How to Thaw a Frozen Turkey (2024)

FAQs

How to Thaw a Frozen Turkey? ›

The USDA recommends thawing your turkey in the refrigerator. This is the safest method because the turkey will thaw at a consistent, safe temperature. This method takes some time, so allow one day for each 4 - 5 pounds of weight. If your turkey weighs 16 pounds, it will take about four days to thaw.

The USDA recommends thawing your turkey in the refrigerator. This is the safest method because the turkey will thaw at a consistent, safe temperature. This method takes some time, so allow one day for each 4 - 5 pounds of weight. If your turkey weighs 16 pounds, it will take about four days to thaw.

Thawing turkey in a sink of cold water is faster than thawing in the refrigerator, but it's not safe to leave it in the sink to thaw overnight.

Remember that thawing a frozen turkey on the kitchen counter — or in a garage during the wintertime (the most common misconception shared by callers) — is not safe. Leaving any frozen package of meat or poultry for more than 2 hours at room temperature is dangerous.

Try a safe quick-thawing method. Cold water: Keep the bird in its airtight packaging or a leak-proof bag, submerge it in cold water, and change the water every 30 minutes. Microwave: Use your manufacturer guidelines to thaw for about 6 minutes per pound.

Submerge the wrapped turkey in the water and change the water every 30 minutes in order to help to ward off any contaminating bacteria. Allow 30 minutes of thawing time for each pound of turkey, which translates to about six hours for a 12-pound turkey.

It is safe to cook turkey thawed in cold water then put back in the fridge.

Check your turkey thaw with an instant-read thermometer

Use an instant-read thermometer, like our Thermapen^® ONE, to verify your turkey's internal temperature in multiple locations before putting it in the oven. It should be above 32°F (0°C) That's right, you measure the temperature of your turkey before you cook it!

Thanksgiving dinner can be saved, says Sam Beattie, an Iowa State University Extension food safety specialist. “So you forgot to thaw the turkey for holiday dining — everything will be OK,” Beattie said. “Actually, from a food safety standpoint it's safer to cook the turkey when it's still frozen.

Should I unwrap turkey to thaw? ›

If it's defrosting outside of the 'fridge, the surface of the turkey will be at room temp (not good), while the inside is still frozen. If you set your fridge to 5 degrees, which is still within the 'safe' zone, the turkey will defrost fully by Christmas Day. Wrapping off in the 'fridge but loosely covered with foil.

If you're asking yourself how a turkey thaws faster in 41°F water when the fridge is only a few degrees lower (37°F), consider that water has a molecular density much greater than air. The transfer of heat from the molecule-dense water to the frozen turkey happens much faster, which in turn heats up the bird faster.

Just get a cooler large enough to hold your turkey, make sure it's clean and put it in. That's all. The frozen turkey will provide its own refrigeration while it thaws. Depending on weight this can take three or four days.

In cold water

A faster thawing method is to submerge the frozen bird in cold water. You need to change the water every 30 minutes to be safe. While this method is faster, it still takes about 30 minutes per pound for complete thawing. Cook the turkey immediately after thawing.

If the meat won't be used within a day or two, store it in the freezer and enjoy it within three to four months. If at any point, you notice discoloration, a foul smell or a slimy or tacky appearance to the ground turkey, do not consume it and throw it out.

Turkeys must be kept at a safe temperature during "the big thaw." While frozen, a turkey is safe indefinitely. However, as soon as it begins to thaw, any bacteria that may have been present before freezing can begin to grow again.

Speed up the defrosting process e.g. by using cold water or a microwave (see the front of this sheet). Use an alternative menu item. If you do not have time to defrost for longer, replace the dish with a similar dish that is ready to serve. Change your defrosting method and make it safer, e.g. defrost smaller amounts.

Submerge the wrapped turkey in cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the turkey is thawed. Cook the turkey immediately after it is thawed.

Can you thaw a turkey in water and then put it in the fridge? Once the turkey is safely thawed using cold water, it can be transferred to a sheet or roasting pan. Refrigerate for up to four days.