topic Re: Update: Thawing Turkey 2021 in Recipes

Update: Thawing Turkey 2021

On It — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 14:58:02 GMT

Earlier we had a discussion about when to move a 16 pound turkey from the freezer to the fridge. I was hoping some of you would share your thawing experience.

I was planning on beginning thawing my 16.8 pound bird on Saturday, but we had a distraction that made us forget. We moved it Sunday morning. Our meal is served at midday, so we prepared the turkey and it is cooking as I write this.

The turkey was defrosted well enough that we could move the leg band to remove the neck from the breast cavity and replace it. There was a good deal of ice still in the cavity as well as under the wings on the outside of the bird. The plastic bag of yuck came out fairly easily.

I would probably have liked another day of defrosting, but four was adequate. I realized from other posts that many have their meal later in the day which means a later start time. I think four days would probably work for most for a 16 pounder.

Re: Update: Thawing Turkey 2021

SoonerLater — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 15:00:50 GMT

@On It wrote:
Earlier we had a discussion about when to move a 16 pound turkey from the freezer to the fridge. I was hoping some of you would share your thawing experience.

I was planning on beginning thawing my 16.8 pound bird on Saturday, but we had a distraction that made us forget. We moved it Sunday morning. Our meal is served at midday, so we prepared the turkey and it is cooking as I write this.

The turkey was defrosted well enough that we could move the leg band to remove the neck from the breast cavity and replace it. There was a good deal of ice still in the cavity as well as under the wings on the outside of the bird. The plastic bag of yuck came out fairly easily.

I would probably have liked another day of defrosting, but four was adequate. I realized from other posts that many have their meal later in the day which means a later start time. I think four days would probably work for most for a 16 pounder.

@On It BE VERY CAREFUL and check the temperature in a lot of spots when you think it is done. Especially near the inside, down in the thigh, etc.

Re: Update: Thawing Turkey 2021

On It — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 15:02:52 GMT

@SoonerLater Thank you for the advice. I added 30 minutes to the cook time just in case.

Re: Update: Thawing Turkey 2021

SoonerLater — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 15:04:58 GMT

@On It wrote:
@SoonerLater Thank you for the advice. I added 30 minutes to the cook time just in case.

@On It Good to be careful but it may or may not cook in "regular" time. Just be careful! And have a wonderful day!

Re: Update: Thawing Turkey 2021

gardenman — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 15:09:30 GMT

I bought mine on Saturday (10.97 lbs.) and it went right into the fridge to thaw and was perfect this morning. Your turkey should be fine. Don't go too crazy on extra cooking time. Trust your meat thermometer.

Re: Update: Thawing Turkey 2021

KingstonsMom — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 15:25:05 GMT

@On It

Butterball has some excellent instructions on all facets of cooling a turkey, it doesn't have to be a butterball turkey.

I rely on it every year for many, many years and it's instructions have never failed me! HTH!

How To Thaw A Frozen Turkey | Butterball®

Re: Update: Thawing Turkey 2021

On It — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 15:40:52 GMT

I want to thank everyone for their concern. The turkey was pretty much thawed. The ice was in clumps in the chest cavity and under the wings. I have a Butterball instruction guide in my recipe box from years and years ago that I am following. I went with the longest cooking time for my weight bird. At the end of that time, I will test the temp.

You all are so kind and thoughtful. I am thankful to have found such a supportive and caring group.

Re: Update: Thawing Turkey 2021

sunshine45 — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 15:44:26 GMT

24 pound butterball and we moved it to our refrigerator on sunday morning.

this morning it was pretty much thawed except for a chunk of ice in the cavity. we are going to eat around 6pm.

Re: Update: Thawing Turkey 2021

ECBG — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 16:19:17 GMT

@On It

Looks like you did well.

Half of my degree is in Food Science and a little ice is fine as you rinse in tepid water. It has been in a cold refrigerator, so you're safe as long as the door isn't held open for long periods of time.

After, I always go over the kitchen and spice bottles with clorox wipes to prevent any cross contamination.

Re: Update: Thawing Turkey 2021

gtx — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 16:31:26 GMT

Clorox Wipes! That is what I didn't do. I washed everything with soap and water. I will go back over everything with the wipes.

My 16 pound turkey went into the refrigerator on Saturday.It was perfectly thawed this morning. I have it in the oven now.

Thanks everybody!

Re: Update: Thawing Turkey 2021

gardenman — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 16:33:43 GMT

@On It wrote:
I want to thank everyone for their concern. The turkey was pretty much thawed. The ice was in clumps in the chest cavity and under the wings. I have a Butterball instruction guide in my recipe box from years and years ago that I am following. I went with the longest cooking time for my weight bird. At the end of that time, I will test the temp.

You all are so kind and thoughtful. I am thankful to have found such a supportive and caring group.

I would test the temp sooner. The pop-up thermometer on mine popped and it's about a half hour ahead of the suggested time. Some probing with my therma-pen shows the coolest part being 163.5, so it's just about done. I'm giving it fifteen more minutes to get it all to 165 or higher. It's easier to add time than uncook it.

Re: Update: Thawing Turkey 2021

On It — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 21:42:12 GMT

Final thought: Next year the turkey will go into the fridge on Saturday.

Our bird was thoroughly cooked and tasty. I hope everyone enjoys your day and your Thanksgiving meal. Thank you for your input today.

Re: Update: Thawing Turkey 2021

Bhvbum — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 23:41:47 GMT

@On It wrote:

That "plastic bag of yuck" is there for the good cooks who take it out, remove the contents into a small saucepan and simmer for awhile, just covered in water. The result is an excellent broth that can be added to the gravy or added to the stuffing that you mix up. It is full of flavor. You should Google it. I can't imagine throwing it away.

Re: Update: Thawing Turkey 2021

PinkyPetunia — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 00:42:45 GMT

I don't do the Turkey Day cooking anymore but when I did, I simmered the giblets. Broth was used in gravy and the dog got the boneless pieces,.

@Bhvbum