It is estimated that nearly 85 percent of Americans will eat turkey on Thanksgiving, and one of the most important steps in the meal preparation is thawing the turkey. Thawing meat in the refrigerator is the safest and most effective way to ensure quality and flavor and is the preferred method for thawing frozen turkey breast. Food safety should be the number one priority, and proper thawing is essential to keeping potential bacteria from growing during the thawing period. In this blog post, we will discuss the time required for thawing a frozen turkey breast in the refrigerator and offer some tips for keeping it safe and delicious.
Refrigerator Thawing (Recommended)
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.
Refrigerator Thawing Method:
- Place the frozen turkey breast, still in its original packaging, on a tray or baking dish to catch any juices that may leak.
- Position the tray or dish on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, where the temperature is most consistent.
- Allow approximately 24 hours of thawing time per 4-5 pounds of turkey breast.
- For a smaller 2-pound turkey breast, it may take around 12 hours to thaw completely.
- Larger turkey breasts, such as 7-10 pounds, may require up to 2 days or more for complete thawing.
Turkey Breast Thawing Chart (in the Refrigerator):
| Turkey Breast Weight | Approximate Thawing Time |
|---|---|
| 2 lbs | 12 hours |
| 3 lbs | 18 hours |
| 4 lbs | 24 hours |
| 5 lbs | 30 hours |
| 6 lbs | 1 1/2 days |
| 7 lbs | 1 3/4 days |
| 8 lbs | 2 days |
| 9 lbs | 2 1/4 days |
| 10 lbs | 2 1/2 days |
Safety Tips:
- Always keep the turkey breast in its original packaging during thawing to prevent cross-contamination.
- After thawing, the turkey breast can be safely refrigerated for an additional 1-2 days before cooking.
- Never thaw a turkey breast at room temperature, as this can promote the growth of harmful bacteria.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can also thaw the turkey breast using the cold water method, but it requires more attention, and the turkey must be cooked immediately after thawing.
Cold Water Thawing Method:
- Keep the turkey breast in its original packaging and submerge it in cold water, ensuring it’s completely covered.
- Change the cold water every 30 minutes to maintain a safe thawing temperature.
- Plan for approximately 30 minutes of thawing time per pound of turkey breast.
- Once thawed, cook the turkey breast immediately.
How long does it take to defrost a 7 lb turkey breast in the refrigerator?
How long does it take to thaw a frozen turkey breast in the refrigerator?
Thaw in refrigerator (not at room temperature). Refrigerate unopened roast on a tray for 1 12 to 2 days, or until thawed. Place an unopened roast in cold tap water for 3 to 5 hours to thaw it more quickly.
How long does it take for a 7 pound turkey breast to thaw in the refrigerator?
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. Oct 7, 2020.
How long does it take to thaw a 15-pound turkey breast?
Place the bird in the bottom of the refrigerator, still in its packaging, breast-side up on a tray or in a baking dish (to catch any potential juice leaks). Turkey should thaw completely in about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. Thus, it will take three to four days to prepare a 15-pound turkey.
How long does a 20-pound turkey take to thaw out in the refrigerator?
Prepare a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan and make room in the bottom of your refrigerator. The calculation is as follows: budget for 4 full days of refrigerator thawing for a 20-pound turkey, or 24 hours of thawing time for every 5 pounds of frozen turkey.
How long does it take to thaw a 5 pound turkey breast in the refrigerator?
In a refrigerator set to about 40 degrees F (5 degrees C), thawing time requires about 24 hours for every 5 pounds. It takes around 30 minutes per pound of body weight to completely defrost in cold water, refreshed every 30 minutes. Jun 22, 2021.
When should I put my turkey breast in the refrigerator to thaw?
Your refrigerator (set at 40°F) is the simplest and safest place to defrost your turkey. For every 5 pounds of food, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) suggests thawing it in the refrigerator for one day. Therefore, you must begin defrosting at least three days in advance if your bird weighs 15 pounds.
How long does it take to defrost a 7 lb turkey in the fridge?
The USDA recommends thawing your turkey in the refrigerator. The turkey will thaw at a constant, secure temperature using this method, making it the most secure. 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. Feb 21, 2017.
How do you cook a frozen 7 pound turkey breast?
Cooking time will depend on your oven’s temperature, but at 325° F, cook turkey breast for roughly 20 minutes per lb.
When should you start thawing a 15 lb turkey?
You can begin thawing the turkey six days prior to Thanksgiving (the Friday before Thanksgiving), as it will remain safe for another two days once thawed. You must complete the other two techniques (cold water and microwave) right away before you begin cooking the turkey, so you must wait until Thanksgiving morning.
Will a 15-pound turkey thaw overnight?
A 4- to 12-pound turkey should be defrosted in cold water for 2 to 6 hours, a 12- to 16-pound bird for 6 to 8 hours, or a 20- to 24-pound bird for 10 to 12 hours. Per pound of frozen turkey, allow 30 minutes to thaw in the sink. Nov 7, 2022.
How long does it take a frozen turkey breast to thaw in the refrigerator?
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. Oct 7, 2020.
Will a turkey breast thaw overnight?
Yes, a turkey breast can thaw overnight. It is important to ensure the turkey is thawed properly in order to ensure food safety and quality. The best way to thaw a turkey breast is by keeping it in its original packaging and placing it in a shallow container of cold water. Allow the turkey to thaw in the cold water for approximately 30 minutes per pound, ensuring that the water is changed every 30 minutes. This process should thaw the turkey breast overnight, or at least within 24 hours. If the turkey is still partially frozen at the end of this period, the water should be changed again and the turkey should thaw for an additional 30 minutes per pound. It is essential to ensure that the turkey remains chilled throughout this