Last Updated on October 17, 2022

How Long Does It Take To Thaw A Turkey Breast In Water?

Turkey-Thawing Times Thaw time in the fridge requires about 24 hours for every 5 pounds in a refrigerator set at about 40 degrees F (5 degrees C). Thaw time in cold water requires about 30 minutes per pound in cold water, refreshed every 30 minutes.

Can you thaw a frozen turkey breast in cold water?

While frozen, a turkey is safe indefinitely. As soon as it begins to thaw, bacteria that may have been present before freezing will begin to grow again. There are three safe ways to defrost a turkey: in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in a microwave oven.

How do I defrost a turkey breast quickly?

Place unopened roast on a tray in refrigerator for 1½ to 2 days, or until thawed. To thaw faster, place unopened roast in cold tap water for 3 to 5 hours. Change water every 30 minutes to keep turkey cold. When thawed, keep in refrigerator until ready to cook.

Can I leave a turkey thawing in water overnight?

Thawing turkey in a sink of cold water is faster than thawing in the refrigerator, but it’s not safe to leave it in the sink to thaw overnight.

Does turkey have to be fully submerged in water to thaw?

To prevent the turkey from getting waterlogged during this quick-thaw process, put it in a large plastic bag to protect it. Place the turkey in a large pot or bucket: Make sure the turkey fits inside the pot and can be fully submerged. Fill the pot with cold water.

What do I do if my turkey is not fully thawed?

It’s perfectly safe to cook a frozen or partially frozen turkey — you just need to allow some extra cooking time. Estimate 50 percent longer cooking time for a completely frozen turkey and around 25 percent longer for a partially frozen turkey.

Why do you have to change the water every 30 minutes when thawing a turkey?

The water must remain at 40 degrees or colder the whole time and it needs 30 minutes of thaw time per pound of turkey. So, you need to change the water about every half hour in order to maintain the water temperature, and not allow warmer water to become a breeding ground for salmonella.

How do I know if my turkey breast is thawed?

Determining Thaw with a Thermometer Use a probe thermometer to test both the breast and the thighs; they should be at least 32°F to 40°F, or about the same temperature as your fridge. Be sure to clean your probe thermometer after inserting it in the raw turkey!

What if your turkey isn’t completely thawed?

It’s perfectly safe to cook a frozen or partially frozen turkey — you just need to allow some extra cooking time. Estimate 50 percent longer cooking time for a completely frozen turkey and around 25 percent longer for a partially frozen turkey.

Can you thaw a turkey in water and then put it in the fridge?

A 20-pound (9.1 kg) turkey will 10 hours to thaw using the cold water method. If you have and extra refrigerator, you can put the turkey bucket with water in the fridge, keeping the door closed, to maintain a proper water temperature.

Why does turkey thaw faster in cold water?

If you’re asking yourself how a turkey thaws faster in 41°F water when the fridge is only a few degrees lower (37°F), consider that water has a molecular density much greater than air.

How do I know if the turkey is thawed?

How to Tell If a Frozen Turkey is Thawed Completely – YouTube

How do I know if my turkey is defrosted?

Determining Thaw with a Thermometer Use a probe thermometer to test both the breast and the thighs; they should be at least 32°F to 40°F, or about the same temperature as your fridge. Be sure to clean your probe thermometer after inserting it in the raw turkey!

What if my turkey is still a little frozen?

It’s perfectly safe to cook a frozen or partially frozen turkey — you just need to allow some extra cooking time. Estimate 50 percent longer cooking time for a completely frozen turkey and around 25 percent longer for a partially frozen turkey.

Can you put turkey back in fridge after thawing in cold water?

It is safe to cook turkey thawed in cold water then put back in the fridge.

Can I cook a frozen turkey breast?

Yes, cooking a turkey from frozen or partially frozen is totally safe and is even USDA-approved. Whenever we’re thawing and cooking turkeys, our goal is to move it through the danger zone of 40°F to 140°F as quickly as possible.

Why change the water when thawing a turkey?

Submerge the wrapped turkey in it and change the water every half hour. Changing the water will help to ward off any contaminating bacteria. Allow 30 minutes of thawing time for each pound of turkey, which translates to two to six hours for a 4- to 12-pound turkey.

What if my turkey isn’t fully thawed?

It’s perfectly safe to cook a frozen or partially frozen turkey — you just need to allow some extra cooking time. Estimate 50 percent longer cooking time for a completely frozen turkey and around 25 percent longer for a partially frozen turkey.

How do you thaw a turkey in cold water?

Cold Water Thawing Thaw turkey breast side down, in an unopened wrapper, with enough cold water to cover your turkey completely. Change water every 30 minutes and if turkey cannot be completely covered, rotate every 30 minutes to keep the turkey chilled. Estimate a minimum thawing time of 30 minutes per lb of turkey.

Why do you change the water when thawing a turkey?

Changing the water will help to ward off any contaminating bacteria. Allow 30 minutes of thawing time for each pound of turkey, which translates to two to six hours for a 4- to 12-pound turkey.

How do I know if my turkey is completely thawed?

Determining Thaw with a Thermometer Use a probe thermometer to test both the breast and the thighs; they should be at least 32°F to 40°F, or about the same temperature as your fridge. Be sure to clean your probe thermometer after inserting it in the raw turkey!