Try this tasty fried wild turkey recipe for a crispy and flavorful main dish. The wild turkey is marinated to perfection and then coated in a seasoned flour mixture before being deep-fried until golden brown. Serve with your favorite sides for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 wild turkey, cleaned and dressed
- 4 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Place the wild turkey in the bowl and ensure it is fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or overnight.
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.
- Remove the turkey from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Coat the turkey with the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the flour to the turkey.
- In a large pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the coated turkey into the hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for approximately 3-4 minutes per pound of turkey, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the fried turkey from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil. Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
- Serve the fried wild turkey with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Wild turkeys can fly at speeds of up to 55 miles per hour.
The wild turkey is native to North America and was a staple in the diet of Native Americans.
Deep-frying the turkey helps to seal in the juices and creates a crispy outer layer.
Fried wild turkey is a popular dish during Thanksgiving and other special occasions.