Safely Thawing a Turkey
IT'S TURKEY TIME!! Well - almost! But it is definitely time to get your turkey thawed out for Thanksgiving! And - hopefully you've already got yours in the fridge!
Simply removing a turkey from the freezer and setting it on the counter is NOT a safe way to defrost a Thanksgiving bird. While the inside remains frozen, the outside of the turkey will quickly enter the “Danger Zone” between 40 and 140° where foodborne bacteria can quickly multiply. A turkey can enter this “Danger Zone” after sitting on the counter for just two hours
Here are a couple 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
- Allow approximately 24 hours for each 5 pounds in a refrigerator set at 40° or below
- Place the turkey in a container to prevent juices from dripping onto other items in your refrigerator
- A turkey thawed in the refrigerator can be left in the fridge for up to two days before cooking
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.
Thawing in Cold Water
- Allow 30 minutes per pound
- Place the turkey in a leak-proof plastic bag to prevent cross-contamination and to keep the turkey from absorbing excess water
- Submerge the wrapped turkey in cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the turkey is thawed.
- Cook the turkey immediately after thawing
Cold Water Thawing Times
- 4 to 12 pounds — 2 to 6 hours
- 12 to 16 pounds — 6 to 8 hours
- 16 to 20 pounds — 8 to 10 hours
- 20 to 24 pounds — 10 to 12 hours
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