ST. LOUIS – Turkey is a traditional and delicious part of the Thanksgiving celebration. If you plan to cook one, you might need to start preparing as soon as Friday.
People need to follow certain procedures for thawing and cooking turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving to avoid foodborne illnesses. Experts at Foodsafety.gov offer many tips to properly prepare it.
Thawing In the Refrigerator
According to the experts, you should thaw a turkey in a refrigerator for around 24 hours for each 4 to 5 pounds. If your bird weighs more than 20 pounds, you should start thawing in the fridge on Friday, Nov. 18. Make sure the refrigerator is also 40°F or colder.
General recommendations include:
4 to 12 pounds: Thaw in fridge 1 to 3 days12 to 16 pounds: Thaw in fridge 3 to 4 days16 to 20 pounds: Thaw in fridge 4 to 5 days20 to 24 pounds: Thaw in fridge 5 to 6 days
Thawing In Cool Water
If you’re running short on time, you can speed up the turkey-thawing process by using cool water.
When it comes to this method, allow about 30 minutes per pound and change the water every 30 minutes until the turkey is thawed. A turkey thawed in cold water should also be cooked immediately.
General recommendations include:
4 to 12 pounds: Thaw in water 2 to 6 hours12 to 16 pounds: Thaw in water 6 to 8 hours16 to 20 pounds: Thaw in water 8 to 10 hours20 to 24 pounds: Thaw in water 10 to 12 hours
Cooking The Turkeys
After properly thawing through one of the two methods, turkeys should be cooked immediately at a temperature of 325°F. The goal is to reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F
General cooking recommendations include:
4 to 6 pounds: Breast: unstuffed 1.5 to 2.25 hours6 to 8 pounds: Breast: unstuffed 2.25 to 3.25 hours; stuffed 3 to 3.5 hours8 to 12 pounds: Unstuffed 2.75 to 3 hours; stuffed 3 to 3.5 hours12 to 14 pounds: Unstuffed 3 to 3.75 hours; stuffed 3.5 to 4 hours14 to 18 pounds: Unstuffed 3.75 to 4.25 hours; stuffed 4 to 4.25 hours18 to 20 pounds: Unstuffed 4.25 to 4.5 hours; stuffed 4.25 to 4.75 hours20 to 24 pounds: Unstuffed 4.5 to 5 hours; stuffed 4.75 to 5.25 hours
For more information on turkey preparation, click here. For more Thanksgiving guidance from St. Louis City officials, click here.