Ground turkey is a lean meat and serves as a wonderful substitute for ground beef, so I always keep several packages in the freezer. These simple ways to defrost ground turkey ensure I will keep my family safe. If you arent sure of the best methods for how to thaw ground turkey, follow this handy guide.
The last thing you want is to be standing in the kitchen ready to make dinner staring at frozen meat and wondering how to thaw ground turkey. Weve all been there before, and weve all dropped the ball, forgetting to take the meat out of the freezer. You can defrost ground turkey in the fridge, but that can take up to 24 hours and sometimes, we need the meat sooner than that. Microwave thawing and thawing in cold water are both options depending on your final cooking application and you can learn more about those methods to defrost turkey meat below.
For the health and safety of your family, it is imperative to follow safe defrosting methods. Keep reading to learn about three safe and effective ways to defrost ground turkey. Well give you all the tips and tricks to find the best methods so you can get dinner on the table, fast!
Hot dogs can also be frozen and defrosted. If youd like to learn how to freeze and defrost hot dogs, go HERE. Also learn the proper way to defrost frozen shrimp.
While many sources claim that ground turkey will thaw in 8 to 12 hours in the fridge, my experience has been that it takes 12-24 hours. Planning ahead is key on this one!
Microwave thawing is the best option when youre in a pinch and need your ground turkey defrosted in a hurry. This method is quick, but the microwave can begin to cook portions of the meat. This method works best for meat that will be browned in a skillet rather than for meat that will be formed into patties or loaves.
Defrosting frozen ground turkey in the microwave is a quick and convenient way to thaw it when you’re ready to cook. But how long does it actually take? The time needed can vary based on several factors. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about thawing ground turkey in the microwave.
Why Defrost Ground Turkey in the Microwave?
The microwave can defrost ground turkey much faster than letting it thaw in the refrigerator. While fridge thawing takes 12-24 hours the microwave can thaw ground turkey in under 15 minutes depending on the amount.
Microwaving is also simpler than the cold water method, which requires constantly changing out the water to keep it cold. With the microwave, you simply pop it in, set the time, and come back when it’s done thawing.
Just keep in mind that microwaving does not thaw the meat as evenly as the refrigerator or cold water methods. The edges may start cooking while the middle is still frozen. Be sure to stir and flip the meat during defrosting to help it thaw evenly.
Factors That Affect Defrosting Time
Several key factors determine how long it takes to defrost ground turkey in the microwave:
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Weight of the turkey The more turkey there is to thaw the longer it will take. Figure about 7-8 minutes per pound.
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Microwave wattage: Higher wattage microwaves will thaw faster than lower wattage ones. A 1200 watt microwave may take 6 minutes per pound while a 700 watt one takes 8 minutes.
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Thickness of the meat: Thicker, dense packages will take longer than thinner ground turkey portions. Packaging also affects this.
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Frozen state: Fully frozen meat takes longer than partially thawed meat. If the turkey is partly thawed already, reduce time.
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Dish used: Shallower dishes thaw faster than deeper containers keeping meat further from sides.
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Flipping and stirring: This helps thaw evenly. If you don’t stir or flip, edges will cook before middle thaws.
Microwave Defrosting Guidelines
Most microwaves have a defrost setting that automatically determines the time needed based on weight. However, you can also manually defrost using these time guidelines:
- 1 pound ground turkey – 7 to 8 minutes
- 1.5 pounds ground turkey – 10 to 12 minutes
- 2 pounds ground turkey – 14 to 16 minutes
- 2.5 pounds ground turkey – 18 to 20 minutes
- 3 pounds ground turkey – 21 to 24 minutes
For amounts over 3 pounds, continue increasing cook time by about 7 minutes per pound. Always start with the minimum recommended time and check every few minutes. You can cook partially frozen turkey, so don’t worry if still slightly icy in the middle when done thawing.
Step-by-Step Defrosting Instructions
Follow these steps for foolproof ground turkey microwave defrosting:
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Take it out of the packaging: Remove any plastic wrap or absorbent pads. Place the turkey directly on a microwave-safe plate or dish.
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Microwave at 50% power: This gentle defrost setting prevents cooking the meat too fast. Some microwaves have an auto defrost button which works well too.
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Microwave in short intervals: Microwave for the minimum recommended time based on weight, such as 7 minutes for 1 pound. Check and flip meat. Microwave 2-3 minutes more if still icy.
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Stir and flip occasionally: This helps the turkey defrost evenly. Edge pieces may start cooking if you don’t stir.
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Let it stand 2-3 minutes: This allows the heat to continue conducting to the center and finish thawing.
