Deep-Fried Sous Vide Turkey Porchetta (Turchetta) Recipe
Unraveling the mysteries of home cooking through science.
Combine the precision of sous vide cooking with crispy deep-fried skin for the most show-stopping, satisfying Thanksgiving turkey ever.
[Photographs and video: J. Kenji López-Alt]
This porchetta-inspired turkey breast is cooked sous vide, followed by a stint in a hot oil bath, Peking duck–style.
Why It Works
- Cooking turkey breast sous vide allows for an unparalleled level of control over the final temperature of the meat, resulting in moist and tender turkey every time.
- A turkey "porchetta" makes for an impressive presentation.
- Deep-frying or pan-frying the turkey after sous vide cooking leaves it deliciously browned and crispy all over.
Read more: The Food Lab: Deep-Fried Sous Vide Turkey Porchetta (You Want This on Your Thanksgiving Table)
- Yield:Serves 5 to 6
- Active time: 1 1/2 hours
- Total time:Up to 2 days
- Rated:
Ingredients
- 1 recipe turkey porchetta, prepared through the end of step 7, skipping wrapping and refrigerating step at end of step 5
- 1 1/2 quarts (1.4L) peanut or canola oil for deep-frying, or 2 tablespoons (30ml) canola oil for pan-frying
- Kosher salt
Directions
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1.
After forming and tying turkey porchetta (as described in step 5 of our turkey porchetta recipe), transfer to a sous vide–style vacuum-sealer bag. Seal tightly and let rest for at least 6 hours and up to 2 days.
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2.
Preheat sous vide water bath to 140°F (60°C). Add turkey and cook for 4 to 5 hours. Remove and run under cool running water, or transfer to an ice bath to chill for 5 minutes. Remove from bag and add any congealed juices to gravy. Rinse turkey porchetta thoroughly and carefully pat dry with paper towels. Trim ends for a more cylindrical shape, if desired.
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3.
To Finish by Deep-Frying: Heat 1 1/2 quarts (1.4L) peanut oil to 400°F (204°C) in a large wok or Dutch oven. Do not fill cooking vessel more than one-third of the way, in order to allow for bubbling and displacement when you add turkey. Carefully slide turkey into oil using spatulas and tongs (it will not be fully submerged). Immediately cover and cook, shaking pan occasionally, until sputtering dies a bit, about 2 minutes. Adjust flame to maintain a consistent 350°F (177°C) temperature. Using a large metal ladle, continuously spoon hot oil over exposed portions of roast until bottom half is cooked and crisp, about 5 minutes. Carefully flip and cook on second side, basting the whole time. Proceed to step 5.
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4.
To Finish by Pan-Roasting: While wearing an apron (the turkey can splatter), heat 2 tablespoons (30ml) canola oil in a large stainless steel or cast iron skillet over high heat until gently smoking. Add turkey and cook, turning occasionally, until well browned on all sides, about 10 minutes total.
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5.
Remove turchetta to a large paper towel–lined plate and blot all over. Season with salt. Let rest 5 minutes. Carve and serve with gravy on the side.
This Recipe Appears In
The Food Lab: Deep-Fried Sous Vide Turkey Porchetta (You Want This on Your Thanksgiving Table) The Food Lab's Definitive Guide to Buying, Prepping, Cooking, and Carving Your Holiday TurkeyAll products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.
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