Southern fried turkey is a delicious and flavorful twist on the classic Thanksgiving turkey. This method of cooking involves deep frying the turkey in a flavorful blend of spices and seasonings, resulting in a crispy and juicy bird that will have your guests coming back for seconds. While deep frying a turkey may seem intimidating, with the right recipe and technique, you can easily create a mouth-watering Southern fried turkey to impress your family and friends.
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Sea Salt, Ground Black Pepper, Unsalted Butter
If you're looking for a twist on a classic Southern dish, try making a deep-fried turkey. This recipe adds a crispy and flavorful coating to the turkey, making it a mouthwatering addition to your dinner table. The deep frying process also helps to seal in the turkey's juices, resulting in a tender and juicy meat that will have you coming back for seconds.
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Fried Turkey Biscuit
Main Ingredients: Turkey Breast, Peanut Oil, Pepper Jelly, Biscuits, Goat
Take your breakfast game to the next level with this Southern take on a breakfast biscuit. Instead of the traditional sausage or bacon, this recipe uses tender fried turkey as the protein. Served on a buttery biscuit with a drizzle of honey, this dish is the perfect combination of savory and sweet.
No Southern meal is complete without a side of black eyed peas. This recipe combines the peas with a flavorful mix of onions, garlic, and bacon, resulting in a hearty and comforting dish that pairs perfectly with any main course. Plus, black eyed peas are known to bring good luck, so it's the perfect dish for any occasion.
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Southern Smothered Turkey Necks
Main Ingredients: Turkey Necks, Seasoning Salt, Kosher Salt, Cayenne
For a dish that's both delicious and budget-friendly, try making smothered turkey necks. This recipe uses a slow cooking method to create tender and flavorful turkey necks that are smothered in a rich and savory gravy. Serve it over rice for a filling and satisfying meal.
Collard greens, turnip greens, mustard greens - no matter which greens you choose, they are a staple in Southern cuisine. This recipe adds a touch of sweetness to the greens with a splash of apple cider vinegar and a sprinkle of brown sugar. The result is a side dish that is both flavorful and nutritious.
Cabbage may not seem like the most exciting vegetable, but when it's fried Southern-style, it becomes a whole new dish. This recipe uses a mix of bacon, onions, and garlic to add flavor to the cabbage, resulting in a side dish that will have you reaching for seconds.
Catfish is a popular fish in the South, and for good reason. Its mild flavor and firm texture make it perfect for frying. This recipe uses a simple breading and frying method to create crispy and delicious catfish fillets that are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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Southern-inspired Sweet Potato & Corn Muffins
Main Ingredients: Oat Flour, Cornmeal, Baking Powder, Baking Soda
For a unique twist on the classic cornbread, try making these Southern-inspired sweet potato and corn muffins. The sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness and make the muffins extra moist. They are the perfect complement to any Southern meal.
No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a rich and flavorful gravy. This Southern-inspired giblet gravy uses the turkey's giblets to create a savory and hearty sauce that will take your mashed potatoes and turkey to the next level.
Salmon patties are a classic Southern dish that is both delicious and budget-friendly. This recipe uses canned salmon and a simple blend of spices to create crispy and flavorful patties. Serve them with a side of greens for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Who says fried chicken has to be a whole bird? These Southern-style chicken strips are perfect for a quick and easy dinner. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk and coated in a seasoned flour mixture before being fried to perfection. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a fun and delicious meal.
Short on time but still want a tasty side dish? This easy Southern fried cabbage recipe is perfect for you. Simply sauté the cabbage with some onions and bacon, and you'll have a flavorful and delicious side dish in no time.
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Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Frozen Green Beans, Turkey Leg, Water, Minced Garlic
Green beans are a staple in Southern cooking, and this recipe takes them to the next level with the addition of smoked turkey. The smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the tender green beans, creating a delicious and unique side dish.
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Spicy Southern Fried Catfish
Main Ingredients: Catfish, Self Rising Flour, Yellow Cornmeal, Hot Sauce
If you like a little heat in your food, try making this spicy Southern fried catfish. The catfish is coated in a spicy flour mixture before being fried to crispy perfection. Serve it with a side of coleslaw for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
No list of Southern dishes is complete without fried chicken. This recipe uses a classic buttermilk marinade and a seasoned flour mixture to create crispy and flavorful chicken that is sure to become a family favorite.
