© 2024 National Turkey Federation
1225 New York Avenue NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005
1225 New York Avenue NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005
1 (10-12 lb) WHOLE TURKEY, fresh or thawed if frozen (non self-basting)
1 c low-sodium soy sauce
2/3 c sugar
2/3 c salt
As needed icy cold water
2 tbsp salt
1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
3 tbsp wasabi powder
3+ Gallons peanut oil
BRINING TURKEY
Remove giblets and neck from both cavities. Cut off wing tips and tail as they may be caught in the fryer basket.
Combine soy sauce, sugar and 2/3 cup salt in a 4- 6 quart pot. Submerge turkey in cold water. Add enough cold water to cover. Stir liquid to distribute the seasonings evenly. Cover and refrigerate 8 to 24 hours.
DEEP FRYING TURKEY
Remove turkey from brine, Pat interior and exterior dry with paper towels, removing all sugar and salt.
Stir together salt, black pepper and wasabi powder.
Rub spice mixture all over turkey, inside and out. Make sure neck hole is at least 2 inches in diameter, as oil needs to flow freely.
Set up turkey cooker outside, in an open area on a level dirt or grassy area.
Never fry a turkey indoors, in a garage or in any structure attached to a building. Do not fry on wood decks, which could catch fire, or concrete, which could be stained by the oil. (Safety tip: have a fire extinguisher nearby for added safety.)
Put 3+ gallons oil into pot and set it over medium-high heat. When oil reaches 375 degrees F, place turkey into basket and lower it, very slowly, into oil. (Oil temperature will decrease at this point.) The level of the oil will rise due to the frothing caused by the moisture from the turkey but will stabilize in about one minute. (Safety tips: to prevent burns from the splattering oil , wear oven mitts/gloves, long sleeves, heavy shoes and even glasses. It is wise to have two people lowering and raising the turkey.)
Turn heat to high and return oil temperature to 365 degrees F. Fry turkey for 3 to 4 minutes per pound or about 35 to 42 minutes, or until it floats.
Stay with the cooker at all times as the heat must be regulated.
Carefully remove turkey from oil by lifting handle of basket. Let oil drain for a minute or so, back into the pot. Remove turkey and place on a cutting board. Use food thermometer to make sure thickest part of thigh registers 165 degrees F; if not, return to fryer and fry 10 more minutes, then repeat removal process.
Let turkey rest for about 15 minutes before carving.
NOTE: Use only oils with high smoke points, such as peanut, canola or safflower oil.