Updated: November 25, 2021 If you’ve got a frozen turkey you plan on cooking for Thanksgiving, here are some important tips on thawing it safely. There are 3 safe ways to defrost a turkey: The
USDA recommends thawing your turkey in the refrigerator. This is the safest method because the turkey will thaw at a consistent, safe temperature. Thaw your whole turkey breast side up, in its original wrapper, unopened, on a tray in the refrigerator (40º F or below). This method takes the longest, so allow at least 1 day of thawing for every 4-5 lbs of turkey. Thaw
your frozen turkey breast side down, in its original wrapper, unopened, with enough cold water to cover your turkey completely. Change water every 30 minutes and if the turkey cannot be completely covered, rotate every 30 minutes to keep the turkey chilled. Estimate a minimum thawing time of 30 minutes per lb.With this method, allow 30 minutes of defrosting time per pound. Once the turkey has thawed using this method, cook it immediately. Before you decide to thaw your turkey in the microwave, check your owner’s manual for the size turkey that will fit in your microwave oven, the minutes per pound, and the power level. The turkey must have ample room on all sides. Remove all wrapping and place the turkey on a microwave-safe dish to catch any juices that may leak. As a general rule, allow 6 minutes per pound when thawing a turkey in the microwave. Be sure to rotate it several during this process. If you find that the turkey is starting to cook instead of defrost, let it rest for 5 minutes before you resume this thawing method. Once the turkey has thawed using this method, you should cook it immediately. A frozen whole turkey is safe indefinitely. As soon as it begins to thaw, however, bacteria that may have been present before freezing will begin to grow again. Once thawed, use within 2-3 days after thawing. How NOT to Thaw a Turkey
NOTE: We cannot say it enough: It’s important to practice food safety when it comes to thawing a turkey. You must keep the whole turkey at a safe temperature throughout the thawing process to prevent bacterial growth that can lead to foodborne illness. Still Frozen? How To Cook A Frozen TurkeyIf you wake up on Thanksgiving morning and your turkey is still partially frozen, don’t worry, all is not lost. It’s perfectly safe to cook a partially frozen turkey; it will just take longer to cook. Use your food thermometer, and when your bird measures 165˚F in the innermost part of the thigh, the innermost part of the wing and the thickest part of the breast, it is ready. Happy Thanksgiving! About the author
 What's the best way to defrost a turkey?Defrosting a turkey slowly in the fridge is the safest and easiest method, as this will ensure the meat defrosts evenly and a constant temperature is maintained. If you are short on time, then thawing the turkey under cold water or in the microwave will significantly speed up the process. Alternatively, if short on space, then defrosting the bird outside or in your kitchen is a good way to free up some room for the rest of your festive fare. The bacteria found on raw turkey and its juices can cause sickness. Therefore, you need to be really careful that they don’t come into contact with other food, especially cooked food. When you handle raw turkey, wash your hands well in hot, soapy water before touching anything else. More like thisAny surfaces, boards, containers or cloths that have touched raw turkey or its juices need to be washed well before using again. Make sure the packaging on the turkey is intact when you buy it – any rips or tears will mean there’s more chance of the turkey being exposed to other foods and surfaces as it defrosts. The safest temperature to defrost turkey is anything below 10C – never refreeze raw turkey once it’s been defrosted. Always keep this in mind, regardless of the defrosting method you choose. How to prepare turkey for thawingThere is no need to remove the turkey from its packaging before defrosting unless you choose to use the microwave. If microwaving, remove the packaging, any metal clips and the plastic bag of neck and giblets first. Otherwise, simply remove it from the freezer and use one of the methods below. Top tip: Things defrost more quickly when touching metal, so you’re better off sitting the frozen bird in a large metal roasting tin than a porcelain or glass dish. 1. How to defrost a turkey in the fridgePros: it's the safest and easiest way to defrost a turkey. How to do it How long does it take? 2. How to defrost a turkey outsidePros: it frees up space in the fridge or kitchen. How to do it How long does it take? 3. How to defrost a turkey in the kitchenPros: it’s easy to do. How to do it How long does it take? 4. How to defrost a turkey in cold waterPros: quick. How to do it How long does it take? 5. How to defrost a turkey in a microwavePros: very quick. How to do it How long does it take? How do I know if my turkey is fully defrosted?There are a few ways to tell if your turkey has defrosted, but, for all of them, you’ll need to remove the packaging.
Need more festive cooking ideas? Check out our guides and recipes...Video: How to carve a
turkey Also discover more frozen food adviceTop tips for freezing food What other essential turkey tips do you need? Leave a comment below... How long does it take a 10 pound turkey breast to thaw in the refrigerator?When thawing a turkey in the refrigerator, allow 24 hours of defrosting time for every 4 to 5 pounds of bird, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. So, if the turkey weighs 4 to 12 pounds, plan for it to defrost in the fridge for one to three days.
How long does it take to defrost an 8 lb turkey breast in the refrigerator?Thaw in refrigerator (not at room temperature).
Place unopened roast on a tray in refrigerator for 1½ to 2 days, or until thawed. To thaw faster, place unopened roast in cold tap water for 3 to 5 hours.
How long does it take a 5 lb turkey breast to thaw in the refrigerator?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.
How long can I leave a frozen turkey breast in the refrigerator?Place it on a tray to catch any juices that may leak. A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. If necessary, a turkey that has been properly thawed in the refrigerator may be refrozen.
|
How long to defrost a turkey breast in the refrigerator
Related Posts
Copyright © 2024 en.apacode Inc.
