Fried Turkey Brined In Cayenne And Brown Sugar

Total Time: 37 hrs Preparation Time: 1 hr Cook Time: 36 hrs

Ingredients

• Servings: 10
• 3 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup kosher salt, plus
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
• 2 gallons cold water
• 1 bunch thyme
• 1 head garlic, separated into cloves and crushed
• 1 (12 lb) whole turkey
• peanut oil (about 4-5 gallons depending on your fryer) or vegetable oil (about 4-5 gallons depending on your fryer)

Recipe

• 1 in a whole-turkey-size stockpot, whisk brown sugar, mustard, salt and cayenne.
• 2 gradually whisk in water, and then add thyme and garlic.
• 3 add turkey, cover and brine in refrigerator for 35 hours.
• 4 if you cannot fit the pot in your refrigerator, you can place it in an ice chest or other container (keep an eye on your ice).
• 5 bring the oil to 375° in your turkey fryer - this can take up to an hour.
• 6 remove turkey from brine and pat it dry inside and out with paper towels.
• 7 if your family or guests are salt-sensitive wash the turkey thoroughly then pat until it is dry as you can get it with paper towels.
• 8 transfer the turkey to a frying basket, breast side up.
• 9 lower into oil and fry for 3 minutes per pound, 36 minutes.
• 10 lift the basket out of the fryer and drain the turkey on a rack set over a rimmed baking sheet or pan for about 15 minutes.
• 11 carve and serve.
• 12 take extra care with the hot oil - any hotter than 375f and you risk it catching fire.