How to Defrost a Turkey Safely (USDA Standards)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Purchase the frozen turkey and place the turkey in the freezer until ready to defrost the frozen bird.

   According to the USDA, allow 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey.
   
   Alternately, you could thaw the turkey in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
   
   Allow 30 minutes of cold-water defrost time per pound of turkey.
   
   For instance, it will take 7 hours to fully defrost a 14-pound turkey using the cold water method. ,
2. 2

   Step 2: Defrost the frozen turkey in the refrigerator.

3. 3

   Step 3: Stuff the turkey

4. 4

   Step 4: if desired

5. 5

   Step 5: using USDA recommendations.

Detailed Guide

About the Author