Hey guys Hunter Simmons here from Simmons Sporting Goods. Since the season is winding down here in Louisiana, there’s a high possibility that a gobbler has left the woods with you. Here’s a few of our favorite ways to cook a wild turkey. There’s several ways to cook your bird but of course, being raised in the South, Our Favorite way is Fried!
There are two forms of turkey frying: whole and strips. Both are a hit for any occasion and it’s hard to say whether one’s more delicious than the other. Breasting a bird and cutting the meat into strips to fry is simply making chicken fingers minus all the fat and hormones. Salt and pepper the meat (a little Tony’s is always welcomed), dredge in flour and fry in vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet. For a sweeter or spicier approach replace the salt and pepper with honey and cayenne.
Unfortunately, Frying the entire bird is a bit more of a process. You’ll need a pot, burner and a propane tank. Not to mention a roomy outdoor area in which to cook it. Most people insist to brine a turkey before any form of cooking. This helps to add flavor to the meat and keeps it moist. Whether you brine or not, here are the steps to frying a whole wild turkey: Weigh the cleaned the turkey.
• Place the turkey inside the pot (with basket if that’s what you’ll use for removal) and pour in water, gallon by gallon, until the turkey is covered. This will tell you exactly how many gallons of oil to use so that there’s no overflow and ensuing grease fire.
• Remove the turkey from the water, pat dry with paper towels and set aside.
• Remove all water from pot and wipe dry with paper towel.
• Add exact amount of oil to the pot and start burner.
• Once the oil reaches 350 degrees, place turkey in basket and lower into the oil. Note the temperature will cool periodically but will rise back to 350.
• Cook the bird for three minutes per pound or until the inside temperature reaches 165 degrees.
• Set aside to rest for at least 20 minutes.
Please feel free to post your favorite recipes in the comments. We would love to hear from you and pick of some tricks along the way!
