I am supposed to be entertaining tonight at 7:00 (five hours from now). I bought a frozen turkey and put it in the fridge to defrost 4 days ago!! It is STILL frozen. I am so frustrated I could scream. Any ideas of ways to quick-thaw it like within the next hour, without using the microwave? (It wouldn't fit in there.) It's a 14 lb. bird if that helps. The outside is fairly thawed, but the inside is still frozen.
2007-12-29 06:17:33 · 11 answers · asked by Jeff R 2 in Food & Drink ➔ Entertaining
Put it in a large pot and place it under a faucet, turn on the water to cold and let it run freely into the cavity of the bird. Let the faucet run for about an hour. That should defrost it internally to be ready for cooking.
Good luck.
Do not use Hot water! it will start the cooking process too soon and your turkey will have a sulfur-y aftertaste.
2007-12-29 06:25:19 · answer #1 · answered by Julio P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could soak it in water for an hour, and that will thaw it a bit. You are going to run close to the eating time by cooking it once it is a little more thawed, so plan other foods around it. You may be able to salvage a part of the turkey , once cooked. For instance, a leg, or other part. The breast will be iffy, because it is thicker. I have done this once, and had to cut the turkey, then finish the cooking in the microwave. Be sure to have gravy, as you may have a bit too dry meat.
the absolute best thing to do is to run to the market and get a ham, while the turkey is thawing. Then, if all else fails, you will have some meat on the table. And maybe a leg or thigh of the turkey.
Good luck.
2007-12-29 06:29:03 · answer #2 · answered by dutchlady 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only speedy way to safely thaw poultry is by immersion. Assuming your kitchen sink is large enough (a 14-pound bird isn't THAT big), first rinse out the sink, to make sure it's free from any soap residue. Unwrap the bird, put the stopper in the sink, and allow COLD water to run out of the tap, over the bird. Allow the bird to become completely submerged. Ideally, you should change the water (unplug the sink, let the water drain, and refill) every 30 minutes or so.
As for serving dinner at 7 PM tonight: that's not looking too promising. I know you said the turkey is already partly thawed, but it may take a couple of hours to fully thaw it this way. Then of course you have to cook it, too. You might consider some appetizers, and move dinner up to 9 PM or so.
2007-12-29 06:26:53 · answer #3 · answered by What the Deuce?! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DO NOT USE WARM WATER! YOU CAN GET FOOD POISONING! How to Speed-Thaw a Turkey In a panic because it’s less than two days before dinner and your turkey is still in the freezer? Keep calm and follow these tips from Esquire: 1. Put the frozen turkey in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes to get it started. 2. Submerge the turkey in a pot filled with cool water (about 40 degrees Fahrenheit), changing the water every 30 minutes, or running a slow stream of water over it. Again, do not run warm water over it. It will take 20 to 30 minutes per pound to thaw the turkey using this method.
2016-05-27 18:54:03 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Soak it in cold water. Keep changing the water every half hour or so. It should thaw within an hour or so. Is it at least partially thawed? I do think that dinner may be a little late. Do you have a bunch of good appetizers? Good Luck!
2007-12-29 06:27:13 · answer #5 · answered by Maria W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can fill your sink with warm water and let it sit in there, that does seem to work on frozen things for me, however, just put the thing in the oven still partially frozen, it will still cook and you know the test for it, make sure the juices run clear, and Jamie Oliver recommends to put a fork in all the way to the bone, and then test it on your upper lip, if it is too hot to touch then it is done.
2007-12-29 06:26:43 · answer #6 · answered by ellen d 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start cooking it now, at about 300 degrees. Cover it tightly and make sure there's plenty of liquid in the pan. It should be fully thawed within an hour and a half, then cook as you normally would.
Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
2007-12-29 06:26:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not use hot water.
Place it in cold water with a bit of salt added.
As the water gets a bit warmer change it and add more salt.Keep the water very cold.
It shouldn't take long since the bird has been in the frig for 4 days.
Retired Cert. Cook
2007-12-29 06:28:25 · answer #8 · answered by sonnyboy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You want to thaw it safely in cold water...here's the Butterball Turkey website link for info on how...
http://www.butterball.com/en/main_canvas.jsp?includePage=holidayGuide_2007.jsp&t=Butterball%20Holiday%20Guide&s0=holidayGuide&s1=home
Relax and have a Happy New Year!
2007-12-29 06:27:47 · answer #9 · answered by samantha 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Run hot water through the cavity of the bird (you did get the giblets out first?)
2007-12-29 06:25:48 · answer #10 · answered by Michael B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