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Texas Hot Turkey

13 hr
12 hr prep
1 hr cook

Serves 10

Unsaved Texas Hot Turkey

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Morton Coarse Kosher Salt
  • 1 cup Brown sugar
  • 5 Bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp Cumin seeds
  • 1/3 cup Chili pequin, crushed, plus for desired heat level
  • 16 lb H-E-B Frozen Texas Raised Natural Whole Young Turkey 8-16 lb, completely thawed and neck and giblets removed
  • 12 qt Peanut oil, plus more as needed

Instructions

  1. In a small sauce pot add salt, sugar, bay leaves, cumin seeds, and crushed chili pequins. Bring mixture to a simmer long enough to just dissolve salt and sugar.
  2. Allow to brine to cool to at least 41°F. Place turkey into a brine bag or large pot.
  3. Pour cold brine over turkey and fill pot with 1 to 2 gallons of water to completely submerge the turkey in brine.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours.
  5. Remove turkey from brine and rinse it under cold water.
  6. Place turkey on frying rack or basket. **VERY IMPORTANT, allow turkey to completely come to room temperature before frying.
  7. When ready to fry, fill a large stock pot (at least 30 quarts) with oil and bring to 250°F. Make sure there is enough room in pot to completely cover the turkey in oil without causing oil to overflow.
  8. Once oil temperature reaches 250°F, slowly lower turkey into oil so oil doesn't splash. After turkey is submerged turn heat up to 350°F.
  9. Fry turkey for 4 minutes per pound; usually takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to fry. Internal temperature should be 170 -175°F when turkey is done.
  10. Allow to rest for at least 25 minutes before carving the turkey.
  11. Cooks note: Be very careful when frying a turkey, always do it outside away from structures and keep a fire extinguisher handy.

Nutrition

0gCarbs
9gFat
46gProtein

Nutrition Facts

10 servings

  • Amount Per Serving
    Calories280
  • % Daily Value*
  • Total Fat
    • 9g
    • 14%
  • Saturated Fat
    • 2.5g
    • 13%
  • Trans Fat
    • 0g
  • Cholesterol
    • 170mg
    • 57%
  • Sodium
    • 680mg
    • 28%
  • Total Carbohydrate
    • 0g
  • Dietary Fiber
    • 0g
  • Sugars
    • 0g
  • Protein
    • 46g
  • Vitamin C
  • Calcium
    • 4%
  • Iron
    • 20%
  • Vitamin A
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only, and the values are estimates.

We make no representations or warranties regarding dietary or lifestyle attributes, allergen contamination, nutrition information, ingredient information, claims, or the products purchased for the recipes.

Products in your order may be substituted. Adding optional ingredients, substituting products, or manufacturer product formulation changes could alter the nutritional or ingredient content of this recipe. Check each product’s label for nutrition and ingredient information, and contact the manufacturer with product related questions.

Consult a healthcare provider for nutritional guidance specific to your needs.

Since cooking times can vary, ensure that all recipe ingredients are cooked to a safe internal temperature according to USDA guidelines.