Thawing Frozen Turkey in the Refrigerator
Refrigerator thawing is the much-preferred method of defrosting a turkey. It is by far the safest and simplest because all you have to do is let it thaw in the refrigerator. Plus the turkey will thaw more evenly. Make sure your refrigerator’s temperature is between 37°F and 40°F.
The only drawback is that you must prepare ahead of time because, according to the rule of thumb, each 4 to 5 pounds of bird requires 24 hours to defrost. Additionally, larger birds take longer per pound due to their size and density.
Keep the turkey in its original packaging and set it on a plate or pan to catch any juices that may drip from it. Put the turkey on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator so that any juices that do leak won’t contaminate anything below. To determine how long it would take for your turkey to thaw in the refrigerator, refer to the chart below.
Ways to Thaw A Frozen Turkey
There are 3 safe ways to defrost a 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.
Your whole turkey should thaw in the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, breast side up, in its original packaging, unopened. Allow at least 1 day of thawing for every 4-5 pounds of turkey when using this method because it takes the longest.
Your frozen turkey should be completely submerged in cold water, breast side down, in its original, unopened packaging.
To keep the turkey chilled, replace the water every 30 minutes and rotate the bird every 30 minutes if it cannot be completely covered.
Estimate a minimum thawing time of 30 minutes per lb. Allow 30 minutes of defrosting time per pound using this technique. Use this method to thaw the turkey, then cook it right away.
Check your owner’s manual to see what size turkey will fit in your microwave, how long it will take to thaw each pound, and what power level it has before you decide to microwave your turkey. The turkey must have ample room on all sides. To catch any juices that may leak, remove all packaging and put the turkey on a dish that can be used in a microwave. In general, when thawing a turkey in the microwave, allow 6 minutes per pound. Be sure to rotate it several during this process.
Allow the turkey to rest for five minutes before continuing with this thawing method if you notice that it is beginning to cook rather than defrost. Using this technique, thaw the turkey, then cook it right away.
A frozen whole turkey is safe indefinitely. However, as soon as it starts to thaw, any bacteria that were present prior to freezing will start to grow once more. Once thawed, use within 2-3 days after thawing.
How NOT to Thaw a Turkey
NOTE: It’s critical to practice food safety when defrosting a turkey, and we can’t stress this enough. To avoid bacterial growth that could result in foodborne illness, the entire turkey must be kept at a safe temperature throughout the thawing process.
FAQ
When should I thaw a 5 pound turkey breast?
Thaw for two days, then store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Cook within 3 days of thaw.
How long does it take to thaw out a 6 pound turkey breast?
A 6 or 7-pound turkey breast will take about 1 and a half days (36 hours) to thaw completely in the refrigerator. Once more, ensure that the refrigerator is set to a temperature between 37 and 40 degrees.
How long does it take to thaw a 5.5 lb turkey?
The safest way to defrost a turkey is in the refrigerator, which maintains the meat’s temperature until it is fully defrosted. Keep the turkey in its original wrapping. Allow 5 hours of thawing time per pound (10 hours/kg).
How long does it take to cook a 5 lb Butterball turkey breast?
roasting time is 1¼ to 3 hours. Browning occurs without basting. Insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast to check the internal temperature during the last half hour. When the internal temperature reaches 165–170° F, remove from the oven.
