Do you want to try some tasty deep fried turkey but don’t know what oil to use? There are several different oils that you can use for deep frying; so many home chefs have difficulty finding out what oil to use for turkey.
A quick fact: the whole concept of frying turkeys originated in the south, which is almost to be expected. However, the technique has grown very popular and gone nationwide. It’s great for holiday feasts, block parties and barbecues.
The Best Oil for Deep Frying Turkey
A turkey fryer is basically the same product as a regular fryer, but it operates on a much larger scale. In most cases, it’s purchased in the form of an oversized stainless-steel pot. It might be sold with a propane burner. When the cooking process starts, your bird must be placed into a huge vat of oil.
When compared with other ways of cooking turkey, deep frying is different because it requires oil. While cooking oil isn’t too expensive, the type of oil used can make a huge difference. The best type of oil for frying turkey is peanut oil.
You want this type of oil because it has the highest flash point of any oil, which is the temperature at which the oil starts to burn. Peanut oil also stays clearer than virtually every other type of oil and is far healthier. However, if you cannot get peanut oil, you can always use cotton seed or vegetable oil.
What To Do with Your Oil When You’re Finished?
The good news is that the oil can be re-used for cooking. After it has cooled to room temperature, you’ll want to filter any and all sediment, poultry parts and seasonings from the oil. A simple funnel can be used to return the oil to its original container.
However, they do make special battery powered pumps that you can use to filter and pump the oil back into the container. Your oil should always be stored inside of an airtight container in a dark, cool and dry location. When the oil is stored properly, it’s good for 6 months.
Is The Oil Always Good For Cooking?
If you want to make sure your oil remains good for cooking in the future, you should never allow the temperature to go beyond 375 degrees.
The majority of cooking oils will break down and transform into a disgusting mess at around 400 degrees. If the oil is smoking, then it’s overheating. Before reusing the oil, you can always do a batch test with some potatoes or similar food.
How Many Times Can The Same Oil Be Used?
You’ll find that most cooking oils can be used for a period of 6 hours at the designated temperature, but it’s important to make sure the oil never gets too hot. Since 6 hours is long enough to cook about six turkeys, you shouldn’t have to worry about accidently using the oil for too long. After you’re finished, the oil can be used countless times within the allotted 6-month period that it stays fresh.
Getting Rid Of the Oil
So, you’re finished deep frying your turkey but don’t know how to get rid of the oil. It’s important to never pour the oil down the drain.
There are many restaurants that will be more than happy to take your used oil if you don’t want it. You can also have independent oil recycling companies come and get the oil.
