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.
Ground turkey is a lean and versatile meat that can be used in everything from burgers to meatballs to casseroles But before you can cook with ground turkey, you first have to safely thaw it. Here are quick tips and techniques to rapidly defrost frozen ground turkey so you can get dinner on the table faster.
Thawing frozen meat improperly can lead to bacterial growth and foodborne illness. That’s why it’s important to use safe defrosting methods that minimize time in the “danger zone” temperature range. This guide covers different ways to quickly and safely thaw ground turkey, including:
- Cold water thawing
- Microwave defrosting
- Fridge thawing
- Tips for each method
- Thawing FAQs
Follow these methods for rapidly thawing frozen ground turkey while keeping your food safe.
Cold Water Thawing
Cold water thawing is one of the fastest ways to defrost ground turkey. While not as speedy as the microwave, it thaws the meat more evenly throughout.
Here is how to safely thaw ground turkey using the cold water method:
- Place the frozen ground turkey in a sealed plastic bag or sealed container.
- Submerge the bag or container in a bowl of cold tap water.
- Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed, about 1 hour per pound.
- Cook immediately after thawing.
The benefit of cold water thawing is that it evenly thaws ground turkey in a reasonable timeframe without partially cooking it like a microwave can.
Microwave Defrosting
Microwaving is the quickest way to thaw frozen ground turkey. But as it exposes the meat to heat, it can start cooking the outside while the inside remains frozen.
Follow these tips for microwave defrosting:
- Remove ground turkey from packaging and place in a microwave-safe dish.
- Microwave using the defrost setting based on the weight.
- Microwave in short bursts, flipping occasionally.
- Cook immediately after thawing as some areas may be warm.
Microwaving works best for ground turkey that will be cooked immediately after thawing. The uneven heating makes it less suitable for meat that will be formed into patties or balls.
Fridge Thawing
While fridge thawing takes longer, it’s the safest method as the cold temperature inhibits bacteria growth. Here’s how to safely thaw in the refrigerator:
- Place frozen ground turkey in a container or bowl on the bottom shelf.
- Allow 24 hours for a one pound package to thaw.
- Once thawed, use within 1-2 days.
- Put a tray underneath to catch drips as it defrosts.
The fridge method works if you have time to let the frozen meat slowly defrost over a full day. It gives you flexibility on when you need to cook the ground turkey after thawing.
Tips for Thawing Ground Turkey
Follow these tips regardless of which thawing method you use:
- Thaw frozen ground turkey in its airtight original packaging when possible.
- Avoid letting raw meat linger in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F.
- Thaw only what you plan to use immediately and don’t refreeze.
- Cook thawed ground turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Don’t thaw at room temperature or in hot water.
- Check for slimy texture or foul odor and discard if present.
Proper handling and thawing gives you safety and confidence when prepping raw turkey to cook.
Frequently Asked Questions on Thawing Ground Turkey
Get answers to common questions about safely thawing frozen ground turkey:
Is it safe to thaw ground turkey at room temperature?
No. Room temperature thawing risks bacterial growth. Always thaw in the fridge, cold water, or microwave.
Can you put frozen ground turkey straight into cooking?
Yes, but it will take 50% longer to cook. Make sure to temp to 165°F.
Does ground turkey thaw faster than ground beef?
No, they thaw at about the same rate based on weight and method used.
How do you thaw ground turkey without a microwave?
Use the fridge method over 24 hours or the cold water method of 30 mins per pound.
Can thawed ground turkey be refrozen?
It’s not recommended. Thawed meats have higher risk of bacterial growth when frozen again.
Is slimy thawed ground turkey safe to eat?
No. Discard any ground turkey that feels slimy or has an off odor after thawing.
Following proper thawing methods allows you to safely defrost frozen ground turkey rapidly. Use these quick tips to thaw frozen meat the right way.
Get Your Thawed Ground Turkey on the Table Fast
Having frozen ground turkey on hand provides a quick way to whip up healthy dinners like turkey burgers, meatloaf, or pasta Bolognese. But frozen meat does you no good if you don’t know how to rapidly thaw it!
Use these safe methods for fast ground turkey thawing:
- Cold water – evenly thawed in about 1 hour per pound
- Microwave – thawed in minutes but cook immediately
- Refrigerator – 24 hours for 1 pound but safest method
Thaw only the amount you’ll use right away. Cook thawed ground turkey to 165°F and discard any meat with an odd smell or texture after defrosting.
Follow proper thawing guidelines and get your delicious healthy turkey dinner on the table fast!
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.
