While frozen, a turkey is safe indefinitely. Bacteria that may have existed before freezing will start to grow again as soon as it starts to thaw. A turkey can be safely defrosted in three different ways: in the fridge, in cold water, or in a microwave.
Planning a Thanksgiving feast? Your first step is figuring out how many days to thaw a 15-lb turkey. This guide will help you navigate the thawing process, ensuring a perfectly cooked and delicious turkey for your celebration.
Thawing a 15-lb Turkey: Time and Temperature
The key to safe and efficient thawing is understanding the time and temperature required for each method Here’s a breakdown of the three main thawing methods:
1. Thawing in the Refrigerator:
- Time: Allow 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey weight. For a 15-lb turkey, this translates to 3 days of thawing in the refrigerator.
- Temperature: Keep the refrigerator temperature at 40°F (5°C) or below.
- Instructions:
- Leave the turkey in its original packaging.
- Place the turkey breast-side up in a baking pan to catch any drippings.
- Once thawed, the turkey can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking.
2. Thawing in Cold Water:
- Time: Allow 30 minutes per pound of turkey weight. For a 15-lb turkey, this means approximately 7.5-8 hours of thawing.
- Temperature: Use cold water, ideally around 40°F (5°C).
- Instructions:
- Keep the turkey in its original packaging.
- Place the packaged turkey in a larger, leak-proof plastic bag.
- Submerge the bag completely in cold water, ensuring the turkey is breast-side down.
- Change the water every 30 minutes to maintain a cold temperature.
- Cook the turkey immediately after thawing.
3. Thawing in the Microwave:
- Time: Consult your microwave’s user manual for specific instructions and power settings. Generally, it takes 1 hour or more on the defrost setting.
- Temperature: Follow the microwave’s instructions for defrosting poultry.
- Instructions:
- Remove the turkey from its packaging and any metal clips or tags.
- Place the turkey breast-side up in a microwave-safe dish to catch drippings.
- After thawing, thoroughly clean the inside of your microwave to prevent cross-contamination.
- Cook the turkey immediately after thawing.
Choosing the Right Thawing Method
The best thawing method depends on your time constraints and preferences. If you have several days to spare, refrigerator thawing is the safest and most convenient option. Cold water thawing is faster but requires more attention and frequent water changes. Microwave thawing is the quickest method but requires careful monitoring and may not be suitable for larger turkeys.
Additional Tips for Safe Thawing:
- Never thaw a turkey at room temperature. This can lead to bacterial growth and foodborne illness.
- Don’t thaw a turkey in hot water. This can cook the outer layers of the turkey while the inner parts remain frozen, creating an unevenly cooked and potentially unsafe product.
- Always cook a thawed turkey immediately. Do not refreeze a thawed turkey without cooking it first.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Thawing a 15-lb turkey requires careful planning and adherence to safe food handling practices. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can ensure your turkey is thawed properly and ready to become the star of your Thanksgiving feast. Remember safety and quality are paramount so choose the thawing method that best suits your needs and timeline.
3 Ways to Thaw a Turkey
The USDA recommends thawing your turkey in the refrigerator. Because the turkey will thaw at a steady, safe temperature, this is the safest method. Because this process takes time, give yourself one day for every four to five pounds of weight. It will take roughly four days for a 16-pound turkey to thaw. You can begin thawing the turkey six days prior to Thanksgiving on the Friday before, since it will remain safe for an additional two days once thawed.
You’ll have to wait until Thanksgiving morning to complete the other two methods (cold water and microwave), which must be done right away before you begin cooking the turkey.
Using a sink (or other container) filled with cold water, place the turkey in its original wrapping for the cold water method. To ensure that the turkey stays at a safe temperature, it is crucial that the water be cold. You should change the water every 30 minutes. Remove the water and add new, cold water in its place. A 16-pound turkey will take 8 hours to thaw using this method (you may need to start around 4 a.m.). This method allows 30 minutes of defrosting time per pound. m. if you want to eat in the afternoon!). Once the turkey has thawed, cook it immediately.
Check your owner’s manual to find out the size of turkey that will fit in your microwave oven, the number of minutes required per pound, and the power level to use when thawing a turkey before committing to doing so. Take off all the external wrapping and put the turkey on a dish that is safe to cook in the microwave to catch any spilled juices. Use the defrost function based on weight. Generally speaking, when thawing a turkey in the microwave, allow six minutes per pound. During the thawing process, make sure to flip it and rotate it several times.
Allow the turkey to rest for about five minutes before continuing to thaw if it begins to cook rather than just defrost. To protect the tips of the wings and drumsticks from the microwave and prevent them from cooking, you might want to wrap a small piece of foil over them halfway through the thawing process. Once the turkey has thawed you should cook it immediately.
How NOT to Thaw a Turkey
For your information, the following are some thawing techniques that are not advised:
- thawing a turkey outside on the back porch, in the garage, or on the counter
- thawing a turkey in a plastic garbage bag or brown paper grocery bag
- thawing a turkey in the dishwasher (with or without water)
- any technique that isn’t the microwave, refrigerator, or cold water
How long does it take to thaw a 13 pound turkey?
FAQ
When should you start defrosting a 15 lb turkey?
Can you keep a thawed turkey in the refrigerator for 4 days?
How long to cook a thawed 15 lb turkey?
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Weight
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Cook Time Baked (Thawed)
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Cook Time Smoked (Thawed)
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8-10 lbs.
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¾-1½ hrs.
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¾-1½ hrs.
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10-14 lbs.
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1-1½ hrs.
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1-1½ hrs.
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14-18 lbs.
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1½-2 hrs.
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1½-2 hrs.
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How long does a 15 pound turkey take to thaw?
5 pounds of turkey takes approximately 24 hours. Therefore a 15-pound turkey will take up to 3 days in a refrigerator set at about 40°F (5 degrees C). Whereas, in cold water, it only takes 30 minutes per pound. But you must refresh the water every 30 minutes. However, we don’t recommend thawing at room temperature because it is not safe.
How do you Thaw a frozen turkey?
Keep your turkey in its original packaging for this method, too. To finish a partially defrosted bird, 30 minutes in cold water may be all you need. If fully frozen, allow about 30 minutes per pound to completely thaw, and change the water every 30 minutes to ensure the water stays cool (below 40 degrees F).
How long after thawing a turkey can you eat it?
Use turkey within four days after thawing. Thaw turkey breast side down, in an unopened wrapper, with enough cold water to cover your turkey completely. Change water every 30 minutes and if turkey cannot be completely covered, rotate every 30 minutes to keep the turkey chilled. You can expect 30 minutes of thawing per pound of turkey.
Can You Thaw a 20 pound turkey breast?
Sometimes having a 20 pound turkey in your fridge for a week isn’t the most convenient. In this case, your next best bet is to cold-water thaw. To do this, you want to thaw the turkey breast side down in the original wrapper in cold tap water for 30 minutes per pound. You MUST change the water every 30 minutes.