How to Defrost a Frozen Turkey in Water

It is always a good idea to thaw your turkey in the refrigerator but if you are in a pinch, you can thaw it for a short time in your sink. You can begin with your turkey thawing in the refrigerator and move it to the sink for a quicker thaw. Thawing in the sink will cut your time down to about 1/4 the refrigerator method.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a sink of cold water
• your turkey
• 30 minutes per pound for thawing time

1. 
    
   defrost your frozen turkey- place breast side down in the sink

   Leave your frozen turkey in the plastic wrap. Place the frozen turkey breast side down in one side of the kitchen sink. If you have an extra large bird, you can also use your bathtub to defrost your turkey to ensure the entire bird is covered with cold water.

2. Fill the sink with COLD water to cover the turkey or as full as the sink allows

3. After 30 minutes, drain the water from the sink and refill with cold water.

4. Repeat step 4 every 30 minutes to keep the water cold

Tips & Warnings

• allow 30 minutes per pound for this method of thawing
• set your timer for 30 minutes for each water change so you don't forget to drain the water and re-add the cold water.
• to avoid bacteria growth, never thaw meat on your counter top or at room temperature

Resources

• thaw turkey

[breyes20]

on 11/26/2009 How bad is it to leave a turkey on a countertop for about 2 1/2 hours

[SixGuns]

on 11/24/2008 I have always defrosted my bird in the sink for 3-4 days yes with cold water on it we have 20-30 people every year I'm in charge of the bird ev1 else brings what they want we have big family. We have a four leaf table HAPPY THANKSGIVING you all.

[HairCrazy]

on 10/26/2008 I do this with all my meats, but I leave red meat in the package. It works great for last minute dinner ideas!

[showpup]

on 10/26/2008 Great tip. There isn't always room to do it in the refrigerator even if you did remember (which I never do!) 5 stars

[momandpopoften]

on 10/26/2008 I always forget to thaw it in the refrigerator and have to do it this way. It works great!