Step into the flavorful world of Copeland’s Cajun-inspired deep-fried turkey, a delicious twist on a Southern classic. Forget roasting the turkey in the oven; our method cuts down on the time it takes to cook and makes a turkey that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
With its unique mix of spices and herbs, our turkey promises a feast like no other. It goes perfectly with traditional Southern sides. Whether you dine in or take home a holiday special, prepare for an unforgettable flavor journey. Stay tuned to learn more about what makes Copeland’s deep-fried turkey a game-changer.
As a Florida resident, I know that fried turkey is a staple during the holidays and year-round in the South. With its ultra crispy skin enveloping tender, juicy meat this classic Southern preparation takes the turkey experience to new heights!
If you live in or are visiting Jacksonville, you’re probably on the hunt for the very best fried turkey the city has to offer. Well, you’re in luck – Jacksonville has no shortage of top-notch spots cooking up this iconic regional specialty.
In this article, I’ll share my picks for the top places to get incredible fried turkey in Jacksonville, plus tips on how to choose the perfect bird and sides to complement it. Let’s get started!
Where to Find Fried Turkey in Jacksonville
Here are my top recommendations for indulging in fried turkey around Jacksonville:
Swamp Fox BBQ
This casual, counter-service BBQ joint in Riverside fries up some of the juiciest and most flavorful fried turkey in town Their secret? Brining the turkey for 2 days before frying yields incredibly moist meat. Get the fried turkey platter with your choice of sides – I suggest the collard greens and mac and cheese
Pritty’s Fried Chicken & Soul Food
A local favorite, Pritty’s has mastered the art of fried turkey along with all kinds of Southern comfort food classics. Their fried turkey sandwich is one of my go-tos, and I love that they sell whole fried turkeys for a crowd. Don’t skip the sweet potato pie!
Ole Smoke BBQ
Nestled in historic Springfield, Ole Smoke BBQ nails Southern BBQ standards like brisket, ribs and of course, fried turkey Their fried turkey sandwich with Alabama white BBQ sauce is a must-try They also offer catering with whole fried turkeys available.
Mojo 4 Barbecue
This food truck turns out killer BBQ with rave-worthy fried turkey. Beyond sammies and platters, they offer whole fried turkeys for pre-order during the holidays. Get there early – they often sell out! The mac n cheese and collards are top-notch sides.
Gilbert’s At the Beach
For a more upscale fried turkey experience, head to Gilbert’s in North Beach. Their fried turkey entree served with pan gravy is fantastic. Or opt for their festive Friendsgiving package with a whole fried turkey, sides and dessert for a crowd.
Your Butcher or Local Meat Market
Many local butchers and meat markets around town also fry turkeys to-order during the holidays. Swing by your neighborhood spot to see if they offer fried turkeys – you’ll often get the crispiest skin and freshest, local bird this way.
What to Look for in a Fried Turkey
When evaluating your fried turkey options, here are some tips on what to look for:
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Crispy, mahogany skin – The skin should be browned and crunchy, not pale or soft. This takes precision and care.
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Seasoning – Look for turkeys seasoned aggressively with salt, pepper and Southern flavors like Cajun or creole spices.
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Moist, tender meat – The meat should be very juicy and easy to pull from the bones when properly fried.
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Temperature – The internal temp needs to hit 165°F+ for food safety. Reputable spots will ensure this.
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Freshness – Locally sourced turkeys tend to taste best. Ask your butcher when the turkey arrived.
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Size – Estimate 1-1.5 pounds of turkey per person. Larger birds are trickier to fry evenly.
Sides and Extras
Fried turkey deserves delicious accompaniments! Here are some of my favorite pairings:
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Classic Southern sides like collard greens, mashed potatoes, corn bread and coleslaw
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Rich gravy and cranberry sauce for drizzling
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Specialty sauces like spicy honey mustard or Alabama white BBQ sauce
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Mac and cheese, potato salad or baked beans for comfort
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Fresh biscuits to soak up the juices
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Pie – pecan, sweet potato or pumpkin for dessert!
Pro Tips for Fried Turkey Success
Here are my top tips for fried turkey perfection:
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Brine the turkey for added moisture and flavor
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Inject oil and seasoning deep into the meat
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Allow the oil to reach 325-375°F before frying
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Monitor oil temp constantly and adjust heat accordingly
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Slowly lower turkey into oil and fry 3-4 minutes per pound
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Use a thermometer to verify 165°F+ internal temp
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Let rest 20 minutes before carving for juicy meat
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Keep a fire extinguisher handy just in case!
The Bottom Line
For the crispiest skin, most succulent meat and authentic Southern flair, you can’t beat fried turkey done right. Jacksonville offers tremendous options for indulging in this local specialty.
Follow my picks for the best fried turkey around town – I promise your taste buds will thank you! Maintain safety, choose fresh local birds when possible, and complement with classic Southern sides for a memorable feast.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your friends and get ready to experience the magic of fried turkey, Jacksonville-style!
What Makes Our Deep-Fried Turkey Special
People like deep-frying turkey over traditional oven-roasted turkey because it takes less time to cook and makes meat that is juicy and flavorful. Copeland’s has perfected the art of deep-frying turkey, infusing it with their unique Cajun-inspired flavors and seasonings.
Here’s an overview of what the Copeland’s deep-fried turkey entails:
A tasty mix of spices, herbs, and sometimes Cajun seasonings is marinated or injected into the turkey before it is fried to make it taste better and be more tender.
Deep-frying a turkey involves submerging the entire bird in hot oil until it’s fully cooked. This way of cooking gives the turkey a crispy, golden-brown skin and locks in its natural juices, keeping it moist and juicy.
Copeland’s deep-fried turkey likely incorporates the distinct flavors of Cajun cuisine, which often includes a blend of spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic, onion, and other herbs to achieve that signature Cajun taste.
Most of the time, Copeland’s deep-fried turkey is served as the main dish, along with traditional Southern sides like green beans, cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and sweet potato casserole, among others.
Even though Copeland’s is mostly a restaurant where people eat in, we do offer special packages or catering for events and holidays. For example, during the Thanksgiving season, you can order a deep-fried turkey for takeout or delivery.
Copeland’s deep-fried turkey is renowned for its flavorful and juicy meat. It’s a popular choice for people who want to try something different from the traditional Thanksgiving meal or who want to enjoy holiday food with a Cajun twist.
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