Image Credit: Emma Christensen

How to Safely Thaw a Frozen Turkey in Time for the Big Meal

by EMMA CHRISTENSEN

Image Credit: Joe Lingeman

Here are two options on how you can make sure your turkey is safely defrosted right on schedule for your holiday meal.

Image Credit: Emma Christensen

Option 1: thaw your turkey slowly in the refrigerator

Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.

Transfer the turkey to the refrigerator and make sure nothing is touching the turkey. 

Image Credit: Emma Christensen

Total thawing time will depend on the size of your turkey. If you have time, give yourself a day or two as a buffer just in case.

Image Credit: Emma Christensen

Image Credit: Emma Christensen

Option 2: Quick-thaw your turkey in cold water

Place your turkey in a large plastic bag and then into a large pot or bucket.

Make sure the turkey fits inside the pot and can be fully submerged. 

Image Credit: Emma Christensen

Image Credit: Emma Christensen

Fill the pot with cold water. Do not use warm or hot water to speed thawing.

Weigh the turkey down with a pot or other heavy pan if it floats. 

Image Credit: Emma Christensen

Image Credit: Emma Christensen

Change the water every 30 minutes. 

When thawed, the breast meat should feel soft and springy, and legs and wings should move loosely in their sockets.

Image Credit: Emma Christensen

For more Thanksgiving tips, visit thekitchn.com