One to three days 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 can I quickly thaw a 12-pound turkey?
Microwave Thawing – Prior to thawing your turkey in the microwave, consult your owner’s handbook to determine the quantity of turkey that will fit in your microwave oven, the number of minutes per pound, and the power level to use for thawing a turkey.
Remove any packaging from the turkey and set it on a microwave-safe plate to catch any dripping juices. Utilize the defrost function according to weight. As a general guideline, microwave-thawing a turkey requires six minutes per pound. Ensure that you spin it many times and even flip it during the defrosting process.
If the turkey begins to cook rather than just defrost, let it to rest for approximately 5 minutes before continuing the thawing process. You may choose to wrap the tips of the wings and drumsticks with a tiny piece of aluminum foil halfway through thawing to prevent them from cooking in the microwave.
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How long can turkey be left out uncooked?
Thawing Frozen Turkey – Per the USDA’s instructions, you should never defrost frozen turkey on the counter or in hot water, nor should you keep it at room temperature for more than 2 hours. The most effective method for thawing turkey (whole or in bits) is to transfer the frozen package from the freezer to a plate and the refrigerator, where it may thaw gradually.
Depending on the amount of what you’re thawing, this process might take a whole day. The defrosted turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for one to two days before it must be cooked or refrozen. There is a quicker way to defrost a frozen turkey if you’re in a rush. Ensure that the turkey is enclosed in an airtight bag, such as Glad ® FLEX’N SEALTM Food Storage Quart Bags, and submerge it in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes to ensure that it continues to defrost.
You may also defrost frozen turkey pieces in the microwave, but you should plan to cook the turkey quickly after thawing to prevent the growth of bacteria. For information on safe meat cooking, consult the USDA website.
