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Planning a Thanksgiving meal involves a lot of work, but before you lose your mind and start stressing, let us clarify how long it will take to thaw a frozen turkey. Between rolling out pie dough and preparing all the side dishes, the last thing you want to forget to do is thaw the turkey! The answer all depends on the size of your turkey and how you plan to thaw it. We’ve outlined a few different thawing techniques ahead, such as thawing a turkey in the refrigerator, in cold water, or even in the microwave, if you’re not sure where to start.
A little preparation goes a long way, whether this is your first year hosting the family feast or you are an experienced host. Prior to Thanksgiving, you should purchase your bird from your local supermarket’s freezer section or by mail order. Don’t forget to include the thawing process in your cooking schedule. Just follow the formula below!.
Tip: Before you begin, keep the packaging for your turkey intact. Youll need to know the weight to calculate its thaw time. Then, once the turkey is thawed, youll need to brine it and cook it. Land on your preferred turkey recipes early so you have all the ingredients in place.
Thanksgiving is a time for family friends and of course, delicious food. The centerpiece of many Thanksgiving meals is the turkey, and ensuring it’s properly thawed is crucial for a successful and safe feast.
Thawing Your Turkey: A Timeline
The USDA recommends thawing your turkey in the refrigerator, allowing at least one day of thawing for every 4-5 pounds of weight. This means a 12-pound turkey would require at least three days of thawing, with an extra day for good measure.
Additional Tips for Thawing:
- Thaw in the bag: Leave the turkey in its original packaging and place it in a large pan or sheet to catch any drippings.
- Don’t wait: If you’re unsure, start thawing your turkey early. A partially frozen bird can be a recipe for disaster on Thanksgiving morning.
- Brining or dry-brining: If you plan to brine or dry-brine your turkey, starting with a thawed bird is easier. However, you can start brining with a partially thawed turkey.
Thawing Times for Different Turkey Sizes:
- 4-12 pounds: 1-3 days
- 12-16 pounds: 3-4 days
- 16-20 pounds: 4-5 days
- 20-24 pounds: 5-6 days
Safety Precautions:
- Never thaw a turkey at room temperature. This can lead to bacterial growth and foodborne illness.
- Change the water every 30 minutes if thawing in cold water. This ensures the water stays cold and prevents bacterial growth.
- Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Additional Resources:
- The Kitchn: This website provides a comprehensive guide on thawing and cooking your Thanksgiving turkey.
- WBALTV: This news article offers tips on safely preparing your Thanksgiving turkey.
Thawing your turkey properly is essential for a safe and delicious Thanksgiving meal. By following the guidelines above, you can ensure your turkey is thawed safely and thoroughly, ready to be the star of your Thanksgiving feast. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and start thawing your turkey early. This will give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on enjoying the holiday with your loved ones.
How do you thaw a turkey in cold water?
If youre short on time, thawing a turkey in cold water is the best method to try. Though not as fast as thawing in the refrigerator, it’s still not fast enough to begin on Thanksgiving morning, so make sure to plan ahead. You should also keep in mind that the water-thawing method isnt exactly hands-off. In fact, it requires constant attention.
Preserve the turkey in its original packaging, or if you’ve taken it out already, put it in a large, resealable plastic bag and close it. To keep the packaged turkey submerged, place a heavy pie plate or baking dish on top of it and submerge it in a sink or large enough bin filled with cold water. Here’s where the hard part comes in: in order to maintain the bird’s safe temperature, you’ll need to replace the water every 30 minutes. Expect this method to take most of the day. For a 15- to 16-pound bird, this process will take about eight hours and 16 changes of water.
How do you thaw a turkey in the refrigerator?
The easiest, safest way to thaw a turkey is in the refrigerator—but this method will also take a few days for the average-size bird. According to the USDA, the formula for defrosting a turkey in the fridge is as follows: Allow for at least 24 hours for every four to five pounds. (FYI: This is specific to refrigerators at temperatures 40 degrees and below.) So, heres how it breaks down:
- 8 pounds: 2 days to defrost
- 12 pounds: 3 days to defrost
- 16 pounds: 4 days to defrost
- 20 pounds: 5 days to defrost
If you choose to use this method, put the turkey, still in its packaging, in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet with a rim to prevent juices from leaking while it thaws.
When should I take my turkey out of the freezer?
FAQ
When should you take a frozen turkey out of the freezer?
How long does it take to defrost a 20 pound turkey in the fridge?
When should I take my 7 lb turkey breast out of the freezer?
When should you take the turkey out of the fridge?