How do you cook a turkey that is not fully thawed?

What do I do if my turkey is not fully thawed?

If There’s No Time to Thaw



If you’re up against the clock and have no time left for even the “quick” cold-water thaw, then just cook the turkey as it is. It’s perfectly safe to cook a frozen or partially frozen turkey — you just need to allow some extra cooking time.

How long to cook a turkey that is not completely thawed?

Thawed turkeys require about 15 minutes of cook time for every pound of meat. With a frozen turkey, you need at least 50 percent longer, or about 22 ½ minutes per pound. A 12-pound turkey, which would cook in about three hours if it’s fully thawed, now requires 4 ½ hours. 4.

Does a turkey need to be thawed before cooking?

Answer: Yes — you can roast a frozen turkey in the oven without defrosting it first, says the U.S. Department of Agriculture. You shouldn’t grill, smoke, deep-fry or microwave a frozen turkey. … Finally, to determine if your cooked turkey is safe to eat, be sure to use a food thermometer and check the turkey often.

Can I keep a turkey in the fridge for a week?

Refrigerated turkey leftovers will keep for three days. After that, the turkey proteins begin to break down. Either toss any remaining leftovers by Sunday or freeze them for up to two months.

Can I thaw a turkey on the counter?

You should never thaw a frozen turkey on the counter at room temperature or in hot water. Under either of those methods, the outer layer of the turkey can sit between the bacteria-breeding temperatures of 40°F and 140 °F for far too long to be safe.

What if I thawed my turkey at room temperature?

At room temperature, the turkey will thaw on the outside and rise well above the “danger zone” of 40°F, FoodSafety.gov explains. Bacteria in the turkey can multiply quickly when it’s at room temperature for more than two hours. You may serve up salmonella poisoning along with your famous candied yams. Not so yum!

What is the fastest way to thaw a partially frozen turkey?

The fastest way to thaw a turkey



By submerging it in ice water, even a 24-pound bird can be defrosted in just 12 hours (Thermoworks says to count on about 8 hours for a 15-pounder).

Can I thaw my turkey in the sink overnight?

Thawing turkey in a sink of cold water is faster than thawing in the refrigerator, but it’s not safe to leave it in the sink to thaw overnight. To thaw your turkey in the sink: … Your turkey should be completely covered. Change the water every 30 minutes, turning the bag occasionally.

What temperature do I cook a frozen turkey at?

Cooking a Frozen Turkey



All we’re doing is putting the frozen turkey on a roasting rack and throwing it in the oven at 325°F. From rock-solid frozen, your turkey will take about 50 percent longer to cook than normal.

How long can you keep a frozen turkey in the freezer before cooking it?

According to the Butterball Turkey Talk Line, you can keep a turkey stored in the freezer up to two years and it’s still safe to cook. Make sure your turkey is unopened.

Do you cook a turkey at 325 or 350?

Roast in a 325° or 350° (depending on size of bird; see below) oven until thermometer registers 160°. If turkey is unstuffed, tip slightly to drain juices from body cavity into pan. Transfer turkey to a platter. Let stand in a warm place, uncovered, for 15 to 30 minutes, then carve.

How long does it take to thaw a 13 pound turkey?

So, if the turkey weighs 4 to 12 pounds, plan for it to defrost in the fridge for one to three days. If it’s 12 to 16 pounds, make sure it’s placed in the fridge three to four days before the holiday arrives.