Emeril's Deep-Fried Cajun Turkey

Emeril's Deep-Fried "Cajun" Turkey
From Chef and author Emeril Lagasse


 Ingredients

* 2 8-14 lb turkeys
* 10 gallons peanut oil
* 1 cup salt
* 1/2 tbsp cayenne
* 1/4 tbsp black pepper


Emeril's Cajun Marinade

* 2 tablespoon Lea & Perrins worcestershire
* 1 tablespoon crab boil
* 1/4 cup apple cider
* 3/4 cup honey
* 1 bottled beer
* 1 tablespoon salt
* 1 tablespoon allspice
* 1/2 cup essence or Creole spice
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
* pinch of clove


Equipment

* 40-60 quart pot with basket, burner and propane tank
* candy thermometer to measure heat oil
* meat thermometer to test turkey doneness
* safety goggles
* fire-safe gloves and pot holders
* fire extinguisher
* seasoning injector


Directions

1. Season and cure the turkey with salt, pepper and cayenne. Rub seasoning on skin and let sit overnight.

2. In a blender, add all the wet ingredients and then the dry ingredients to make the marinade. Puree on high for 4-6 minutes. Make sure all ingredients are completely pureed and add to an injector.


3. Heat oil to 350 degrees F. Depending on the amount of oil used, this usually takes between 45 minutes and one hour. (To determine the correct amount of oil, place the turkey in the basket and place in the pot. Add water until it reaches 1 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. Pour out water and dry the pot thoroughly. Be sure to measure for oil before breading or marinating the turkey.)

4. While the oil is heating, prepare the turkey as desired.


5. Once the oil has come to temperature, place the turkey in the basket and slowly lower into the pot. Whole turkeys require approximately 3 minutes per pound to cook. Remove turkey and check internal temperature with meat thermometer. The temperature should reach 170 degrees F in the breast and 180 degrees F in the thigh. Turkey parts such as breast, wings and thighs require approximately 4 to 5 minutes per pound to come to temperature.