As the holidays roll around, fried turkey is a delicious, crispy alternative to the traditional roasted bird. The crispy skin and moist, flavorful meat make fried turkey a favorite for many. If you want to skip the work of frying it yourself, here’s where to find ready-made fried turkeys near you.
What Makes Fried Turkey So Tasty?
Let’s first look at why deep-fried turkey is so delectable
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Crispiness – Frying gives the skin an incredibly crispy, crackling texture you can’t achieve any other way. Each bite offers satisfying crunch
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Juiciness – The high heat of frying seals in moisture The meat stays succulent even if some pieces are overcooked
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Flavor – The Maillard reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars intensifies flavor. Fried turkey tastes richer than oven roasted.
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Short cook time – A 12-15 lb turkey fries in just 3-4 minutes per pound. Quick cooking prevents the meat from drying out.
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Convenience – No thawing, seasoning, stuffing, or constant basting needed with pre-fried birds. Just reheat and serve.
Where to Buy Fried Turkeys Locally
You have several options for finding ready-to-eat fried turkeys in your area:
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Grocery stores – Check your supermarket meat department around the holidays to see if they stock fried turkeys from brands like Cajun Fried Turkey or Uncle Ray’s.
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Butcher shops – Many local butchers fry turkeys to order around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Call ahead to pre-order.
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Specialty food stores – Gourmet markets like Whole Foods sometimes carry fried turkeys from regional suppliers.
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Restaurants – A number of restaurant chains like Popeyes, Bob Evans, and Boston Market sell complete fried turkey dinners for takeout.
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Catering companies – Search for caterers in your city offering holiday fried turkeys. They often deliver right to your door.
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Online companies – Shipped frozen fried turkeys from sites like Goldbelly, Williams Sonoma, and FriedTurkeyCompany.com are just a reheat away.
What to Look for When Buying
Not all pre-fried turkeys are equal in terms of quality. Keep these tips in mind:
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Reputable source – Only buy fried turkeys from a source you trust follows safe handling and frying practices.
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Flavor options – Look for turkeys fried in peanut oil with added Cajun or other robust seasoning blends.
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Moisture retention – See if the turkey is cryogenically frozen or sealed in packaging to retain juiciness in transit.
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Size – Make sure to choose a turkey big enough for your gathering, estimating 1-1.5 lbs per person.
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Reheating method – Follow the provided reheating instructions carefully, whether oven, deep fryer, or other.
Get Ready for Finger Lickin’ Fried Turkey!
With minimal effort, you can put a crispy, juicy fried turkey on your holiday table by purchasing from a local market or restaurant. Ask neighbors for fried turkey recommendations or scout out options early. Then get ready to enjoy the convenient flavor of fried turkey done right near you!
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FAQ
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