Corn is a summer staple in the South, and this fried corn recipe is a delicious way to enjoy it. The corn is cooked in a buttery and savory mixture that adds a depth of flavor to the dish. This is a must-try for any corn lover.
Give your traditional chicken salad a Southern twist by using leftover turkey instead. The turkey is mixed with a creamy and flavorful dressing and served on a bed of lettuce for a light and refreshing meal.
If you're looking for a truly indulgent dish, this recipe for ultimate Southern fried chicken is for you. The chicken is marinated in a buttermilk and hot sauce mixture before being coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried to crispy perfection. Serve it with your favorite sides for a meal that is sure to impress.
Sausage gravy is a classic Southern breakfast dish that is both hearty and comforting. This recipe uses a blend of breakfast sausage, milk, and spices to create a rich and flavorful gravy that is perfect for pouring over biscuits or toast.
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Southern Fried Chicken Wings
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, All Purpose Flour, Grated Parmesan
For a fun and tasty twist on traditional fried chicken, try making these Southern fried chicken wings. They are coated in a flavorful and crispy batter and can be served with your choice of dipping sauce. Perfect for game day or a casual dinner with friends.
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Deep-Fried Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Sea Salt, Ground Black Pepper, Unsalted Butter
For a truly indulgent beer can chicken recipe, try deep-frying a whole turkey. This Southern favorite is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests. The combination of the crispy skin and tender, juicy meat is simply irresistible. Be sure to have plenty of oil on hand and a large enough pot for the turkey to fully submerge.
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Fried Turkey Biscuit
Main Ingredients: Turkey Breast, Peanut Oil, Pepper Jelly, Biscuits, Goat
A spin on the classic chicken and biscuits, this recipe uses beer can chicken instead for a deliciously Southern twist. The tender chicken is shredded and served on top of a flaky biscuit with a creamy gravy and a touch of hot sauce for some added heat. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a lazy weekend brunch.
No Southern meal is complete without a side of black-eyed peas. This recipe combines the traditional flavors of slow-cooked peas with a hint of smoky bacon for a rich and flavorful dish. Serve alongside your beer can chicken for a satisfying and soulful meal.
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Southern Smothered Turkey Necks
Main Ingredients: Turkey Necks, Seasoning Salt, Kosher Salt, Cayenne
For a true taste of the South, try this recipe for smothered turkey necks. The tender and flavorful meat is cooked in a rich gravy and served over rice or mashed potatoes. Be sure to cook the turkey necks low and slow for the most tender results. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for a cold winter's night.
Collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens – whatever your preference, no Southern meal is complete without a side of greens. This recipe uses a combination of bacon and smoked turkey for a flavorful and hearty dish. Serve alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded and delicious meal.
Cabbage may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Southern cooking, but this recipe will change that. The cabbage is fried in a cast iron skillet with crispy bacon and onions for a flavorful and indulgent side dish. Serve alongside your beer can chicken for a unique and delicious meal.
Another Southern favorite, fried catfish is a must-try for any seafood lover. This recipe uses a flavorful cornmeal and spice mixture to coat the catfish before frying it to crispy perfection. Serve alongside your beer can chicken for a Southern-style surf and turf meal.
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Southern-inspired Sweet Potato & Corn Muffins
Main Ingredients: Oat Flour, Cornmeal, Baking Powder, Baking Soda
Add a touch of sweetness to your meal with these Southern-inspired sweet potato and corn muffins. The sweet potato adds a unique flavor and moistness to the muffins, while the corn adds a delicious crunch. Serve these alongside your beer can chicken for a truly indulgent meal.
No Southern meal is complete without a rich and flavorful gravy. This recipe uses the giblets from your beer can chicken to make a delicious and savory gravy. Serve over mashed potatoes or biscuits for a truly comforting and delicious meal.
This recipe takes a Southern spin on the classic salmon patty. The patties are made with a combination of fresh salmon, breadcrumbs, and herbs and spices before being fried to perfection. Serve these alongside your beer can chicken for a unique and delicious meal.
If you're looking for a finger-licking good meal, look no further than these Southern fried chicken strips. The chicken strips are coated in a spiced flour mixture and fried until crispy and golden brown. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce alongside your beer can chicken for a satisfying and delicious meal.
