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Cajun Deep-Fried Turkey

"Delicious, juicy and tender, this recipe was given to me by a true Cajun sixteen years ago and has been on our Thanksgiving table ever since. The injector and instructions for frying came with our fryer which was a good thing because this original recipe didn't explain all the nuances of frying a turkey. It is well worth the learning process, though. We strain the peanut oil after it cools and pour it back into the containers (I bought it in gallon jugs). It will keep nicely in a cool place, under 40 degrees, or in the refrigerator until needed again."

This Kitchen Approved Recipe has an average star rating of 4.9 Rate/Review | Read Reviews (10)

What to Drink?

Wine Riesling
Beer Beer
Prep Time:
30 Min
Cook Time:
45 Min
Ready In:
1 Hr 15 Min

Servings  (Help)

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Original Recipe Yield 12 servings
 

Ingredients

  • 2 cups butter
  • 1/4 cup onion juice
  • 1/4 cup garlic juice
  • 1/4 cup Louisiana-style hot sauce
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 7 fluid ounces beer
  • 3 gallons peanut oil for frying, or as needed
  • 1 (12 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed

Directions

  1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion juice, garlic juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, cayenne pepper and beer. Mix until well blended.
  2. Use a marinade injecting syringe or turkey baster with an injector tip to inject the marinade all over the turkey including the legs, back, wings, thighs and breasts. Place in a large plastic bag and marinate overnight in the refrigerator. Do not use a kitchen trash bag. If your turkey is large, you can use an oven bag.
  3. When it's time to fry, measure the amount of oil needed by lowering the turkey into the fryer and filling with enough oil to cover it. Remove the turkey and set aside.
  4. Heat the oil to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C). When the oil has come to temperature, lower the turkey into the hot oil slowly using the hanging device that comes with turkey deep-fryers. The turkey should be completely submerged in the oil. Cook for 36 minutes, or 3 minutes per pound of turkey. The turkey is done when the temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 180 degrees F (80 degrees C). Turn off the flame and slowly remove from the oil, making sure all of the oil drains out of the cavity. Allow to rest on a serving platter for about 20 minutes before carving.

Footnotes

  • For more information, see our Deep-Fried Turkey Tips.
  • Editor's Note
  • The nutritional analysis for this recipe reflects an estimated 10% of the oil for frying as well as the full amount of the coating and breading. Therefore the nutritional values represented may not be accurate.
  • Learn more about how to cook a turkey for Thanksgiving in our How to Cook a Turkey article!

Nutritional Information open nutritional information

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 1036 | Total Fat: 71g | Cholesterol: 346mg Powered by ESHA Nutrient Database

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The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.9 star rating.
Reviewed on Nov. 22, 2008 by donnag_205   view full review
Didn't try the recipe yet, just thought I'd add a note. To measure for the oil, place the...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.9 star rating.
Reviewed on Aug. 30, 2008 by orgasmatron   view full review
This was my first attempt at deep frying a turkey and I don't see how it can get any better. I...
The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.9 star rating.
Reviewed on Jan. 1, 2008 by Michael   view full review
My first Fried turkey. The flavor was great but I didn't expect the wings and most of the legs...
The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.9 star rating.
Reviewed on Jan. 9, 2008 by Carissa R.   view full review
We tried this on the turkey we fried for Christmas - it was the best flavor yet!
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.9 star rating.
Reviewed on Dec. 8, 2009 by NatePuppysWifey   view full review
Didnt get to deep fry it because no one brought me a fryer so I marinated for like 3 days then...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.9 star rating.
Reviewed on May 1, 2009 by free_by_grace   view full review
Wonderful way to cook turkey. Don't go too cheap on the marinade injector.
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.9 star rating.
Reviewed on Dec. 23, 2010 by Mad Dawg   view full review
Great flavor! I will probably cut this recipe in half next year as I had a lot left over.
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.9 star rating.
Reviewed on Nov. 20, 2011 by Car Lady   view full review
I usually purchase ready made injector but we have eliminated black pepper from our diet and...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.9 star rating.
Reviewed on Oct. 29, 2011 by Equusz   view full review
Want to try this but...where the heck do you find onion juice these days? I don't think I've...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.9 star rating.
Reviewed on Nov. 30, 2010 by dolphinju   view full review
wow a must to try...

 

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