Ground turkey is a lean meat and serves as a wonderful substitute for ground beef, so I always keep several packages in the freezer. These simple ways to defrost ground turkey ensure I will keep my family safe. If you arent sure of the best methods for how to thaw ground turkey, follow this handy guide.
The last thing you want is to be standing in the kitchen ready to make dinner staring at frozen meat and wondering how to thaw ground turkey. Weve all been there before, and weve all dropped the ball, forgetting to take the meat out of the freezer. You can defrost ground turkey in the fridge, but that can take up to 24 hours and sometimes, we need the meat sooner than that. Microwave thawing and thawing in cold water are both options depending on your final cooking application and you can learn more about those methods to defrost turkey meat below.
For the health and safety of your family, it is imperative to follow safe defrosting methods. Keep reading to learn about three safe and effective ways to defrost ground turkey. Well give you all the tips and tricks to find the best methods so you can get dinner on the table, fast!
Hot dogs can also be frozen and defrosted. If youd like to learn how to freeze and defrost hot dogs, go HERE. Also learn the proper way to defrost frozen shrimp.
While many sources claim that ground turkey will thaw in 8 to 12 hours in the fridge, my experience has been that it takes 12-24 hours. Planning ahead is key on this one!
Microwave thawing is the best option when youre in a pinch and need your ground turkey defrosted in a hurry. This method is quick, but the microwave can begin to cook portions of the meat. This method works best for meat that will be browned in a skillet rather than for meat that will be formed into patties or loaves.
Thawing frozen ground turkey can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! The microwave provides a fast and easy way to safely defrost ground turkey so you can use it in your favorite recipes This article will walk you through the simple process step-by-step.
Why Choose the Microwave?
Microwaving is one of the fastest methods for thawing ground turkey. It can defrost a pound of ground turkey in just a few minutes! The speed makes it super convenient when you forget to transfer the turkey from the freezer to the fridge the night before
Microwaving also thaws the meat more evenly than leaving it out on the counter You don’t end up with the outside thawed while the inside is still frozen solid Even thawing means you can be sure the whole package is ready to cook,
Step 1: Remove Packaging
The first step is to remove the ground turkey from its original packaging. Plastic wraps and foam trays are not microwave-safe and can melt or warp when microwaved.
Place the frozen ground turkey directly on a microwave-safe plate. Make sure to pick a plate that is larger than the turkey so any juices can drip into the plate rather than overflow. Glass, ceramic, and plastic plates all work well.
Step 2: Microwave in Short Bursts
Microwaving the turkey straight through can create cooked spots while other areas are still frozen. That’s why it works best to microwave in short bursts of 1-2 minutes.
For a pound of ground turkey, begin with 2 minutes on 50% power. After 2 minutes, check the turkey. Turn and stir it to distribute the heat evenly. If there are still icy parts, microwave in 1 minute increments on 50% power until fully thawed.
Using lower power settings thaws the meat gently without starting to cook it prematurely. Always check and stir between rounds for even results.
Step 3: Drain Excess Liquid
As the ground turkey thaws, liquid will begin to pool in the plate. Before cooking, drain this excess liquid so your dish doesn’t end up watery.
You can simply pour the liquid down the sink. Be sure to wash your hands after handling raw turkey juices!
Step 4: Cook Immediately
Because microwave thawing can begin to cook the outer layers of the turkey, it’s important to cook the meat right after thawing.
Cook recipes as you normally would, being sure to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If the turkey will not be used immediately, refrigerate for later use.
Microwave Thawing Tips
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For best results, defrost your frozen ground turkey using the defrost setting if your microwave has one. This alternates defrosting with standing time to thaw the turkey gently.
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If your microwave lacks a defrost setting, aim for around 2 minutes per 1 pound of turkey on 50% power. Adjust the time based on the amount you are thawing.
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Stop the microwave periodically to check the progress. Look for ice crystals; they will get smaller and disappear as it defrosts.
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Stir or turn the turkey between rounds in the microwave to distribute heat and speed thawing.
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Drain excess liquid periodically as you go to prevent it from overflowing.
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Cook, refrigerate, or freeze the turkey immediately after thawing is complete. Do not let it sit out.
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Ground turkey can be partially cooked from microwave thawing. Adjust cook times in recipes accordingly.
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Defrosting lots of packages? Work in batches for food safety rather than crowding the microwave.
Ground Turkey Safety Tips
Proper handling of ground turkey is important to avoid foodborne illness. Follow these tips when thawing and cooking:
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Thaw in the refrigerator, cold water, or the microwave—never at room temperature.
