How to Thaw a Turkey (2 Best Methods)
These are the two best methods to safely thaw out your frozen turkey in time for your holiday meal.
Servings: 1
Calories: 32kcal
Ingredients
- 1 frozen turkey
- cold water
Instructions
Refrigerator Thawing (Recommended)
- Keep the turkey in its original packaging. Place on a rimmed baking sheet or in a roasting pan. The pan should hold the entire without any hangover. Placing the turkey on a rack in the pan can allow air to circulate underneath.
- Defrost in the refrigerator for a minimum of 24 hours per 4 to 5 pounds of meat. The defrosted turkey can stay in the fridge for 1 to 2 days.
Cold Water Thawing (Fastest)
- Keep the turkey in its original packaging. Place in a sink with a plug (recommended) or a large pot. Fill the pot with cold water. It should be less than 40 degrees (use your instant read thermometer to check). Flip the bird breast side down and put a pot on top to keep it fully submerged.
- Pour out the water and refill every 30 minutes. It takes a minimum of 30 minutes per pound to defrost. The defrosted turkey should be cooked immediately.
Notes
Refrigerator Thawing Times
- 4 to 12 pounds.........1 to 3 days
- 12 to 16 pounds.........3 to 4 days
- 16 to 20 pounds.........4 to 5 days
- 20 to 24 pounds.........5 to 6 days
- 4 to 12 pounds........2 to 6 hours
- 12 to 16 pounds........6 to 8 hours
- 16 to 20 pounds.......8 to 10 hours
- 20 to 24 pounds.....10 to 12 hours
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