When it comes to thawing frozen turkey, there are 3 safe ways to prevent bacteria from multiplying. Choose the method that is easiest for you based on the time you have available, and pay attention to the cooking time. Also, remember that you can cook frozen turkey chops straight from the freezer if you're in a rush!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Defrost Frozen Minced Turkey in the Fridge
Step 1. Place the frozen turkey in the refrigerator with the package or place it in a closed container
Make sure the frozen turkey is in the package so the water doesn't flood the refrigerator as it thaws. Keep the minced turkey in the package, or put the meat in a plastic bag to prevent leakage.
- Place the minced turkey on a shelf or refrigerator drawer separate from other foodstuffs, such as fruit and vegetables, in case the liquid leaks out.
- Do not thaw frozen turkey on the counter, as bacteria can multiply on the outside of the thawed meat.
Step 2. Chill the frozen turkey in the refrigerator for one day until it thaws
The time it takes to thaw a frozen turkey depends on the temperature in the refrigerator. Every 0.45 kg of turkey meat takes about 12-24 hours to thaw.
The back and bottom of the refrigerator are the coldest parts. Cold air settles to the bottom, while warm air enters the front of the refrigerator when opened
Step 3. Cook frozen minced turkey for up to 2 days after thawing
Minced meat can still be cooked up to 2 days after thawing. Freeze the meat a maximum of two days if you don't intend to cook it all.
- If you don't want to wait until the meat is completely thawed, keep in mind that turkey can be cooked half-frozen. You only need to increase the cooking time by 50% longer than frozen meat.
- You can also complete the defrosting process in a baking dish filled with cold water or in the microwave.
- Keep in mind that the quality of the meat will decrease after thawing and refreezing. This happens because the liquid in frozen meat will be lost each time it is thawed.
Method 2 of 3: Microwave Defrost Frozen Minced Turkey
Step 1. Place the minced turkey in a heatproof bowl
Remove the turkey from its packaging and place it on a heatproof bowl or baking sheet. Make sure the bowl or pan you're using leaves at least 2 inches (5 cm) of space between the meat and the edges to avoid splashing the liquid from the meat.
Do not microwave turkey with the original packaging as it may melt or burn
Step 2. Defrost 0.45 kg frozen turkey at 50% power for 2 minutes
Place the frozen turkey in the microwave and turn it on to 50% on defrost mode. Increase the defrosting time by 1 minute if the frozen meat has not completely defrosted.
Flip the meat in the microwave after the first 2 minutes if you want it to thaw longer. This will speed up the defrosting process because the heat in the microwave is usually uneven
Step 3. Cook the minced turkey as quickly as possible after thawing
You should cook frozen turkey immediately after thawing in the microwave to prevent bacterial growth. Store meat in the refrigerator or freeze leftovers that are not cooked.
- Some of the minced turkey will start to cook when thawed in the microwave. This is why it is easy for bacteria to multiply when turkey meat is thawed with the tool.
- If the turkey is not completely thawed, repeat the above process with a time setting of 1 minute for 0.45 kg of beef.
Method 3 of 3: Thaw Frozen Minced Turkey in Cold Water
Step 1. Place the minced turkey in a plastic bag
Remove the turkey from its packaging, then put it in a plastic bag that has a zipper, or other open-close function. Make sure the meat is tightly closed to prevent bacterial growth and water seepage.
- This method of defrosting is much faster than simply leaving the turkey in the refrigerator. However, this process requires more intense attention.
- Defrosting frozen turkey in cold water will make it thaw more evenly than using a microwave because it's the same temperature on all sides.
Step 2. Place the bag of turkey meat in a large bowl or covered container and fill it with cold water
Make sure the bowl you're using is big enough to completely submerge the turkey in the bag. Fill the bowl with cold water until it's almost full, then place it in the sink or on the kitchen counter.
Never use hot water to thaw frozen turkey as this can increase the risk of harmful bacteria developing
Step 3. Leave the frozen turkey for at least 1 hour and change the water every 30 minutes
It takes about 1 hour to defrost 0.45 kg of frozen minced turkey. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure it stays cool and reduces the risk of bacteria breeding.
- Set an alarm on your phone or watch so you remember to check the turkey and change the water.
- If the turkey is partially thawed, it should only take you about 30 minutes to complete the thawing process using cold water.
Step 4. Cook the turkey as soon as possible after thawing
You should cook the minced turkey immediately to prevent bacteria from multiplying. Place leftover meat in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Remember that you can cook a turkey that hasn't fully thawed. Frozen parts should be cooked longer. This is safe to do when you don't want to wait until the frozen turkey is completely thawed.
- If frozen turkey thaws too slowly in cold water, you can complete the process in the microwave.
