5.0 from 6 votes
How to Thaw a Turkey
Learn how to thaw a turkey in the safest ways possible. Need to thaw and cook your turkey fast? There is an safe, easy solution for that too!
Prep Time
5 mins
Thawing Time
5 d
Total Time
5 d 5 mins
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 227 kcal
Course:
Dinner
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1 frozen turkey
- cold water (option 2)
Instructions
Refrigerator Method:
- Keeping the turkey in its original wrapping, place the frozen turkey on a tray and place on the lowest shelf in the refrigerator.
- Allow 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of frozen turkey.
Cup of Yum
Cold Water Method:
- Thaw the turkey breast side down in cold tap water for 30 minutes per pound. You MUST change the water every 30 minutes. Drain the water and replace with fresh, cold water.
Fastest Method:
- No need to thaw at all! Just cook your turkey from frozen! Just add 50% more cooking time to your recipe. Remember to remove any gravy packets or giblets before cooking.
Notes
- The cold water method can take up to 10 hours depending on the size of your turkey so plan accordingly for the day. This method is faster but requires attentiveness.
- The cold water method can take up to 10 hours depending on the size of your turkey so plan accordingly for the day. This method is faster but requires attentiveness.
- If using the cold water method, clean your sink well with soap or bleach after thawing to kill any possible bacteria.
- Do NOT thaw your turkey on a counter top at room temperature. Only use the methods above for a safe thaw.
Nutrition Information
Calories
227kcal
(11%)
Protein
35g
(70%)
Fat
9g
(14%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
3g
Trans Fat
0.1g
Cholesterol
116mg
(39%)
Sodium
180mg
(8%)
Potassium
361mg
(10%)
Sugar
0.1g
(0%)
Vitamin A
90IU
(2%)
Calcium
18mg
(2%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 16servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 227
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 227kcal | 11% |
| Protein | 35g | 70% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 116mg | 39% |
| Sodium | 180mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 361mg | 8% |
| Sugar | 0.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 90IU | 2% |
| Calcium | 18mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.