Question about freezing/defrosting a turkey?

Question

I'm counting on Mom's to help me here!

I'm newly married and this is my first time to cook a turkey, and I'm not sure about the pre-process.

We have a small turkey breast (serves 2-3) that weighs about 530g(e)
If I freeze it, how long will it take to defrost (a) in the fridge, or (b) room temp?


thanks alot, merry Christmas :-)

Answer 1

It should defrost in the fridge in about a day. Never defrost meat at room temperature. It is dangerous because the meat can get bacteria. Another way to defrost is to take the frozen package and put it in the sink in cold water. I would go for option 1 -- a day in the refrigerator. Have a happy holiday!

Answer 2

I hope that it will fit in your oven! A bird that big should go into the 'fridge by Sunday, so it has 3+ days to defrost. Saturday may be better! Seriously, at least three full days in the fridge. The thumb rule for turkey is 20 minutes per pound in an oven that is actually (as opposed to set for) 320F. The first time I went to roast a turkey, I set the oven for 320 F and put the bird in. After 45 minutes, I still didn't smell roasting turkey, nor did I hear any of the hiss and pops that accompany a roasting bird. I set the oven to 350F, and half an hour later, nothing. I had to set the oven to 400 F to get it to actual temp of 320 or so. Either use an oven (not meat) thermometer, or watch/smell/listen carefully. Undercooked turkey is no joking matter, despite "The Accidental Tourist!"

Answer 3

I'm guessing that It will take approx 1-2 days for a small turkey to thaw out in the fridge. The reason I say that is bc I've never had a real small turkey (I have a really big family)but ik a large 18lb turkey takes 2-3 days to thaw. I wouldn't recommend keeping it out on the counter seeing as how you'd get salmonella poisoning that way. I hope I've helped! Good luck and Happy holidays!!

Answer 4

I would suggest setting it in the fridge to defrost the night before you plan to cook it, as it is relatively small. Never defrost at room temperature or under water in the sink, as this places the item in the 'food danger zone' where bacteria can develope quite quickly. Good Luck and Enjoy!

Answer 5

Depends how warm it is where you live! Here, in Australia, it would only take a few hours to defrost at room temperature! Personally, I think you should put it in the fridge the day before and defrost over night - or leave it out for a few hours during the day and put in the fridge over night. All depends on the ambient temperature. As long as it's in the fridge, it'll be ok for a few days before you cook it.

Answer 6

It'll take about 24 hrs. in the fridge - don't thaw it at room temperature. However, if it's not defrosted by the morning you're going to cook it, place in cold water in the sink for an hour or two.

Answer 7

NEVER defrost turkey, or any poultry at room temp. Too easy for nasty things, like salmonella, to start!

Pop it into the fridge the morning beforeyou intend to cook it. Should be ready when you need it.

If it didn't defrost by itself, put it in COLD water for a little while. Never warm water.

Answer 8

defrost in fridge 2 days

Answer 9

Sexist - I do all the cooking at home and I'M A DAD!!!!!

Take it out the day/night before cooking and leave in fridge over night. Should be plenty for half kilo.

Answer 10

Frig overnight would be the safest and because it is so small that should do it. Don't limit your responses there are many households where men do the cooking too and many Chefs are men. Ummmmm
Good luck. Merry Christmas and just have fun with it.