This recipe takes the classic fried cabbage dish and makes it even easier. The cabbage is cooked in a skillet with garlic, onion, and a touch of hot sauce for a flavorful and simple side dish. Serve alongside your beer can chicken for a well-balanced and delicious meal.
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Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Frozen Green Beans, Turkey Leg, Water, Minced Garlic
Add a touch of smokiness to your green beans with this Southern-inspired recipe. The green beans are cooked with smoked turkey and bacon for a flavorful and hearty side dish. Serve alongside your beer can chicken for a truly indulgent meal.
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Spicy Southern Fried Catfish
Main Ingredients: Catfish, Self Rising Flour, Yellow Cornmeal, Hot Sauce
If you like your catfish with a kick, then this recipe is for you. The catfish is coated in a spicy cornmeal and Cajun seasoning mixture before being fried until crispy and golden brown. Serve with a side of creamy coleslaw alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and spicy meal.
No list of Southern favorites would be complete without the classic fried chicken. This recipe uses a buttermilk marinade to ensure the chicken stays moist and flavorful while frying. Serve with your favorite sides alongside your beer can chicken for a true taste of the South.
A simple but delicious side dish, Southern fried corn is a must-try for any corn lover. The corn is cooked with bacon, onion, and a touch of sugar for a sweet and savory dish. Serve alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
This recipe takes the classic chicken salad and gives it a Southern twist by using leftover beer can chicken. The chicken is combined with celery, onion, and mayonnaise for a simple and delicious salad. Serve on top of a bed of greens or in a sandwich for a light and refreshing meal.
For the ultimate indulgence, try this recipe for Southern fried chicken. The chicken is coated in a spiced flour mixture and fried until crispy and golden brown. Serve with your favorite sides alongside your beer can chicken for a truly indulgent meal.
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Southern Fried Chicken Wings
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, All Purpose Flour, Grated Parmesan
For a finger-licking good appetizer, try these Southern fried chicken wings. The wings are coated in a spiced flour mixture and fried until crispy and golden brown. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and flavorful meal.
For a twist on the classic Southern gravy, try this recipe using sausage instead of turkey or chicken. The sausage adds a delicious spicy and savory flavor to the gravy, perfect for serving over biscuits alongside your beer can chicken. This hearty and delicious meal is sure to be a hit with your family or guests.
Preparing the Turkey
Before you start frying your turkey, it is important to properly prepare it. Begin by rinsing and patting dry the main ingredient: the turkey. Make sure to remove any excess moisture from the turkey, as this can cause the hot oil to splatter. Next, carefullyinject the turkey with a marinade or brine to add even more flavor to the meat. Let the turkey sit in the marinade for at least 24 hours, or up to 48 hours for maximum flavor.
Choosing the Right Oil
The type of oil you use for frying your turkey is crucial to the success of this dish. Peanut oil is the traditional choice for Southern fried turkey, as it has a high smoke point and adds a delicious nutty flavor to the meat. However, if you or your guests have a peanut allergy, you can also use vegetable oil or canola oil. Just make sure to use a high-quality oil that can withstand high heat and won't burn easily.
Seasoning the Turkey
The key to a flavorful Southern fried turkey is the seasoning blend. This recipe calls for a combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. You can also add in your own favorite herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile. Make sure to generously coat the turkey with the seasoning blend, both on the outside and under the skin.
Frying the Turkey
Now comes the fun part - frying the turkey! Heat up your oil to 350°F in a large, deep pot or fryer. Carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil, making sure it is fully submerged. Cook the turkey for about 3-4 minutes per pound, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, carefully remove the turkey from the oil and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving and serving.
Serving Suggestions
Southern fried turkey makes a delicious and impressive centerpiece for any Thanksgiving or holiday meal. Serve it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce, or get creative and make a Southern-inspired feast with dishes like collard greens, cornbread, and sweet potato casserole. No matter how you serve it, your guests will be blown away by the delicious and unique flavors of this Southern favorite.
Now that you have the perfect recipe for Southern fried turkey, it's time to gather your ingredients and start cooking. With its crispy skin and juicy meat, this dish is sure to become a new holiday tradition for years to come. So fire up that fryer and get ready to impress your loved ones with this mouth-watering and flavorful meal.