CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) — You must start preparing days in advance if you are using a frozen turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.
Depending on the size, some turkeys can take days to thaw. The best day to take your frozen turkey out of the freezer to thaw in the fridge before cooking is the Friday before Thanksgiving if it weighs more than twenty pounds.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. The centerpiece of the Thanksgiving feast is often the turkey, but knowing when to take it out of the freezer can be a bit of a mystery. Fear not, fellow turkey enthusiasts! This guide will provide you with all the information you need to ensure your turkey is perfectly thawed and ready to cook on Thanksgiving Day.
Thawing Times:
The key to perfectly thawed turkey is planning ahead The general rule of thumb is to allow 24 hours of thawing time for every 5 pounds of turkey. However, it’s always a good idea to err on the side of caution and allow an extra day or two, especially for larger turkeys.
Here’s a handy table to help you determine the ideal thawing time for your turkey:
| Turkey Weight (pounds) | Thawing Time (days) |
|---|---|
| 4-12 | 1-3 |
| 12-16 | 3-4 |
| 16-20 | 4-5 |
| 20-24 | 5-6 |
| 24+ | 6+ |
Thawing Methods:
There are three safe methods for thawing your Thanksgiving turkey:
- Refrigerator Thawing: This is the safest and most recommended method. Simply place your turkey in a container on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator and allow it to thaw for the appropriate amount of time. Remember, it’s important to keep the turkey cold while it thaws, so don’t let it sit out at room temperature.
- Cold Water Thawing: This method is faster than refrigerator thawing, but it requires more attention. Place your turkey in a leak-proof plastic bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure it stays cold. This method typically takes about 30 minutes per pound of turkey.
- Microwave Thawing: This is the quickest method, but it’s also the riskiest. Only use this method if your microwave has a defrost setting and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Cooking the turkey immediately after thawing is essential with this method.
Safety Tips:
- Never thaw your turkey at room temperature. This can allow bacteria to grow rapidly, putting you at risk of foodborne illness.
- Don’t thaw your turkey in hot water. This can cook the outside of the turkey while the inside remains frozen, creating an unevenly cooked and potentially unsafe bird.
- Always cook your turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures that any harmful bacteria are killed.
- Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of your turkey. Don’t rely on the “pop-up” thermometers that come with some turkeys, as these can be inaccurate.
Additional Resources:
- USDA Turkey Thawing Guide: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat/turkey-thawing-chart
- KRON4 Article on Turkey Thawing: https://www.kron4.com/news/national/if-your-frozen-turkey-weighs-this-much-take-it-out-of-the-freezer-today/
Thawing your turkey properly is essential for a delicious and safe Thanksgiving meal. By following the tips and guidelines in this guide, you can ensure your turkey is perfectly thawed and ready to cook on the big day. So go forth, fellow turkey enthusiasts, and conquer your Thanksgiving turkey thawing challenges!
Safely Thawing a Turkey
It is NOT a safe practice to simply take a frozen turkey out of the freezer and place it on the counter for Thanksgiving. The outside of the turkey will soon reach the “danger zone,” which is between 40 and 140 degrees, where foodborne bacteria can grow quickly even if the inside is still frozen. A turkey can enter this “danger zone” after sitting on the counter for just two hours.
There are three safe ways to defrost a turkey. The following are recommendations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to thaw your Thanksgiving turkey and avoid foodborne illness.
Thawing in the Refrigerator
- For every five pounds, allow about a full day in a refrigerator that is kept at 40 degrees or lower.
- To stop the turkey’s juices from spilling over into other items in your refrigerator, place the turkey in a container.
- Before cooking, a thawed turkey can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two days.
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
*Make sure to calculate thawing time based on when you plan to start COOKING your turkey.
When should I take my turkey out of the freezer?
FAQ
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