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Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F, checking with a food thermometer.
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Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours, and use within 3-4 days.
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When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t risk eating turkey that smells, looks, or tastes off.
Make a Delicious Meal
With thawed ground turkey on hand, you can now make anything from turkey burgers to meatballs, tacos, chili, and more. Get creative in the kitchen!
Microwaving provides a fast, easy, and safe way to defrost. Just be sure to cook the turkey soon after thawing for food safety. Follow the tips above, and you will have delicious homemade meals on the table in no time.
Best Practices of Thawing Ground Meat / Dos and Don’ts
Thawing raw meat should always be done safely. Raw meat can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria that can make us ill, and safe handling measures will ensure your dinner doesnt make your family sick. Here are some key things to remember when you defrost ground turkey.
- Never thaw ground turkey at room temperature.
- A smaller piece of ground turkey will defrost faster. Place a pound of ground turkey in a plastic bag and roll with a rolling pin to flatten before freezing. This will create more surface area so the thawing process can happen quickly.
- Avoid the danger zone. When defrosted meat is between 40 degrees F and 140 degrees F, bacteria growth happens quickly. You want to move meat through this range as quickly as possible.
- Once thawed, ground turkey meat should not be re-frozen.
- Ground turkey should be cooked immediately after defrosting.
- Remove frozen ground turkey from the plastic bag or package before defrosting in the microwave.
- The ground meat should be completely sealed in a vacuum-sealed package or a plastic bag to use the cold water method.
- Never use hot water or warm when defrosting in water. Cold tap water is fine but should be changed every 10 minutes.
- After you thaw ground turkey, it should not have a slimy texture. This indicates that bacterial growth has occurred, which can lead to food poisoning. Slimy meat or meat with an off smell should be discarded.
In the end, safety should be your top priority when cooking for your family. It can be tempting to take shortcuts when thawing meat and just toss the package on the counter, but you dont want your family to get sick. These three options offer the safest way to thaw ground turkey.
Thawing In Cold Water
The cold water method is not as fast as using the microwave oven but yields better, more even results. Depending on how much you need to defrost and the thickness of the meat in the package, you can thaw a pound of turkey in 15-30 minutes.
- Place the sealed package of turkey into a large bowl of cold water.
- If needed, place a coffee mug on top of the package to keep it submerged in the cold water.
- Change the water every 10 minutes until the ground turkey meat has thawed.
It is safe to cook slightly frozen turkey, but you will need to alter the cooking times. Always cook turkey meat to a minimum temperature of 165 degrees F.
According to USDA food safety standards, meat should not be defrosted at room temperature. The safest method and most effective way is to defrost meat in the fridge. Alternative methods like microwave defrosting and cold water defrosting are also effective thawing methods.
The same methods for thawing ground turkey can be used to safely defrost ground beef. I often have to thaw ground beef to make my pan fried meatball recipe or Stuffed Pepper Soup.
How to Thaw Ground Turkey : Hearty Recipes
FAQ
Is it OK to defrost ground turkey in the microwave?
How long to defrost 1 lb of ground meat in microwave?
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Defrost meat by weight
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Approximate microwave minutes
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1 lb
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8–10 minutes
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1.5 lb
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12–15 minutes
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2 lb
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16–20 minutes
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2.5 lb
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20–25 minutes
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Is it safe to cook ground turkey from frozen?
Can You microwave a thawed ground turkey?
Rotate the meat in the microwave after the first 2 minutes if you need to defrost it longer. This will help it thaw evenly since microwaves have some spots that get hotter than others. Cook the ground turkey right away after it is thawed.
How do you defrost a ground turkey?
Defrost the turkey at 50% power for 2 minutes per 1 lb (0.45 kg). Put the ground turkey in the microwave and set the power to 50%, or use the defrost function. Keep defrosting it in increments of 1 minute if it is still not thawed after the initial cook time.
Can You defrost a frozen turkey in the microwave?
Remove frozen ground turkey from the plastic bag or package before defrosting in the microwave. The ground meat should be completely sealed in a vacuum-sealed package or a plastic bag to use the cold water method. Never use hot water or warm when defrosting in water. Cold tap water is fine but should be changed every 10 minutes.
How do you Thaw a frozen turkey?
Here are 3 methods and the defrost time equation you can apply to find the thawing time for your frozen turkey: Cold water: 30 min per pound. Refrigerator: 1 day for every 4 pounds of turkey. turkey thawing time = weight in pounds x 1/4 of a day. Microwave: 6 minutes per pound. turkey thawing time = weight in pounds x 6 minutes.