Emeril's Deep-Fried Cajun Turkey Recipe

Name: Emeril's Deep-Fried Cajun Turkey
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 (8) turkeys; 10 gal. peanut oil; 1 cup salt; 1/2 tbsp. cayenne; 1/4 tbsp. black pepper; 2 tbsp. Lea and Perrins Worcestershire Sauce; 1 tbsp. crab boil; 1/4 cup apple cider; 3/4 cup honey; 1 bottle beer; 1 tbsp. salt; 1 tbsp. allspice; 1/2 cup essence; Creole spice; 1/4 tsp. cayenne; 1 dash clove; 1 (10 gal.) 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

Servings: persons

2 (8) turkeys
10 gal. peanut oil
1 cup salt
1/2 tbsp. cayenne
1/4 tbsp. black pepper
2 tbsp. Lea and Perrins Worcestershire Sauce
1 tbsp. crab boil
1/4 cup apple cider
3/4 cup honey
1 bottle beer
1 tbsp. salt
1 tbsp. allspice
1/2 cup essence
Creole spice
1/4 tsp. cayenne
1 dash clove
1 (10 gal.) 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

1
1.
2
Season and cure the turkey with salt, pepper and cayenne.
3
Rub seasoning on skin and let sit overnight.
4
2.
5
In a blender, add all the wet ingredients and then the dry ingredients to make the marinade.
6
Puree on high for 4-6 minutes.
7
Make sure all ingredients are completely pureed and add to an injector.
8
3.
9
Heat oil to 350F.
10
Depending on the amount of oil used, this usually takes between 45 minutes and one hour.
11
(To determine the correct amount of oil, place the turkey in the basket and place in the pot.
12
Add water until it reaches 1 to 2-inches above the turkey.
13
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.
14
Pour out water and dry the pot thoroughly.
15
Be sure to measure for oil before breading or marinating the turkey.)
16
4.
17
While the oil is heating, prepare the turkey as desired.
18
5.
19
Once the oil has come to temperature, place the turkey in the basket and slowly lower into the pot.
20
Whole turkeys require approximately 3 minutes per pound to cook.
21
Remove turkey and check internal temperature with meat thermometer.
22
The temperature should reach 170F in the breast and 180F in the thigh.
23
Turkey parts such as breast, wings and thighs require approximately 4 to 5 minutes per pound to come to temperature.

1696

kcal

Calories

130

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave for a slightly different but equally rich sweetness.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 23 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 (8) turkeys, 10 gal. peanut oil, 1 cup salt, 1/2 tbsp. cayenne, and more.

Yes, Emeril's Deep-Fried Cajun Turkey falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Emeril's Deep-Fried Cajun Turkey

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions