So, you bought a frozen turkey. Congrats! That’s one thing you can mark off your Thanksgiving checklist. But remembering to thaw your turkey is something you wont want to forget! Luckily were here to help answer the question: How long does it take to thaw a turkey?
Whether youre short on time or planning ahead, we’ve broken down the best ways to thaw a frozen turkey. So, even first-time hosts (or seasoned veterans) can master the Thanksgiving turkey without any stress. All it takes is a foolproof formula based on the size of your turkey and some various thawing methods ahead. Learn how to thaw a turkey in the refrigerator, in cold water, or even in the microwave. But before the big day arrives, youll want to buy your bird either from the freezer aisle of your local supermarket or as a mail-order turkey. The USDA states that a turkey can be stored in the freezer indefinitely, but you should always plan to follow the pound-by-pound guidelines for safely thawing 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 right around the corner which means it’s time to start preparing for the big meal. One of the most important steps is knowing when to thaw the turkey. Thawing the turkey properly ensures it cooks evenly and safely. Follow these simple tips for thawing your turkey at the right time for Thanksgiving 2023.
Why Proper Thawing is Essential
Thawing is a critical first step to cooking a great Thanksgiving turkey Here’s why it matters
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A frozen turkey takes significantly longer to cook than a thawed one. A frozen bird may not cook all the way through, leaving dangerous bacteria on the inside.
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When thawed slowly in the refrigerator, the ice crystals can drain away rather than re-absorb into the meat. This prevents the turkey from becoming dry and tough.
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Letting the turkey thaw at room temperature breeds bacteria. The outer layers will be unsafe well before the inside thaws.
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Microwaving a frozen turkey often leads to uneven cooking. Some parts end up cooked while others are still frozen.
Following proper thawing techniques ensures your Thanksgiving turkey is perfectly and safely cooked through.
Thawing Timeline Based on Turkey Size
The right thawing timeline depends entirely on the size of your turkey. Here are general guidelines recommended for refrigerator thawing:
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4 to 12 pounds — 1 to 3 days
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12 to 16 pounds — 3 to 4 days
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16 to 20 pounds — 4 to 5 days
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20 to 24 pounds — 5 to 6 days
For example, if you have a 15 pound turkey, you’ll want to start thawing in the refrigerator 3 to 4 days before Thanksgiving.
If your turkey is still partially frozen on Thanksgiving morning, you can submerge it in a cold water bath to finish thawing. Allow about 30 minutes per pound, changing the water every 30 minutes. A 15 pound turkey would take about 8 hours to thaw in cold water.
Thawing Tips and Tricks
Follow these tips for foolproof turkey thawing:
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Place the wrapped turkey on a tray or pan to catch any leaks. Thaw breast side up.
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Make space in the main body cavity before thawing, as this part thaws fastest.
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Check on progress halfway through and remove giblets if they’ve thawed.
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Don’t rinse before cooking, as this spreads bacteria. Just thoroughly pat dry.
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Cook immediately after thawing, and do not refreeze.
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If brining, make sure the turkey is fully thawed before submerging in a brine.
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Defrost frozen pre-stuffed turkeys before cooking, even if pre-cooked.
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Cook from frozen only if the turkey is under 12 pounds and is designed specifically for it.
Thawing Frozen Turkey Breasts, Parts, and Ground Turkey
For smaller cuts of turkey:
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Boneless turkey breasts: Thaw 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator for every 1 pound.
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Turkey parts: Allow 1 full day in the refrigerator per 1 pound.
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Ground turkey: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Frozen boneless turkey breasts are very convenient. Since they thaw faster, you can pick one up from the store a day or two before Thanksgiving.
Safest Thawing Methods
Refrigerator thawing is always the safest method. Cold water thawing is also safe when done properly. Here are thawing methods to absolutely avoid:
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Room temperature thawing breeds bacteria. Never leave a turkey at room temp longer than 2 hours before cooking.
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Hot water thawing and microwave thawing cook the turkey unevenly. Stick to cold water if thawing quickly.
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Thawing on the counter overnight is very unsafe. The turkey will be unsafe to eat even if you cook it immediately upon waking up in the morning.
As long as you plan ahead and thaw slowly in the refrigerator, your Thanksgiving turkey will cook to perfection. Remember to account for the size of your turkey when determining the thawing start date. Follow these tips for a foolproof turkey and happy Thanksgiving!
Thawing a turkey in cold water
If youre short on time, thawing a turkey in cold water is the best method to try. Its quicker than thawing in the fridge, but not quick enough to start on Thanksgiving morning, so be sure to still plan ahead. You should also keep in mind that the water-thawing method isnt exactly hands-off. In fact, it requires constant attention.
Keep the bird in its original packaging, or, if youve already removed it, place the turkey in an extra-large resealable plastic bag and seal it. Submerge the packaged turkey in a sink or large-enough bin filled with cold water, using a heavy pie plate or baking dish placed on top of the turkey to keep it submerged. Now heres the hard part: Youll have to change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold so that the bird stays at a safe temperature. 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.
Thawing 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
When using this method, place the turkey—still in its original packaging—in a roasting pan or on a rimmed baking sheet in case juices leak as it thaws.
When to defrost turkey 2023?
FAQ
When to thaw turkey 2023 in the fridge?
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