3 Delicious Ways to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey

While we're sad to see summer go, the excitement for the holiday season is upon us—especially with the abundance of food during Thanksgiving. If you're not a seasoned chef, you might be wondering how to cook a Thanksgiving turkey. To help, we've rounded up three unique methods to prepare a turkey that will impress your guests this year.

Why Plan Early for Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and planning ahead will help you avoid long supermarket lines and ensure you have everything you need. Try switching things up this year with a modern twist on the classic Thanksgiving turkey. Get your kitchen ready for some exciting turkey recipes!

1. Deep-Fried Turkey

Deep-frying a turkey is a popular yet unconventional way to cook for Thanksgiving. This method produces irresistibly juicy meat and a crispy golden-brown exterior, all while being surprisingly simple!

Ingredients

• One turkey (less than 15 pounds, thawed)
• Vegetable oil for frying

Equipment

• Deep fryer

Method

1. Preheat oil to 400°F (200°C). The ideal frying temperature is 375°F (180°C).
2. Carefully lower the turkey into the oil using long-handled utensils.
3. Cook a 10-pound turkey for approximately 35 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the thigh reaches 170°F (80°C).
4. Remove the turkey, let it drain, and cover it with foil for 20 minutes before carving.

2. Turkey on a Can

This unique method involves cooking your turkey over a can of beer, which helps maintain moisture and adds fantastic flavor.

Ingredients

• 12-24 ounces of beer (in a can)
• 2 teaspoons spicy mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• ½ teaspoon ground smoked cumin
• Kosher salt and pepper
• 9- to 10-pound turkey (thawed)
• ¼ cup canola oil

Method

1. Preheat a grill to medium (about 350°F).
2. Pour beer into a turkey sitter or open the beer can and place it in a stand.
3. Mix spices in a bowl and season the turkey inside and out.
4. Place the turkey on the cooler side of the grill and cook for 2 to 3 hours, until juices run clear and internal temperatures reach 185°F (thigh) and 170°F (breast).
5. Let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.

3. Turducken

For the adventurous, a turducken—a chicken stuffed inside a duck, which is then stuffed inside a turkey—offers a show-stopping centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients

• 1 (3-pound) whole chicken, deboned
• 1 (4-pound) duck, deboned
• 1 (16-pound) turkey, deboned
• 3 cups prepared sausage and oyster dressing
• Salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning to taste

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken, duck, and turkey liberally with salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning.
3. Layer the sausages and dressing within the turkey, then stuff in the duck and chicken.
4. Secure the turkey with toothpicks and kitchen string.
5. Roast for 4 hours covered, then uncover for an additional hour until fully cooked.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed these three different ways to cook a Thanksgiving turkey. If you plan to use one of these methods, share this post with friends and family to inspire them with new ideas for their holiday meal!

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