How To Thaw a Turkey

  • November 16, 2009
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There’s more to thawing a turkey than just taking it out of the freezer. Follow these tips to protect your bird from harmful bacteria.

You Will Need

  • A frozen turkey
  • Adequate time
  • A tray (optional)
How To Thaw a Turkey: Plan accordingly

Step 1: Plan accordingly

Give your bird enough time. You need a full day for every four pounds of turkey to defrost in the fridge, and a half hour per pound to defrost in cold water.

How To Thaw a Turkey: Know your options

Step 2: Know your options

Plan to thaw your turkey either in the fridge or in cold water. Do not microwave to defrost a turkey.

If you have the time, defrosting in the refrigerator is best because it ensures your turkey stays below 40 degrees, decreasing the chances of bacterial growth.

How To Thaw a Turkey: Know your fridge

Step 3: Know your fridge

Know your fridge’s temperature setting and which areas are coldest. Allow more time if the turkey is in a colder area of your fridge.

How To Thaw a Turkey: Thaw breast up

Step 4: Thaw breast up

Place the turkey breast-side up in the fridge. Put it on a tray to keep your fridge clean.

How To Thaw a Turkey: Thaw breast down in water

Step 5: Thaw breast down in water

Place the turkey breast-side down in your kitchen sink to thaw in water. Cover it with cold water, and change the water every half hour so it stays cold.

Leave the turkey in its original wrapping, whichever method you use.

How To Thaw a Turkey: Cook within four days

Step 6: Cook within four days

Store a thawed turkey in the fridge no longer than four days before cooking.

Minnesota raised the most turkeys in 2006, producing 45 million.

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Video is in Thanksgiving Made Easy: Turkey (19 videos)