Accidentally Thawed Turkey At Room Temperature

This method is quicker than refrigerator thawing but requires more care.

Accidentally thawed turkey at room temperature.

In general allow 24 hours of thawing time for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey. I was then told that the proper way to thaw the turkey was to place it in the refridgerator or to submerge it in cold water and that thawing at room temperature could promote bacterial growth. I d go ahead and try it but cook a backup as well. It s fine to bring the bird partway to room temperature before roasting.

To make sure that the turkey does not get up to room temperature change the water every half. No safety issues as long as you thaw it cold. Room temperatures fall within the danger zone of 40 f to 140 f that promotes active growth of bacteria if left on a kitchen counter a frozen turkey will thaw from the outside in. I put the frozen turkey still in it s original packaging on the kitchen counter at room temperature to thaw for most of the day.

In the time it takes for the entire turkey to thaw the surface bacteria can multiply to dangerous levels. The laws of physics are apparently different north of the 49th parallel and poultry is required to reach 180f. Another way to thaw a turkey is using cold water. Besides the fact that it is let us say unseemly to defrost a thanksgiving turkey in some random bedroom to say nothing of the bathroom thawing a turkey at room temperature is a terrible practice.

Thawing a frozen turkey on the kitchen counter or the dining room table or in any other room of your house is a huge no no. Make a mole sauce to disguise the first one. A year frozen turkey will probably have suffered freezer burn and developed off flavors.