How to Safely Defrost a Turkey

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By L1onherd
eHow Community Member

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Defrosting a turkey can be somewhat of a worrisome task, especially with the thought of E.coli and salmonella in the back of your head. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available so that we can have a worry free feast without the fear of food poisoning. So long as you follow the basic food-safety guidelines you and your family will be just fine.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Refrigerator
Cold Water
Deep Pan

Step 1

After purchasing your turkey, store the turkey in the freezer until ready to use. Keep note that a frozen turkey should not be thawed out in temperatures over 40 degrees F. Any bacterial that may have been present prior to freezing can begin to grow again unless the proper thawing procedure is used. Remember, bacteria can grow rapidly.
Step 2

The safest way to defrost a turkey is in the refrigerator. Leave the turkey in the original wrapping and place it in a deep baking pan. Make sure your turkey is breast side up.
Step 3

Plan ahead to allow the turkey to defrost. As a rule of thumb allow 24 hours of thawing time for every 5 pounds. Make sure your refrigerator is set below 40 degrees F.
Step 4

Refrigerator thawing time---

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 pounds--4 to 5 days
Step 5

Cold Water

Again, leave the turkey in the original package. This will prevent any contamination. Place the turkey in a bath and cover with water for about 30 minutes.
Step 6

Change the water completely every 30 minutes. As a general rule, you should allow 30 minutes of thawing per pound.
Step 7

Cold Water Thawing Times---

4 to 12 pounds--2 to 6 hours
12 to 16 pounds--6 to 8 hours
16 to 20 pounds--8 to 10 hours
20 to 24 pounds--10 to 12 hours
Step 8

Once your turkey is thawed cook immediately.

Comments

ReuseItAll said

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on 12/9/2008 So important!!!! I know of so many people who don't defrost meat safely and you can never be to careful as far as raw meat goes! Great steps!