Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and that means its time to start planning for thebig feast.
So if you might trust anyone on this topic, you might trust Draper.
So if you have a 12-pound bird, that means at least three full days in the fridge.
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This method is much quicker and thaws the turkey at a rate of about 30 minutes per pound.
The cold-water method is the way to go if youre short on time.
Whichever vessel holds your bird, you willneedto change the water every 30 minutes, Draper notes.
This is not something to take lightly.
Keeping the water temperature low ensures that the turkey doesn’t get into the danger zone of foodborne illness.
What Are the Signs a Turkey Is Fully Thawed?
If your physical signs look good, check your turkey’s temperature with an instant-read thermometer.
The thermometer should register a temperature between 35oF and 40oF when the turkey is thawed, explains Draper.
If your signs are clear, youre good to go.
If the turkey still isnt ready, pop it back into the fridge to finish thawing.
What If My Turkey Is Only Partially Thawed?
If you dont have time to put it back into the fridge, Draper notes that youcanstillcook it.
However, she insists you must use ameat thermometerto check that you cook it to the done temperatures.
If the turkey registers 165oF in the thigh, the turkey is food-safe, she says.
It likely wont be the juiciest, tastiest bird, but itll work in a pinch.
In an under-thawed bird, this might mean the breast gets overcooked.
But sometimes, the best solution is the only one available.
She notes that it will take about 50% longer than a thawed bird.
If thawed, that same 12-pound turkey (unstuffed) would typically take three to three-and-a-half hours at 325oF.
When in doubt, check out Butterball’scooking calculator.
What’s the Biggest Mistake Home Cooks Make When Thawing?
Home cooks often shortchange the time it takes to thaw a turkey, warns Draper.
Some turkeys can take up to a week to fully thaw.
So it’s crucial that you know how heavy your turkey is.
How and Where to Store a Thawed Turkey
The fridge is prime real estate during the holidays.
But unfortunately, to stay safe, a thawed turkey should remain in the refrigerator.
Draper recommends keeping it breast-side up on a tray and in the original packaging.
“Once it is thawed, you should plan to cook it within four days,” she adds.
If youre in a hurry, the cold-water method is the fastest way to thaw your turkey.
Fingers crossed that your Thanksgiving will be much more relaxed and enjoyable if you canplan aheadand follow Butterballs tips.
So if you find yourself with a frozen turkey on your hands, dont panic!
Just keep this story bookmarked so you’ve got the option to easily channel your inner Butterball pro.
Otherwise, the same simple rules apply: give yourself plenty of time and use those safe thawing methods.
Happy (stress-free) holidays!
Frequently Asked Questions
No, that is not a food-safe method.
The combination of refrigerator and cold-water thawing will shorten the refrigerator thawing time.
it’s possible for you to use the cold-water method to finish thawing your turkey.
