For many, the holidays wouldn't be the same without a delicious fried turkey. There's nothing quite like the taste of juicy, flavor-packed meat that's been cooked to perfection. However, before you fry up your bird this year, there are a few things you should know. In this blog post, we'll explore the pros and cons of frying your turkey so that you can make an informed decision.
The Pros:
- Juicy, Flavorful Meat: One of the main reasons people love fried turkey is because of the flavor. When you fry a turkey, the hot oil seeps into the pores of the skin and locks in all of the natural juices. This results in incredibly moist and flavorful meat that will have your guests coming back for seconds...and thirds!
- Crispy skin: Let's be honest, half of the fun of eating fried turkey is getting to enjoy that crispy, golden brown skin. When done right, frying creates a beautifully crisped outer layer that encases the juicy meat inside. Yum!
- Speed: If you're short on time (or just don't want to spend hours slaving over a hot stove), frying your turkey is definitely the way to go. A fried turkey typically only takes about an hour to cook, which is much faster than roasting or smoking.
The Cons:
- Messy & dangerous: Frying a turkey can be messy and dangerous if you're not careful. Hot oil + open flame = big potential for disaster. If you do decide to fry your turkey, be sure to do so outside and away from any flammable objects (like your house!).
- High in fat & calories: Fried food is notoriously high in both fat and calories, and fried turkey is no exception. If you're watching your waistline this holiday season, you may want to opt for another cooking method.
- Not everyone likes it: Some people just don't like fried food...period. If you're serving a crowd that includes picky eaters or health-conscious individuals, they may not appreciate (or even touch!) your fried turkey.
Conclusion:
So there you have it—the pros and cons of frying your holiday turkey. As with anything else in life, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider before making a decision. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether or not frying your bird is worth it. Happy holidays!
Want to know what is the best oil for frying a turkey? Check out our guide here!
