How to safely defrost that frozen turkey?
There are two safe ways to defrost a frozen turkey, and the best way is to: (1) Keep your turkey in its original packaging, then place it in the refrigerator, inside a larger container to avoid drips that could contaminate other food items Allow 1 day in the refrigerator for every 5 pounds of meat. (For instance, a 15-pound bird would require 3 days of refrigerated defrosting.) The bird is ready to roast when a thermometer inserted into a thick portion of meat reads 40F. Least preferable, yet still safe: (2) Keep your turkey in its original packaging, then place it in the kitchen sink under cold running water for 30 minutes for every one pound of meat. Yes, this wastes water, but when you’re caught short, it could be your only method Microwave warning! Turkeys defrosted in the microwave may cook along the edges during the process. Be careful if you go this route! Thawing Time In The Refrigerator 8 to 12 pounds 1 to 2 days 12 to 16 pounds 2 to 3 days 16 to 20 pounds 3 to 4 days 20 to 24
