 40 quart heavy pot with lid and basket, burner and propane gas tank, a candy thermometer to measure oil temperature and a food thermometer to determine doneness of the turkey. For added safety, have a fire extinguisher, oven mitts and pot holders nearby. To add flavor with different marinades and seasonings, you may want to purchase an injector.

Location
Place the fryer on level dirt or a grassy area. Never fry a turkey indoors, in a garage or in any other structure attached to a building. Avoid frying on wood decks, which could catch fire, and concrete, which can be stained by the oil.

The Turkey - Size Matters
Smaller turkeys, 8 pounds to 10 pounds and turkey parts, such as breast, wings, drumsticks and thighs, are best for frying. Size does matter as a 12 pound to 14 pound turkey is the maximum size bird that can be successfully deep fried. In addition to the obvious safety concern of lowering and lifting a big turkey into a vessel of boiling oil, larger birds simply cook longer. The extra cooking time results in over exposure to the skin, which will likely be over cooked.

• If a larger bird (over 15-pounds) has been purchased, follow these steps for the best results. Detach the dark meat (leg and thigh portions) from the breast and fry the two turkey parts separately. Fry the leg/thigh sections first in oil that has been preheated to 365 degrees F-375 degrees F. Cook to an internal temperature of 180 degrees F. Remove the dark sections and reheat the oil to 365 degrees F-375 degrees F. Then fry the turkey breast to an internal temperature of 170 degrees F. The internal temperature should reach at least 165 degrees F, but preferable 170 degrees F in the breast and 180 degrees F in the thigh.

Other Ingredients
You'll need approximately 5 gallons or less if using an electric fryer of a high-smoke point oil; more for larger turkeys. The turkey may be injected with a marinade or seasoned with a rub. Check our list of recipes:
Cajun Deep Fried Turkey
Ginger & Rosemary Deep Fried Turkey
Southern Deep Fried Turkey
Louisiana Fried Turkey Breast
Asian Style Deep-Fried Turkey
Bayou Deep Fried Turkey

Cooking Preparation

• To determine the correct amount of oil, place the turkey in the fryer basket and place in the pot. The minimum oil level should be 3 inches to 5 inches from the top of the fryer. Add water until it reaches 1 inch to 2 inches above the turkey. Remove the turkey and note the water level, using a ruler to measure the distance from the top of the pot to the surface of the water.
• Drain or pour out the water and dry the pot thoroughly. If the fryer has a drain value, be sure there isn't any excess water in the spigot. Open the value to drain the water and remember to close the value before adding oil. Be sure to measure for oil before marinating the turkey.
• Thaw the turkey completely. Remove the neck and giblets from the two body cavities.
• Heat the oil to 365 degrees F-375 degrees F. Depending on the amount of oil used, this usually takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• While the oil is heating, prepare the turkey as desired. If injecting a marinade into the turkey, puree ingredients so that they will pass through the needle. Even so, you may have to strain the mixture to remove larger portions.
• For whole turkeys, inject 60 percent marinade deep into the breast muscles, 30 percent into the leg and thigh muscles and 10 percent into the meaty wing section. Do not inject the marinade just under the skin as a water-based marinade will result in the hot oil popping and splattering.
• Remove any excess fat around the neck to allow the oil to flow through the turkey.
• Remove the wire or plastic truss that holds the legs in place (if applicable). Cut off the wing tips up to the first joint and cut off the tail.
• Remove the pop-up timer from the breast (If applicable).
• Do not stuff turkeys for deep frying.
• To reduce spattering, thoroughly dry the interior and exterior of the bird.

Frying the Turkey

• Once the oil has come to temperature, place the turkey in the basket, turn off the burner and very slowly lower into the pot. As soon as the turkey is safely in the oil, immediately turn on the burner. This extra precaution reduces risk as the turkey is lowered in to the vessel.
• Whole turkeys require approximately 3 minutes to 4 minutes per pound to cook. The range between 3 minutes to 4 minutes is based on the ability to maintain the desired oil temperature of 350 degrees F. The oil temperature may fluctuate based on outdoor temperature, temperature of the bird when it is lowered into the fat and the capability to maintain the desired oil temperature, etc. Should the oil temperature rise to 375 degrees F, reduce the cooking time OR if the temperature drops below 350 degrees F, increase the heat and add a little extra time.
• Remove the turkey and check the internal temperature with the meat thermometer. The temperature should be at least 165 degrees F, but preferable 170 degrees F in the breast and 180 degrees F in the thigh.
• Turkey parts such as breast, wings and thighs require approximately 4 minutes to 5 minutes per pound to come to temperature.

• Never leave the hot oil unattended and don't allow children or pets near the cooking area.
• Allow the oil to cool completely before disposing or storing.
• Immediately wash hands, utensils, equipment and surfaces that have come in contact with raw turkey.
• Turkey should be consumed immediately and leftovers stored in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.

The oils used to fry turkey are critical to the success of the product.

Oil Selection
Only oils that have high smoke points should be used. Such oils include peanut, refined canola, corn oil and sunflower. Canola oil is low in saturated fats and would be appropriate to combine with peanut oil if fat and cholesterol are a concern.

Oil Filtering
These high smoke-point oils allow reusing the oil with proper filtration. Depending on the recipe used, remember to filter the oil...not just strain it. Allow the oil to cool overnight in the covered pot. The first step is to strain the cooled oil through a fine strainer. If a breading, spice or herb rub are used in the preparation of the turkey, it will be necessary to further filter the oil through fine cheesecloth.

Oil Storage
Oil should be covered and refrigerated to prevent it from becoming rancid. Peanut oil is more perishable than other oils and must be stored in the refrigerator if kept longer than one month. Peanut oil may even be frozen. The oil will thicken when it is chilled, but will return to its original consistency when reheated. The oil will also develop a cloudy appearance that may remain when brought back to room temperature and will only clear up temporarily while heated. The oil may remain in the refrigerator for several months or until signs of deterioration begin.

Oil Shelf Life
According to the Texas Peanut Producers Board, peanut oil may be used three or four times to fry turkeys before signs of deterioration begin. Such indications include foaming, darkening or smoking excessively, indicating the oil must be discarded. Other signs of deteriorated oil include a rancid smell and/or failure to bubble when food is added.

For more information on deep frying turkey with peanut oil, visit www.louana.com.