Fried turkey is a delicious alternative to traditional roasted turkey for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. When cooked correctly, fried turkey is moist tender and full of flavor. The key is using peanut oil, the optimal oil for getting a perfect crispy coating. But where can you find quality peanut oil for deep frying your turkey?
In this article, I’ll go over the benefits of peanut oil, talk about what to look for when purchasing it, and share the best places to buy peanut oil for your turkey fryer. Let’s get started!
Why Use Peanut Oil for Frying Turkey?
Out of all the oils suitable for deep frying, peanut oil really is the top choice for the job. Here’s why it’s so popular for turkey frying:
-
High smoke point of 450°F – Peanut oil can withstand frying temperatures without burning.
-
Neutral flavor – It doesn’t overpower the turkey’s taste
-
Golden color – Peanut oil helps achieve an appetizing golden crisp exterior.
-
Moisture retention – The turkey stays juicy and tender when fried in peanut oil.
-
Affordable price – Peanut oil is budget-friendly, especially when buying in bulk.
No other oil quite compares when it comes to producing fried turkey perfection. Peanut oil is hands down the best pick for flavor, performance and value.
What to Look for When Buying Peanut Oil
Keep the following criteria in mind when selecting your peanut oil:
-
Refined/unflavored – You want plain peanut oil without added seasonings.
-
High smoke point – Around 450°F is ideal. Check the bottle.
-
Reputable brand – Trusted brands like LouAna or Planters indicate quality oil.
-
Price per volume – Buy in bulk quantities to get the best price.
-
Harvest/expiration dates – Pick oil with the freshest dates possible.
-
Packaging – Make sure the bottle is properly sealed to prevent rancidity.
With refined, pure peanut oil from a trusted producer, you can feel confident your fried turkey will turn out incredibly juicy and crispy.
Where to Buy Peanut Oil for Turkey Frying
Now let’s explore the best places to purchase your peanut oil. Here are my top recommendations:
Grocery Stores
-
Bulk sections – Some grocery stores sell peanut oil in the bulk section by the gallon at reasonable prices.
-
International aisles – Peanut oil is frequently used in Asian and African cooking so check these sections.
-
Baking aisles – Look near other oils and baking supplies.
Check weekly ads and loyalty programs for peanut oil deals and discounts when buying from grocers.
Warehouse Stores
-
Costco – Costco has huge jugs of Kirkland peanut oil perfect for turkey frying available in stores and online.
-
Sam’s Club – Find Member’s Mark and other major brands sold in bulk quantities ideal for large turkey fryers.
-
Restaurant Depot – Restaurant Depot sells large commercial sizes of peanut oil if you have access to one.
Warehouse stores offer major savings on peanut oil, especially when teaming up with others to buy in bulk.
Online Retailers
-
Amazon – Wide selection of highly rated peanut oils available at good prices through Amazon.
-
WebstaurantStore – Specializes in food service products and sells bulk cases of peanut oil.
-
Walmart – Reasonable prices on LouAna and other reputable brands with convenient home delivery.
The internet makes it easy to shop peanut oil sales and stock up for future turkey frying endeavors.
Local Restaurant Supply
-
Restaurant supply shops – These specialize in bulk restaurant ingredients like high quality oils.
-
Ethnic grocers – Asian, Middle Eastern and Indian markets often stock excellent peanut oil.
Restaurant suppliers and ethnic grocers are excellent sources if you want to shop local. Call ahead to check availability and pricing.
How Much Peanut Oil Do You Need?
A good rule of thumb is to use 1 quart of peanut oil per pound of turkey. Here’s a simple guide:
- 10-12 lb turkey = 4-5 gallons of oil
- 14-16 lb turkey = 6-7 gallons of oil
- 18-20 lb turkey = 8-9 gallons of oil
Have a little extra oil on hand for refilling as needed. Fryers lose about a 1⁄2 gallon over the frying process.
Tips for Storing Peanut Oil
Once you’ve purchased quality peanut oil, be sure to store it properly to prevent rancidity and preserve freshness:
-
Keep in a cool, dark place like a cabinet or pantry.
-
Store in original container; don’t transfer to plastic bottles.
-
Seal tightly after each use. Air exposure causes degradation.
-
Refrigerate after opening if using infrequently.
-
Use within 2-3 months for best quality if refrigerated.
With proper storage, you can enjoy fresh tasting peanut oil and crispy fried turkeys for months to come!
Get Frying with the Best Peanut Oil!
Now that you know what to look for and where to buy, you can confidently stock up on the right peanut oil for Turkey Day frying success. With a fresh batch of high quality, refined peanut oil, you’ll serve up professional-quality fried turkey the whole family will enjoy. Here’s to juicy, golden perfection worth celebrating this holiday season!
The Best Way To Deep Fry A Turkey In Peanut Oil For Any Holiday.
FAQ
What’s the best peanut oil for frying a turkey?
Is 2 gallons of peanut oil enough to fry a turkey?
How much peanut oil do I need for a 20 pound turkey?
How many times can you reuse peanut oil in a turkey fryer?