How to Cook a Completely Frozen Turkey
Okay I get it, there is a LOT going on! And, if you are like me there's always something you'e forgotten. Hopefully, it wasn't forgetting to thaw and season the turkey but if you did, there is still hope!
Turkey Thaw Times
If you are reading this BEFORE the day of the meal and are here just to laugh at us who are desperate, here's a handy thaw chart from foodsafety.gov:
- 4 to 12 pounds — 1 to 3 days
- 12 to 16 pounds — 3 to 4 days
- 16 to 20 pounds — 4 to 5 days
- 20 to 24 pounds —5 to 6 days
If You Only Have a Few Hours
If you only have a few hours before go-time, it's going to take some work but according to epicurious, you can safely thaw a turkey if you fill a clean, food-grade bucket with cold tap water, seal the turkey in a leak=proof bag, and change the water every thirty minutes. Thirty minutes for each pound of turkey is the rule of thumb. So, if you have 10 pound turkey, five hours and nine to ten bucket changes.
How to Cook a Frozen Turkey
Now, if you are reading this because the title is, "How to Cook a Completely Frozen Turkey," and you are panicking a little because you have a 20 pound turkey and it's frozen rock solid? The Kitchn says you CAN cook a totally frozen turkey in the oven. Just turn it on 325 and plop that sucker on a roasting rack. It will take about 50 percent longer than usual to cook and heads up it probably won't be as tender or tasty if you thawed it first.
Always make sure you test your meat temp before serving. It should be 165 degrees next to the bone. The oven is a USDA safe method for cooking a frozen turkey but the Kitchen warns to not try frying or grilling a frozen bird.
- 8- to 12-pound turkey: 4 to 4 1/2 hours
- 12- to 14-pound turkey: 4 1/2 to 5 3/4 hours
- 14- to 18-pound turkey: 5 3/4 to 6 1/4 hours
- 18- to 20-pound turkey: 6 1/4 to 6 3/4 hours
- 20- to 24-pound turkey: 6 3/4 to 7 1/2 hours
So, any way you look at it, you'll need time to prepare for Christmas. It's not too late! Start now and make this Thanksgiving the best yet!
Finally, if you are just like nope... not this year. Try shrimp. It defrosts in only a few minutes and is delicious! :D