The holidays are fast approaching, which means it’s time to start planning your holiday meals. If you want to spice things up this year, consider making Meat Church’s Nashville Hot Turkey. This dish combines smoky, fried turkey with a spicy coating for a unique take on classic holiday fare. Keep reading to learn all about Meat Church’s recipe and why you should add it to your holiday table.
Overview of Meat Church and Their Nashville Hot Turkey Recipe
Meat Church is a Texas-based company dedicated to helping people master the art of barbecue. They sell premium seasonings and rubs create instructional smoking videos and share incredible recipes like their Nashville Hot Turkey on their website and YouTube channel.
Their Nashville Hot Turkey recipe combines smoking and frying to create juicy, tender turkey with an crispy, spicy exterior. It uses a brine made with pickle juice to give the meat a tangy flavor. After brining, the turkey is smoked with a fruit wood like apple or cherry to impart flavor. Once smoked, it is cooled completely before being dredged in a spiced flour mixture and fried until golden brown. The pièce de résistance is ladling spicy cayenne- and brown sugar-infused oil over the fried turkey to give it that signature Nashville Hot kick.
This recipe produces impressive results thanks to the step-by-step instructions provided on Meat Church’s website and YouTube channel. Their materials are beginner-friendly with tips for choosing the right turkey, setting up your smoker monitoring temperature and frying safely. Meat Church also recommends specific equipment, seasonings, and other products they’ve tested to ensure success.
Why You Should Make Nashville Hot Turkey for the Holidays
Nashville Hot Turkey is a fun, new way to prepare turkey for your next holiday feast. Here are some of the benefits of adding this dish to your menu
It’s unique and full of flavor. Smoking, frying, brining, and spicing means this turkey is anything but bland. The blend of sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy flavors will delight guests.
It will wow your guests. The dramatic, vibrant red coating makes this turkey a real showstopper. Every guest at your holiday table will be impressed.
It’s a great way to highlight turkey. Turkey often plays second fiddle to the sides at holiday meals. Make it the star of the show with this recipe.
It works for a small or large group. You can make it with a whole turkey, turkey breast, or even just turkey tenders or wings. It’s very versatile.
It’s hard to mess up. With Meat Church’s great instructions, even novice cooks can nail this recipe and look like a pro.
Tips for Making Picture-Perfect Nashville Hot Turkey
Want your Nashville Hot Turkey to look as good as it tastes? Follow these tips:
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Choose the right turkey. Opt for a boneless breast or tenders to make frying easier. Or go full holiday with a 10-15 lb whole turkey.
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Do the 2-step breading. Dredging in flour then the egg wash ensures ultra-crispy coating.
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Fry in a heavy pot. Use a heavy Dutch oven or deep fryer so the oil maintains temperature.
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Work in batches for even frying. Avoid overcrowding so turkey fries evenly.
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Use a thermometer. Double check the internal temp reaches 165°F.
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Let it rest before saucing. Letting it rest helps lock in juices. Apply sauce right before serving.
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Garnish with pickles. Top with pickle chips or spears to reinforce the briny flavor.
Follow these tips and your Nashville Hot Turkey will be selfie-worthy and delicious. Don’t forget the oven mitts!
Step-By-Step Guide to Make Meat Church’s Recipe
If you’re ready to make this showstopping turkey yourself, follow this handy step-by-step guide:
Ingredients Needed
- 1 boneless turkey breast (or bone-in breast or whole turkey)
- Pickle juice, enough to submerge turkey
- Meat Church Holy Voodoo or seasoning blend
- Meat Church Chicken Fried Breading
- Eggs
- Beer, milk, or buttermilk
- Peanut oil or frying oil
- Cayenne pepper
- Brown sugar
- Honey Hog Hot rub
- Burger buns
Brine the Turkey
- Place turkey in large container and cover with pickle juice.
- Refrigerate 4 or more hours. The longer you brine, the more flavor.
Prepare the Smoker
- Set up smoker to maintain 275°F temperature.
- Recommend fruit wood like apple or cherry.
Smoke the Turkey
- Remove turkey from brine and pat dry. Season with Holy Voodoo.
- Smoke turkey at 275°F until internal temp reaches 160°F.
- Allow to cool completely before frying.
Mix the Breading
- In one bowl, mix Chicken Fried Breading, Honey Hog Hot, and panko.
- In another bowl, beat eggs and beer/milk/buttermilk.
Bread and Fry the Turkey
- Dredge turkey in flour mixture then egg wash then flour again.
- Fry in 350°F oil for 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Check internal temp to ensure 165°F.
Make the Spicy Sauce
- Mix hot frying oil, cayenne, brown sugar, and Honey Hog Hot.
Finish the Dish
- Ladle spicy oil over fried turkey.
- Slice into strips and serve on buns with pickles and mayo.
Dig in and enjoy Meat Church’s insanely delicious Nashville Hot Turkey! This holiday season, give your guests something spicy and amazing they’ll talk about for years to come.
Common Questions About Meat Church’s Recipe
If you’re considering making Nashville Hot Turkey this holiday season, here are answers to some common questions:
What kind of turkey should I use?
For easier frying, a boneless breast works best. You can also use bone-in breasts, tenders, or wings. For a crowd, try a 10-15 pound whole turkey.
What if I don’t have a smoker?
You can bake the turkey in the oven until 160°F before breading and frying. It won’t have that nice smoky flavor, but will still be delicious.
Can I really brine the turkey in just pickle juice?
Yes! The vinegar and salt in the pickle juice seasons the turkey and helps it stay juicy when cooked.
How spicy does the Nashville Hot coating get?
It has a nice kick but isn’t overly spicy. Adjust the amount of cayenne to your preferred level of heat.
What oil should I use for frying?
Peanut oil is ideal but any high smoke point oil like canola or vegetable will work. Do not use olive oil as it burns quickly.
Is it safe to fry a turkey?
As long as you follow safety tips, deep frying turkey is safe. Use a heavy, deep pot, fry outside, and carefully monitor oil temp.
How far in advance can I bread and fry the turkey?
For best texture and flavor, fry turkey right before serving. You can prep ingredient and smoke 1-2 days before.
I hope these tips help you feel confident making incredible Nashville Hot Turkey for your next holiday meal. This recipe may seem intimidating but Meat Church provides guidance for success. Don’t be afraid to get spicy this holiday season!