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Cook immediately: Cook the turkey right after thawing because some areas will have started cooking. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Thawing Partially Frozen Ground Turkey
If your ground turkey is already partially thawed when you go to defrost it, reduce the microwave time. For turkey that is about halfway thawed already:
- 1 pound – 3 to 4 minutes
- 1.5 pounds – 5 to 6 minutes
- 2 pounds – 7 to 8 minutes
Check frequently and reduce time if thawing quickly. The meat may be ready as soon as 1-2 minutes for some partial packs. Cook immediately after microwaving.
Can You Microwave Ground Turkey from Frozen?
You can actually cook frozen ground turkey straight from the freezer without thawing first. This isn’t ideal, but works in a pinch.
For every 1 pound of frozen turkey, add about 50% more cook time to your recipe when microwave cooking from fully frozen. You may also need to add a bit more liquid.
So if a recipe calls for cooking thawed ground turkey for 10 minutes, increase cook time to 15 minutes for frozen. Check that the meat has fully cooked through and is no longer pink inside.
Storing Thawed Ground Turkey
Once you’ve thawed ground turkey in the microwave, it’s important to handle and store it properly for food safety:
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Cook thawed ground turkey immediately, within 1-2 hours after microwaving. Don’t let it sit out.
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Refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days. Freeze for longer storage.
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When reheating leftovers, reheat fully to an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Don’t refreeze thawed turkey more than once, as the quality decreases.
Follow these microwave thawing guidelines for safe, quick ground turkey defrosting anytime. With the right technique, you can enjoy delicious turkey dishes without having to plan ahead!
Best Practices of Thawing Ground Meat / Dos and Don’ts
Thawing raw meat should always be done safely. Raw meat can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria that can make us ill, and safe handling measures will ensure your dinner doesnt make your family sick. Here are some key things to remember when you defrost ground turkey.
- Never thaw ground turkey at room temperature.
- A smaller piece of ground turkey will defrost faster. Place a pound of ground turkey in a plastic bag and roll with a rolling pin to flatten before freezing. This will create more surface area so the thawing process can happen quickly.
- Avoid the danger zone. When defrosted meat is between 40 degrees F and 140 degrees F, bacteria growth happens quickly. You want to move meat through this range as quickly as possible.
- Once thawed, ground turkey meat should not be re-frozen.
- Ground turkey should be cooked immediately after defrosting.
- Remove frozen ground turkey from the plastic bag or package before defrosting in the microwave.
- The ground meat should be completely sealed in a vacuum-sealed package or a plastic bag to use the cold water method.
- Never use hot water or warm when defrosting in water. Cold tap water is fine but should be changed every 10 minutes.
- After you thaw ground turkey, it should not have a slimy texture. This indicates that bacterial growth has occurred, which can lead to food poisoning. Slimy meat or meat with an off smell should be discarded.
In the end, safety should be your top priority when cooking for your family. It can be tempting to take shortcuts when thawing meat and just toss the package on the counter, but you dont want your family to get sick. These three options offer the safest way to thaw ground turkey.
Thawing In Cold Water
The cold water method is not as fast as using the microwave oven but yields better, more even results. Depending on how much you need to defrost and the thickness of the meat in the package, you can thaw a pound of turkey in 15-30 minutes.
- Place the sealed package of turkey into a large bowl of cold water.
- If needed, place a coffee mug on top of the package to keep it submerged in the cold water.
- Change the water every 10 minutes until the ground turkey meat has thawed.
It is safe to cook slightly frozen turkey, but you will need to alter the cooking times. Always cook turkey meat to a minimum temperature of 165 degrees F.
According to USDA food safety standards, meat should not be defrosted at room temperature. The safest method and most effective way is to defrost meat in the fridge. Alternative methods like microwave defrosting and cold water defrosting are also effective thawing methods.
The same methods for thawing ground turkey can be used to safely defrost ground beef. I often have to thaw ground beef to make my pan fried meatball recipe or Stuffed Pepper Soup.
Quickly Defrost Ground Turkey using Simple Methods – BLOGGINGOODFOOD
FAQ
Can you defrost ground turkey in the microwave?
As a general rule, allow 6 minutes per pound when thawing a turkey in the microwave.Nov 18, 2016
How long do you defrost 1 lb of meat in the microwave?
Microwave defrosting time depends on the type of food you’re defrosting as well as its weight. Generally, fruits and vegetables take 2 to 3 minutes. Meat usually takes 8 to 10 minutes per pound. Check for instructions on the frozen food packaging to ensure you’re defrosting your food correctly.
How long to defrost 1 lb ground chicken in the microwave?
| Cut of Meat | Defrosting Time in 1200W Microwave |
|---|---|
| Ground Chicken (1 pound) | 11 minutes |
| Boneless Breasts (2 pieces; 1 pound) | 10 minutes and 45 seconds in a 1200W microwave but took 35 minutes in a 900W microwave. |
| Bone-In, Skin-On Breasts (1 piece; 1 pound) | 8 minutes |
| Boneless Thighs (2 pieces; 1/2 pound) | 6 minutes |