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 fast approaching, and for many that means it’s time to defrost the star of the season – the turkey! But once you’ve thawed that bird, how long can you wait before it needs to be cooked? This is a crucial question, as leaving a thawed turkey in the fridge for too long can lead to bacterial growth and foodborne illness.
In this article we’ll go over everything you need to know about the shelf life of thawed turkey and how soon it needs to hit the oven. Consider this your guide for defrosting and cooking your turkey safely.
Overview of Thawed Turkey Shelf Life
First, let’s review some general guidelines for how long a thawed turkey will last in the fridge:
- Whole turkeys: 1 to 2 days
- Turkey breasts: 1 to 2 days
- Turkey pieces: 1 to 2 days
The exact shelf life depends on a few factors like temperature and proper storage. But in most cases, thawed turkey should be cooked within 1 to 2 days for optimal safety and quality.
Trying to stretch a thawed turkey beyond 2 days in the fridge is not recommended The risk of spoilage and bacterial growth increases over time
Signs Your Thawed Turkey Has Spoiled
If you’re unsure whether your thawed turkey is still safe to cook, check for these signs of spoilage:
- Slimy texture or sticky liquid in the packaging
- Noticeable unpleasant odor
- Grayish color to the meat
- Dull, tacky appearance rather than glossy and firm
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to discard the turkey. Turkey that has spoiled will not be made safe by cooking. Don’t risk food poisoning!
Proper Storage of Thawed Turkey
To help maximize your thawed turkey’s shelf life, proper storage is key:
- Keep turkey in the coldest part of the refrigerator, 40°F or below.
- Place turkey in a container or seal tightly with plastic wrap. This prevents drying out.
- Don’t let raw turkey juices drip onto other foods. Cross-contamination risk!
- Cook within 1 to 2 days for best quality. Use turkey giblets within 1 to 2 days.
Following these guidelines will help protect your thawed turkey from premature spoilage and bacteria growth.
Safety Tips for Cooking Thawed Turkey
Once your thawed turkey hits the oven, follow these tips to cook it safely:
- Cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness. This kills any lingering bacteria.
- Never leave turkey sitting out at room temperature longer than 2 hours before or after cooking.
- Refrigerate all leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. Slice turkey meat from the bone and store in shallow containers.
- Reheat leftovers to 165°F. Boil gravy and soups before serving.
Adhering to proper cooking and storage methods helps prevent foodborne illness from thawed turkey.
Thawing Turkey in the Refrigerator
The safest method for thawing turkey is in the refrigerator. Here is a simple process:
- Place frozen turkey in a container or on a rimmed baking sheet to catch leaks.
- Allow roughly 24 hours of thawing for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey weight.
- Set refrigerator temperature to 40°F or below. Monitor to ensure proper temperature.
- Check turkey every 12 hours, flipping occasionally to encourage even thawing.
- Cook turkey immediately after it is fully thawed.
Refrigerator thawing takes time but keeps the turkey at a safe, cool temperature.
Thawing Turkey in Cold Water
For faster thawing, you can submerge the turkey in cold water. Here are some tips:
- Place turkey in a leak-proof bag before submerging in cold water. This prevents cross-contamination.
- Allow 30 minutes of thawing time per pound. Change water every 30 minutes so it stays cold.
- Cook the turkey immediately after it’s fully thawed. Don’t let it sit out or refreeze.
- Only thaw smaller turkeys of 16 pounds or less using the cold water method.
Cold water thawing works best for quicker defrosting of smaller turkeys.
Thawing Turkey in the Microwave
Microwaving is the fastest way to thaw a turkey for immediate cooking. Follow these precautions:
- Only thaw whole turkeys of 12 pounds or less in the microwave. This prevents uneven heating.
- Use the defrost setting on your microwave if available. Otherwise, microwave at 50 percent power.
- Allow 5 minutes of microwave time per pound, flipping halfway. Check often to prevent cooking.
- Let the turkey stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting to allow heat distribution.
Microwaving can quickly thaw a small turkey when you’re in a time crunch.
Emergency Thawing Options
What if you forgot to thaw the turkey in time? In a pinch, try one of these emergency methods:
- Place frozen turkey under cool running water. Allow 30 minutes per pound. Rotate frequently under water. Cook immediately.
- Wrap frozen turkey in a few clean towels. Leave it on a countertop for 4 hours per pound until thawed. Cook right away.
- Immerse turkey in a basin or sink filled with cold beer or wine. The liquid helps thaw quickly as it surrounds the bird. Cook ASAP.
While not ideal, these rushed thawing methods could bail you out of a holiday dinner crisis.
The takeaway? For food safety, it’s best to thaw your turkey gradually under refrigeration and allow 1 to 2 days before cooking. But if you’ve found yourself short on time, emergency thawing can save your feast when followed by immediate cooking.
This holiday season and beyond, remember these turkey defrosting tips and timelines. By properly thawing and cooking your turkey, you’ll keep your gatherings happy, healthy and full of cozy holiday comfort. Just be sure to leave some leftovers for sandwiches and soup!
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.
How long after defrosting turkey should it be cooked?
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