How to Thaw a Turkey
This is your go-to guide on How to Thaw a Turkey, whether it is whole or a turkey breast. All your questions answered!
Ingredients
- 1 any size whole turkey or turkey breast
Instructions
- Keep the turkey in the original wrapper.
- Place the turkey, breast side up, in a pan to prevent any drippings from leaking in the fridge. Ensure the temperature of the fridge is 40 degrees F. or colder.
- Allow 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey (for example - a 15 pound turkey would take 3 days).
- Once the turkey is thawed in the fridge it can continue to stay in there for up to 2 days before cooking - this is one perk to thawing in the fridge!
Notes
- Never: never thaw a turkey using hot/warm water, in a microwave, oven or at room temperature.
- Refrigerator vs. Cold Water: the safest way to thaw a turkey is in the refrigerator, as described above. The Cold Water method works well in a pinch, but you really have to be careful, watch the water temperature and cook the turkey once it is thawed.
- USDA: for more information about food safety, cross contamination and/or answers to other food borne illness questions please check out the U.S. Department of Agriculture website.
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