It doesnt matter how many unique side dishes you make, a festive holiday spread just isnt complete without the star of the show: the turkey. Whether you want to barbecue or fry the bird or go the traditional route with roasting, the recipe options are endless. The only caveat with cooking the holiday staple is that the process takes a lot of time and planning. How long does it take to defrost turkey? How do you thaw it? And how long can a thawed turkey stay in the fridge? Then the cooking questions start — how to prep turkey for roasting, how to get crispy turkey skin, etc.
Of these questions, some of the most essential are how to thaw turkey and how long thawed turkey can stay in the fridge. You need to build your cooking schedule around making sure your bird is defrosted early enough for it to get into the oven on time — but not so early that it sits in the fridge for longer than is safe. Also important is knowing how long cooked turkey can stay in the fridge, so you can plan your post-Thanksgiving leftover bonanza.
The holidays are a time for festive meals with family and friends. Often the centerpiece of special holiday feasts is a beautifully roasted turkey. If you’ve purchased your turkey ahead of time and stored it in the freezer, you may be wondering – how long will a frozen turkey last after being thawed and refrigerated before cooking?
When thawed and stored properly, a previously frozen raw turkey can safely last in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before cooking. Follow these guidelines for thawing and storing your holiday bird to keep it fresh until turkey time!
Thawing Your Frozen Turkey
The first step is thawing your frozen turkey safely and correctly. Never thaw turkey on the counter, as bacteria can multiply rapidly at room temperature. The USDA recommends two methods for secure thawing:
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Refrigerator Thawing: Place the frozen turkey in a tray to catch any juices. Allow approximately 24 hours of thawing time per 4-5 pounds of turkey weight. A 12 pound turkey would require 3 days in the fridge.
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Cold Water Thawing: Submerge the frozen turkey in its airtight packaging in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Estimate 30 minutes thaw time per pound of turkey. A 12 pound turkey would need 6 hours in cold water.
Once thawed, pat the turkey dry with paper towels. It can be left in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Cook the turkey immediately after the thawing process for food safety.
Refrigerating Your Thawed Turkey
A thawed turkey needs to be stored properly in the fridge to prevent bacterial growth before roasting. Here are some tips:
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Use the Lowest Shelf: Place the thawed turkey on a tray or pan on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator, farthest from any other foods. The bottom shelf is the coldest.
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Keep Raw Juices Contained: Use a tray or pan to catch any raw juices that may drip as the turkey thaws. This prevents cross-contamination.
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Monitor the Temperature: Your refrigerator should maintain a temperature of 40°F or below. Use a refrigerator thermometer to verify the temperature.
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Avoid Refreezing: Do not attempt to refreeze a turkey after it has been thawed in the refrigerator. Cook it within the 1-2 day timeframe.
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Rinse Before Cooking: Rinse your thawed turkey under cool water and pat dry before seasoning and roasting. This removes any bacteria that may have accumulated during thawing.
Following proper refrigerator food safety guidelines is crucial when thawing and storing turkey. As long as it remains at a safe temperature, a previously frozen turkey can last in the fridge for up to 2 days after thawing before requiring cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting answers to some common questions can help ensure your refrigerator thawed turkey stays fresh:
How long can a thawed uncooked turkey be left in the fridge?
A thawed raw turkey can be kept refrigerated for 1-2 days before cooking. Cook within this timeframe for the best quality.
What’s the maximum time a turkey can be thawed in the fridge?
Allow approximately 24 hours per 4-5 pounds of turkey weight. For example, a 16 pound turkey may require 4 days to thaw.
Can you put a frozen turkey directly in the fridge?
Yes, you can place a frozen turkey directly in the refrigerator to thaw it slowly and safely over time. Do not leave it at room temperature.
Is it safe to refreeze turkey after refrigerator thawing?
No, only thawed turkey that was thawed in the microwave or cold water can be safely refrozen. Do not refreeze a refrigerator thawed turkey.
Does cooked turkey last longer than raw in the fridge?
Yes, cooked leftover turkey will last 3-4 days in the fridge, while raw thawed turkey only lasts 1-2 days.
Always err on the side of safety when handling and storing poultry. Follow USDA guidelines and you’ll keep your holiday turkey fresh!
Putting Turkey in the Freezer
Rather than thaw your turkey, you may choose to keep your holiday bird frozen until you are ready to cook it. Here are some tips:
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Leave Wrapped: Keep commercially frozen turkey wrapped securely until ready to thaw or cook.
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Use Freezer Bags: Re-wrap frozen turkey in freezer bags, pressing out excess air. This prevents freezer burn.
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Avoid Temperature Fluctuations: Store frozen turkey at a constant 0°F or below. Avoid opening the freezer frequently.
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**Check Expiration Dates:**Turkey can be safely frozen for up to 1 year, provided it stays continuously frozen.
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Cook from Frozen: You can bake a turkey straight from the frozen state, though it will require about 50% more cook time.
Properly freezing your turkey keeps it fresh and tasty for holiday feasting up to a year later!
Summary
When handled safely, a frozen turkey thawed in the refrigerator can last for 1-2 days before requiring cooking. Follow USDA guidelines for thawing and refrigerating to prevent bacterial contamination. Cook your thawed turkey within this timeframe for optimal freshness and food safety. With proper freezer storage, turkey can keep for months until your feast!
How Long Can a Frozen or Thawed Turkey Stay In the Fridge?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends defrosting turkey in the refrigerator at 40°F or below for several days before you plan on cooking it. Thawing a turkey takes about one day per four pounds of turkey, Amidor says, which means a smaller 12-pound turkey will take three days, whereas the largest turkey of 20-24 pounds can take up to six days to defrost. (Butterball has a handy calculator that can tell you exactly how long youll need to thaw your bird. And if you dont have that much time, heres how to defrost turkey more quickly.)
Once its thawed, the turkey can stay in the refrigerator for an additional two days before it needs to be cooked, Amidor says.
So, for example, if youre cooking a 20-24-pound bird, you need to stick it in the fridge to thaw at least six days before youll be eating it (so it has time to fully thaw), and no more than eight days before youll be eating it (to stay within that two-day window). For a 12-pound turkey, youll want to put it in the fridge for a minimum of three days and a maximum of five.
When youre ready to thaw, keep the turkey in its plastic wrap and place it on a rimmed sheet tray or roasting pan to keep any juices from making a mess in your fridge. Put it in the coldest part of your fridge to defrost, or better yet, store it in a spare fridge that isnt opened often. And “if you thaw the turkey in the refrigerator and choose not to cook it, you can refreeze it without cooking, but there will be some loss of quality,” Amidor says.