How Long Does It Take To Thaw A 15-Pound Turkey In The Refrigerator?

A special occasion, such as a Thanksgiving meal or a small party, is quickly coming. As we all know, turkey is a must-have on any menu and is always a huge success at any event.

You’re probably budgeting 15 pounds of turkey for the occasion and aren’t sure how long it takes to defrost a 15 pound turkey in the refrigerator. Preparing even a portion of the dish ahead of time can save you time on the big day, including thawing that rock-hard frozen huge bird in the fridge.

A 15-pound turkey can take up to three days to defrost in a refrigerator set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees C).

In this essay, we will explain how we arrived at this computation and how to properly defrost the bird. So make sure you finish reading!

How Long To Thaw A 15 Pound Turkey In The Refrigerator

Thawing a frozen bird in the refrigerator takes a long time; depending on the size, it might take several days. Some may take up to four days.

So here’s how it works:

• It takes around 24 hours to cook 5 pounds of turkey. As a result, a 15-pound turkey may be kept in a refrigerator set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit for up to three days (5 degrees C).

• With cold water, though, it only takes 30 minutes per pound. Nonetheless, the water must be refreshed every 30 minutes.

• Nevertheless, thawing at room temperature is not recommended since it is unsafe.

• The bird is more likely to be harmed by the development of harmful germs that might cause food poisoning.

• The refrigerator is the ONLY safe place to thaw a frozen turkey.

• Consider it. While defrosting takes a long time, you are not performing any effort.

Also, you may just let it defrost while completing other household duties.

I’m going to show you three strategies for safely thawing not only a 15-pound turkey in the refrigerator, but any bird that won’t possibly bring a ton of illness-causing germs to your joyful table.

How To Thaw A 15 Pound Turkey In The Refrigerator

Slow, medium, and quick are the three safe approaches.

We’re presenting these approaches in ascending order so you can choose the one that works best for you, whether you’re a last-minute or a plan-ahead chef.

1. The Slow Method

This advice is just for defrosting in the fridge!

Keep the turkey in its original covering to make this procedure work.

It normally comes in a wrap, whether you purchase it from an online retailer, the grocery store, or anyplace else.

Just keep it in that wrap in the fridge to thaw.

To prevent contamination, place it on a baking pan with the breast side up so it does not come into touch with other items or the fridge’s surface.

Let it to rest for the appropriate time or until thoroughly thawed before cooking.

2. The Medium Method

As compared to the previous way, this method allows you to defrost it more faster.

So instead of putting it in the fridge and patiently waiting for Christ to return, you’ll be thawing it in cold water.

A 15-pound turkey should be ready in 7 to 8 hours.

First and foremost, as with the prior procedure, you must save its original wrapper. And then put it all in a bigger, leak-proof plastic bag.

Before closing the bag, try to press out any excess air.

Then, breast-side down, put the sealed plastic bag in a bucket (full of cold water) big enough to confine the bird.

This allowed the turkey to completely soak and defrost.

This may also be done in your kitchen sink.

Then you’re supposed to cover it with a plate or whatever. Next, on top of it, add a heavy item to push on the rising bird, keeping it submerged.

Every 30 minutes, change the water. Furthermore, begin cooking the turkey as soon as it has defrosted.

3. The Fastest Method

Consider defrosting using fire.

Well, not the type of fire, but microwave oven heat.

Read the oven’s user manual for more directions on thawing a frozen turkey to verify you’re doing the proper thing.

The time and power parameters will vary from model to model. Nevertheless, it might take up to an hour to defrost.

Here’s how you do it:

• Remove the naked bird from its packing. Take off any metal clips or tags.
• But, you must still cook the breast-side-up in the microwave-safe pan to collect any drips.
• To prevent burning, keep an eye on the turkey from time to time.
• Following that, wash the interior of the oven to avoid cross-contamination.
• Furthermore, don’t let it stay after thawing; prepare it right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: Can You Thaw A 15 Pound Turkey In The Refrigerator?

Food safety should be your main responsibility after defrosting the rock-frozen chicken. Loved ones should not conclude the day with food sickness, but with leftovers.

If you want any advise, we recommend thawing in the refrigerator. Not to say that other techniques aren’t safe, but thawing it in the fridge is by far the safest. In addition, I’ve observed several home chefs combine methods one and two.

Indeed, that is conceivable. Instead of waiting three days, you may defrost it in the fridge for the first two days then finish it in the sink EARLY.

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