Turkey is the undisputed star of the Thanksgiving holiday. Its the main course, the main event, the main concern for this day of cooking and feasting. You can be sure that turkey will be on the table, whether you eat by yourself or with a big group. Most people at the table will only want to know one thing: is that a turkey that was baked in the oven or fried in oil?
There are many ways to make the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, but roasting in the oven has been the best way for a long time. Chefs the world over recommend slow-roasting, carefully basting, and devotedly tending to the bird as it cooks. In the background, though, there is a slightly rebellious bird: turkey deep-fried. This is the more unconventional way to make the big meal. Devotees of both methods swear by their technique.
This big argument about Thanksgiving turkey needs to be settled. Is there a better way to cook a turkey than deep-frying it or roasting it in the oven?
When it comes to cooking the star of the Thanksgiving meal – the turkey – there are two dominant preparation methods You can either roast the turkey in the oven or deep fry it in hot oil Both techniques produce a tasty bird, but is one ultimately better than the other in terms of flavor? Let’s break down the taste differences between deep fried and roasted turkey.
Juicy, Crispy Deep Fried Turkey
Deep frying uses extremely high heat from hot oil to quickly cook the turkey from the outside in The result is moist, juicy meat sealed in by the oil No basting or tending to the bird is required, unlike roasting which can sometimes dry out the turkey if not monitored.
The real magic of deep frying though is the crispy skin with a satisfying crunch. Roast turkey skin often ends up flabby and soggy. But deep frying at 350-375°F crisps up the skin beautifully. This textural contrast between the crispy exterior and tender meat makes for phenomenal taste.
Seasoning Flavor Potential of Roasted Turkey
While deep fried turkey excels on juiciness and crispy skin, roasting has the edge when it comes to infusing the meat with flavor. Aromatics placed inside the cavity perfume the turkey as it roasts.
Basting the turkey while roasting provides further opportunity to impart flavor. Butter, broth, wine, citrus juice, herbs – all can be used to mop and season the bird.
Rubbing the turkey skin with herbs and spice blends before roasting allows even more seasoning penetration The slow roasting cooks these spices right into the meat
Best of Both Worlds: Finish Frying After Roasting
For the optimum juicy meat and maximum flavor, one technique is to hybridize frying and roasting. Roast the turkey first to gently cook the meat and seal in seasoning. Then finish it in the deep fryer to crisp up the skin.
Before frying, let the roast turkey rest so it won’t overcook. Dry it thoroughly so the hot oil doesn’t splatter dangerously. Fry just long enough to achieve that perfect crunch.
While this two-step process requires more time and work, the payoff is a turkey that’s undeniably moist and packed with flavorful seasoning.
Moisture Retention and Seasoning Are Key
To yield delicious results by either roasting or deep frying, moisture and seasoning are critical for great taste. For roasted turkey, brine the bird beforehand to infuse it with moisture and saltiness. Baste frequently while roasting.
With deep fried turkey, pat the skin very dry before frying to allow the oil to rapidly crisp the skin instead of making it greasy. Injecting the meat with a marinade adds moisture and seasoning.
No matter which cooking method you favor, follow a few simple guidelines for a flavorsome bird the whole family will devour this Thanksgiving!
The Verdict: Deep Fried Wins for Best Taste!
While both have their merits, if tasting the most succulent and finger-licking turkey possible is the goal, deep frying triumphs. The incomparable juiciness, seasoning potential from injections, and that satisfying crunch of the crispy skin is hard to beat.
Roasting has tradition on its side, but deep fried turkey simply delivers more powerful and exciting flavors. The dramatic deep frying method also makes for a fun and memorable experience. Just take care to deep fry safely outdoors away from homes to prevent potential fires.
This Thanksgiving, wow guests with the undisputed superior taste of deep fried turkey. Juicy, crispy, perfectly seasoned – a deep fried bird is a feast for the senses and a star player at any holiday spread.
Which One To Choose For Your Feast
Weighing in all the factors and the pounds of the bird, of course, which method should you choose for your Thanksgiving dinner? Oven roasted turkey, deep fried, which is better?
Choose Turkey Deep Fried If
- You want to try something new and exciting
- You’re determined to have a moist, juicy turkey this Thanksgiving
- You already have a deep fryer
- You’d like to cook your turkey faster.
- You are not concerned about the potential mess
Is fried turkey better than baked?
FAQ
Is a deep-fried turkey healthy?
Why do Americans deep fry their turkey?
What is the difference between deep frying and roasting?
Is fried turkey better than smoked?
Is deep frying a Turkey healthier than oven roasting?
On the topic of oil, you may think all that oil makes this method less healthy than oven roasting your turkey. Since turkeys are often deep-fried in peanut oil, which is one of the healthier cooking oils out there, it’s similar in calorie count to an oven-roasted bird. It can also be a messier way of preparing your turkey.
Is deep frying butter safe?
Deep frying butter is safe, but as other sorts of fat, it’s recommended not consume it every day. What is more, when people are warming butter, the level of oxidation is always increasing and the result is that this kind of food become unhealthy.
Is deep frying a Turkey a good idea?
Since you’re deep frying your turkey in a vat of oil over an open flame, this method is a lot more exciting than roasting in an oven. Deep-frying the turkey could be an entertaining part of the event because there will be people crowding around to watch it go down.
Is deep fried turkey good for Thanksgiving?
Deep-fried turkey is a delicious, celebratory way to cook your Thanksgiving meal. Other pluses: Fried turkeys cook twice as fast as traditional roasted turkeys and also free up the oven for essential side dishes. And with frying, you get to sit outside and enjoy the brisk autumn air while the turkey cooks.
Why is deep frying turkey so expensive?
Deep-frying turkey is not as easy as the oven-roasted alternative, and you require some specialized equipment to make it all work. All this specialized equipment can make this method of preparation a lot more expensive. The many gallons of oil you need to make this work also add to this cost.
How to choose a turkey fryer?
This turkey fryer should have a stand that’s sturdy and well-constructed to reduce the risk of things toppling over while you cook. Ensure that your stand is on a completely flat surface, with plenty of space around and underneath it. The latter is important so that the burner can fit under it.