Thursday, November 22, 2012

Thanksgiving Day Zombie Turkey

Thanksgiving Day Zombie Turkey

Zombie Turkey
This is why you do not thaw a turkey in warm water

Can you thaw a turkey in warm water? - NO!
Never defrost a turkey in warm water. Warm water is too warm and bacteria can start growing on the outside of the turkey before the middle and inside are thawed. You can also safely thaw a turkey in a microwave provided you start roasting it immediately afterwards.

Cold Water Thawing Times - How To
Allow about 30 minutes per pound.


First be sure the turkey is in a leak-proof plastic bag to prevent cross-contamination and to prevent the turkey from absorbing water, resulting in a watery product.

Submerge the wrapped turkey in cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the turkey is thawed. Cook the turkey immediately after it is thawed.

Cold Water Thawing Times
4 to 12 pounds …… 2 to 6 hours
12 to 16 pounds …… 6 to 8 hours
16 to 20 pounds …… 8 to 10 hours
20 to 24 pounds …… 10 to 12 hours

A turkey thawed by the cold water method should be cooked immediately. After cooking, meat from the turkey can be refrozen.