A truth that not many people know is that you won’t be able to cook a turkey properly if you don’t thaw it the right way. There are many ways to thaw a turkey, but there is only one way to be sure it’s ready for Thanksgiving or any other day! Read on for the temperature tips you need to plan your thawing and make sure you do it safely.
Come Thanksgiving, Christmas or any celebratory occasion calling for turkey, you reach into the freezer only to find a rock-solid frozen bird With guests arriving in hours, you need a quick solution for safely thawing it While thawing in the refrigerator is ideal, that can take days. Is thawing a turkey in a cooler a viable option?
The short answer is yes – thawing a frozen turkey in a cooler can be an effective method when done properly. Though unconventional, it can rapidly thaw a turkey in a matter of hours while keeping bacteria at safe levels.
Here’s a thorough look at how to safely thaw a turkey using a cooler
Why Thaw in a Cooler?
Thawing turkey in a cooler offers several advantages over other hurried thawing techniques:
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Speed – Thaws faster than refrigerator method. Whole turkey can thaw in 5-8 hours.
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Safety – Keeps turkey at safe 40°F temperature when monitored. Avoids bacteria growth.
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Submerged – Turkey thaws evenly when fully submerged in water.
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Portability – Cooler allows thawing in any location like garage, patio etc.
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Preparedness – Allows you to be ready if you forget to thaw turkey in advance.
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No Mess – Contained water thaw prevents messy drips around the kitchen.
So if you’re short on time, forgot to plan ahead or lack refrigerator space, a cooler turkey thaw can save Thanksgiving!
Step-By-Step Guide
Follow these steps for successfully thawing turkey in a cooler:
Supplies Needed
- Cooler large enough to accommodate turkey
- Enough ice to fill cooler halfway
- Cold water to cover turkey fully
- Probe thermometer
Process
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Place ice in bottom of empty cooler to form a bed about 2 inches thick.
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Place thawed, wrapped turkey directly on top of ice bed.
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Fill cooler with enough additional cold water to completely submerge turkey. Water should be at 40°F or below.
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Monitor water temp periodically, draining and replacing if over 40°F. Change water every 30 minutes.
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Once thawed, immediately cook, refrigerate or brine turkey. Use within 2 days.
Handy Tips for Thawing in a Cooler
Follow these tips for best results and food safety:
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Calculate 1 hour thaw time per 4 lbs of turkey weight. A 16 lb turkey may thaw in 4 hours.
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Use ice bottles instead of loose ice to make changing water easier.
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Place turkey in a leakproof bag before submerging to contain cross-contamination.
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To accelerate thaw time, rotate cooler to circulate water and turn turkey occasionally.
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One thawed, pat turkey dry thoroughly inside and out before cooking.
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Don’t let water temperature exceed 40°F to prevent bacteria growth.
Safety Precautions
While thawing in a cooler is generally safe when done properly, be sure to:
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Monitor water temperature frequently and change as needed
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Never leave turkey to thaw unattended for long periods
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Avoid letting turkey surface become exposed to air
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Cook thoroughly immediately after thawing
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Refrigerate or cook within 2 days of thawing
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When in doubt, thaw turkey in the refrigerator
So don’t let a frozen bird put a freeze on your holiday plans! With some planning and monitoring, thawing turkey in a cooler can save the feast when time is not on your side. Just be sure to follow proper technique to avoid any unwanted bacteria from crashing your celebration!
Verifying A Proper Thaw for Your Turkey
To make sure your turkey is properly thawed, take its temperature. Stick the tip of your Thermapen right through the wrapper and deep into the breast in several places. Look for a temperature no lower than 30°F (-1. 1°C) and no higher than 40°F (4. 4°C).
As you move the probe tip through the turkey meat, keep an eye on the screen. The lowest reading is the most important for the thaw.
➤If you find a temperature lower than 30°F (-1.1°C), keep thawing!
Fastest Way to Thaw a Turkey: a Cold Water Bath
Of course, if you don’t get your turkey in time, you can use the speed method.
To move heat from one thing to another, water is better than air because its molecules are denser. There is a way to thaw turkey faster than in the fridge. It takes at least 30 minutes per pound. (A 20-pound [9. 1 kg] turkey takes as little as 10 hours to thaw like this. ).
Can you thaw a frozen turkey in a cooler?
FAQ
How long does it take to thaw a frozen turkey in a cooler?
How can you thaw a frozen turkey quickly?
Can I thaw turkey in a cool garage?
How long does it take to thaw a 13 lb turkey in the fridge?
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Turkey Size
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Thaw In Refrigerator (set to 40 F or below)
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Thaw In Cold Water (change water every 30 min.)
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4 to 12 lbs.
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1 to 3 days
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2 to 6 hours
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12 to 16 lbs.
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3 to 4 days
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6 to 8 hours
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16 to 20 lbs.
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4 to 5 days
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8 to 10 hours
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20 to 24 lbs.
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5 to 6 days
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10 to 12 hours
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Can You Thaw a Turkey in a cooler?
No, you should not use a cooler that has been used for other food items to thaw a turkey. This is because the cooler may be contaminated with bacteria, which could be transferred to the turkey. * Can I thaw a turkey in a cooler that is not insulated? No, you should not thaw a turkey in a cooler that is not insulated.
How long does it take to thaw a 10 pound turkey?
Note: It should take approximately 30 minutes per pound to completely thaw. So, for a 10-pound turkey, you’re looking at about 5 hours of thawing time. Yup, you actually can safely cook a fully frozen turkey, says the USDA. But there’s a catch: Cooking time will take at least 50 percent longer.
How do you defrost a Turkey?
Here are some quick defrosting tips that Carothers recommends if you’re in a pinch: Submerge your turkey in cold water and change it every 30 minutes. This option prevents bacteria from multiplying since you never let it enter that danger zone, Carothers says.