We get it, cooking the perfect Thanksgiving turkey can be a lot of pressure. We've listed out all the tips and tricks to ensure your turkey frying goes smoothly this year!
Can I reuse the oil?
Yes, you can reuse it. But there are a few rules to follow
Storing
- Allow oil to cool to room temperature
- Filter oil through the LoCo Stainless Steel Funnel, multiple layers of cheesecloth, paper coffee filters, etc.
- This is to remove any left behind particles from item(s) fried
- Store the oil in an airtight container in a cool dark location
- Do not store used oil for more than six months
Tips
- Used oil stored improperly or too long can go rancid and make you sick
- Oil reheated will darken in color and increase viscosity
What size turkey should I fry?
The recommended size of a turkey for frying is 12lb to 16lb turkey
Why?
Most pots are approximately 30QT and with a 12lb to 16lb turkey, the pot allows for the oil to boil freely around the turkey for even frying
What size turkey for number of guests?
8 lb. -12 lb. 6-8 Guests
12 lb. -14 lb. 8-10 Guests
14 lb. -18 lb. 10-14 Guests
18 lb. -20 lb. 14-16 Guests
20 lb. - 22 lb. 16-18 Guests
22 lb. - 24 lb. 18-20 Guests
How long will my 14lb turkey take to fry?
The formula for frying a turkey is 3 to 4 minutes per pound. So, a 14lb turkey will take approximately 42 minutes.
Tips
- Internal temperature should be no less than 165 °F
Recommended Thawing of your holiday bird
LoCo recommends thawing your turkey in the refrigerator.
Allow one day for each 4 - 5 pounds of weight.
- 4-12 lbs. turkey will take 1 to 3 days to thaw
- 12-16 lbs. turkey will take 3 to 4 days to thaw
- 16-20 lbs. turkey will take 4 to 5 days to thaw
- 20-24 lbs. turkey will take 4 to days to thaw
Tip
- The thawed turkey, if refrigerated, is safe for use an additional two days
Alternate method of thawing
Cold Water Thawing
- Must be done immediately (same day) before you start cooking the turkey
- Leave the turkey in its original wrapping and submerge it in a sink (or container) full of cold water.
- Water must be cold so that the turkey stays at a safe temperature
- You should change the water every 30 minutes
- Empty out the water and replace it with fresh cold water.
Allow for 30 minutes of defrosting time per pound.
Example: If your turkey weighs 16 pounds, it will take about eight hours to thaw.
Once the turkey has thawed, cook it immediately
How NOT to Thaw a Turkey
In case you are wondering, here are some thawing methods that are not recommended:
- Thawing a turkey on the counter, in the garage or on the back porch
- Thawing a turkey in a brown paper grocery bag or plastic garbage bag
- Using the dishwasher to thaw a turkey (with or without water)
- Any method that is not the refrigerator or cold water