Turkey Serving Guide – How much turkey to serve per person

When planning your Thanksgiving turkey dinner it can be overwhelming wondering how much to serve per person. You will want to have enough for each person to have at least two servings and enough for turkey leftovers.

Up to 12lbs. = 1lb. per person

Over 12lbs. = 3/4lb. per person

Bone in breast = 1/2lb. per person

Boneless breast or role = 1/3lb. per person

Turkey Thawing Guide

Refrigerator thawing is the recommended method for thawing turkey. It used to be comon practice to thaw turkey in the sink with cold water. The problem with this method is that bacteria can grow on the turkey while it is thawing. This is the reason that refigerator thawing is recommended.

6 to 8lbs. = 1 to 1 ¾ days

8 to 12lbs. = 1 to 2 days

12 to 16lbs. = 2 to 3 days

16 to 20lbs. = 3 to 4 days

Bone and breast = 1 to 2 days

Boneless breast roll = 1 ½ to 2 days

Turkey Roasting Guide

Pre-heated 325° oven.

6 to 8lbs. = 2 ¼ to 3 ¼ hours

8 to 12lbs. = 3 to 4 hours

12 to 16lbs. = 3 ½ to 4 ½ hours

16 to 20lbs. = 4 to 5 hours

Bone and breast = 1 ½ to 2 ¼ hours

Boneless breast roll = 1 ¾ to 2 ½ hours

The following are three recipes you must try:

DEEP FRIED TURKEY
1 turkey, 12-15 lbs, thawed
5-6 gallons peanut oil
1 stick butter
3 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/4 lb salt pork, chopped to a fine mince
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 large outdoor turkey fryer
1 turkey marinade injector
1 mesh strainer
salt and pepper

Set up your turkey fryer outside; make sure the fryer is away from flammable objects such as your house. It is wise to remove little children and your pets from the area you will be frying in. You will also need a heavy-duty wire to lower and raise the turkey from the grease, most fryers provide this.

The turkey must be fully thawed before frying, as excess water will cause the oil to bubble up.

Combine salt pork with minced garlic and 1 tsp. of peanut oil and fry in a pan on low heat for 30 minutes. Add to the pan soy sauce, paprika and butter and cook until butter has melted. Stain this mixture to remove bigger bits and then pour into marinade injector. Inject the turkey; remove pop-up timer and place in the refrigerator overnight.

Cooking the Turkey
30 minutes before cooking remove the turkey from the refrigerator and bring to room temperature. The oil in the fryer should be 350° degrees for optimal cooking and the turkey must be dry when going into the oil.

Most turkey fryer recipes call for peanut oil, add this up to the line inside of the turkey fryer. Slowly place the turkey breast side down into the fryer basket. Allow the oil temperature to lower to 300°F and continue frying, it is recommended that you fry for 4 minutes per pound of turkey.

Remove the turkey to a serving platter and season to taste with salt and pepper. Place the bird upside down fro at least 20 minutes so the juices will redistribute to the breast. Flip the turkey right side up and serve with garnishes of choice.

CAJUN FRIED WHOLE TURKEYS
2 whole turkeys
16 oz. bottle Italian dressing
1 tbsp. garlic powder or garlic salt
1 tbsp. onion powder or onion salt
1 tsp. celery salt
1/3 bottle paprika pepper
1/2 can of beer (optional)
3 tsps. poultry season
1 tsp. salt (omit this if using garlic or onion salt)
1 tsp. pepper (black)
1 tsp. pepper (white)
2 tsp. cayenne pepper
4 dashes Tabasco

Wrap legs with foil and-or wire. Mix all ingredients and inject into each bird at least 12 hours before cooking and place in the refrigerator. Deep-fry the turkey using peanut oil, 4 minutes per pound. The oil in the fryer should be at 340 degrees.

DEEP FRIED HONEY TURKEY
12-14 lb. turkey
5 gallons peanut oil
SEASONING:
1 bottle Italian dressing
1/8 c. Lea & Perrins
Onion salt
Lemon salt
Garlic salt
Lemon juice
4 tbsp. honey
2 tbsp. brown sugar

Heat seasonings on stove until melted down then pour though a strainer. Insert into turkey with an injector. Be sure to season the outside of the turkey as well, butter, salt and pepper works nicely, then refrigerate overnight.
Fry turkey in wire basket at 300 to 310 degrees for 45 to 55 minutes. 4 minutes per pound.

Turkey fryer recipes are pretty consistent, all go into the fryer but it’s the seasonings that make them unique. Get creative and see what flavor combinations you can come up with to have a delicious fried turkey.