What's the best way to defrost a turkey?Defrosting a turkey slowly in the fridge is the safest and easiest method as this will ensure the meat defrosts evenly and a constant temperature is maintained. If you are short on time, then thawing the turkey under cold water or in the microwave will significantly speed up the process. Alternatively, if short on space, then defrosting the bird outside or in your kitchen is a good way to free up some room for the rest of your festive fare. Show
The bacteria found on raw turkey and its juices can cause sickness. Therefore, you need to be really careful that they don’t come into contact with other food, especially cooked food. When you handle raw turkey, wash your hands well in hot, soapy water before touching anything else. More like thisAny surfaces, boards, containers or cloths that have touched raw turkey or its juices need to be washed well before using again. Make sure the packaging on the turkey is intact when you buy it – any rips or tears will mean there’s more chance of the turkey being exposed to other foods and surfaces as it defrosts. The safest temperature to defrost turkey is anything below 10C – never refreeze raw turkey once it’s been defrosted. Always keep this in mind, regardless of the defrosting method you choose. How to prepare turkey for thawingThere is no need to remove the turkey from its packaging before defrosting unless you choose to use the microwave. If microwaving, remove the packaging, any metal clips and the plastic bag of neck and giblets first. Otherwise, simply remove it from the freezer and use one of the methods below. Top tip: Things defrost more quickly when touching metal, so you’re better off sitting the frozen bird in a large metal roasting tin than a porcelain or glass dish. 1. How to defrost a turkey in the fridgePros: it's the safest and easiest way to defrost a turkey. How to do it How long does it take? 2. How to defrost a turkey outsidePros: it frees up space in the fridge or kitchen. How to do it How long does it take? 3. How to defrost a turkey in the kitchenPros: it’s easy to do. How to do it How long does it take? 4. How to defrost a turkey in cold waterPros: quick. How to do it How long does it take? 5. How to defrost a turkey in a microwavePros: very quick. How to do it How long does it take? How do I know if my turkey is fully defrosted?There are a few ways to tell if your turkey has defrosted, but for all of them, you’ll need to remove the packaging.
Need more festive cooking ideas? Check out our guides and recipes...Video: How to carve a
turkey Also discover more frozen food adviceTop tips for freezing food What other essential turkey tips do you need? Leave a comment below... How long does a 20 lb turkey take to thaw in the refrigerator?Make some room in the bottom of your fridge and have a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan nearby. Here's the calculation: plan on 24 hours of fridge thawing for every 5 pounds of frozen turkey (for example: budget 4 full days of thawing in the fridge for a 20-pound turkey).
Is it safe to thaw a turkey in the fridge for a week?Thawing in the Refrigerator:
Keep the turkey in its original wrapper. Place it on a tray to catch any juices that may leak. A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. If necessary, a turkey that has been properly thawed in the refrigerator may be refrozen.
How long does it take to thaw a 12 lb turkey in a refrigerator?When thawing a turkey in the refrigerator, allow 24 hours of defrosting time for every 4 to 5 pounds of bird, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. So, if the turkey weighs 4 to 12 pounds, plan for it to defrost in the fridge for one to three days.
How long will it take a 22 pound turkey to thaw in the refrigerator?Slow: Thaw in the Refrigerator
How long it takes: Allow approximately 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey.
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