The Safest Way to Defrost Frozen Turkey in Time for Thanksgiving
A turkey (or any bird, for that matter) can be safely and easily defrosted in the refrigerator. It stays cold the entire time, which stops dangerous bacteria from growing that could cause food poisoning. Having said that, if you want to thaw a turkey more quickly, you can do so without risk by submerging it in cold water.
If you’ve got a frozen turkey you plan on cooking for Thanksgiving, here are some important tips on thawing it safely.
Here are some crucial suggestions for safely defrosting a frozen turkey if you intend to cook one for Thanksgiving.
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.
FAQ
How long does it take to thaw a 4 lb turkey breast in the refrigerator?
The turkey will thaw at a constant, secure temperature using the refrigerator, which is the safest method. Give this process one day for every 4 to 5 pounds of weight because it takes some time. It will take around four days to thaw a 16-pound turkey.
How long does it take to defrost a 3 lb turkey?
Turkey-Thawing Times A refrigerator set to about 40 degrees F (5 degrees C) needs to be used to thaw a turkey for about 24 hours per 5 pounds. It takes around 30 minutes per pound of body weight to completely defrost in cold water, refreshed every 30 minutes.
How long can I leave a frozen turkey breast in the refrigerator?
Place it on a tray to catch any juices that may leak while it’s thawing in the fridge. The refrigerator can hold a thawed turkey for one to two days. A turkey that has been properly defrosted in the fridge can be refrozen if necessary.
How do you know when a turkey breast is thawed?
The breast and thighs should be at least 32°F to 40°F, or roughly the same temperature as your refrigerator, when testing with a probe thermometer. After inserting the probe thermometer into the raw turkey, make sure to clean it!
