From Freezer to Feast: Safe Turkey Thawing Tips for Thanksgiving

by Bryan Smith, Clemson Extension Service

Most of us have been cooking turkeys for Thanksgiving for many years, so that part of the meal is well understood.  However, how to properly thaw a turkey is sometimes a bit of a mystery, especially if this year’s turkey is larger or smaller than those we have cooked in the past.

Clemson’s Home and Garden Information Center (https://hgic.clemson.edu) has an excellent factsheet titled “How to Cook Turkey” that provides the following information on thawing:

Thawing a Turkey in the Refrigerator: This method takes the longest time but is the easiest and safest way. Put the frozen turkey (still in its original packaging) on a deep tray on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. This will prevent the juices from dripping onto other foods. This method requires planning ahead as it will take about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. A 20-pound turkey will take between four and five days to completely thaw. It is safe to keep the thawed bird in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days before cooking it.

Thawing in Cold Water: This method requires the most time and attention as well as a deep kitchen sink. Put the frozen turkey (still in its original packaging) in the clean sink. Cover the turkey completely with cold water. It will take about 30 minutes per pound to completely thaw the turkey. A 20-pound bird will take ten hours to thaw. The water must also be changed every 30 minutes to be sure it is cold. If the packaging is torn, put the turkey in a leak-proof plastic bag, close completely and then place in water. Cook the turkey immediately after it is thawed.

Thawing in the Microwave: To thaw in the microwave, check your owner’s manual to be sure that your turkey is not too big for the size of your microwave oven. Also, check the minutes per pound and the power level to use for thawing as well as cooking. Turkeys thawed in a microwave must be cooked immediately after thawing.

Table 1. Thawing Times for a Turkey

The factsheet is free at https://hgic.clemson.edu if you would like to see the recommended cooking times for different turkey sizes – simply type turkey in the search bar.