When you want to defrost ground turkey, there are 3 safe ways to do this by preventing harmful bacteria from proliferating. Choose whichever method you find easiest based on the amount of time you have to let the turkey defrost and when you intend to cook it. Keep in mind that you can cook it still frozen if you're short on time.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Allow Ground Turkey to Thaw in the Refrigerator
Step 1. Transfer the ground turkey from the freezer to the refrigerator
You can put the meat on a plate or leave it inside its original packaging. Make sure that the juices released from the meat as it defrosts remain inside the package or are collected from the plate. If necessary, place the package on a plate or in a food bag.
- Place ground turkey on a shelf or in a refrigerator drawer away from unwrapped foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to protect them from leaks.
- Do not let ground turkey defrost on the kitchen counter because bacteria could proliferate on the parts that will heat up first.
Step 2. Leave the ground turkey in the refrigerator until completely thawed
The time required depends on the temperature of the refrigerator. Generally, it takes 12-24 hours to defrost 500g of ground beef.
In the refrigerator, the back of the bottom shelf is usually the coldest. Cold air tends to drop down and hot air tends to occupy the front of the refrigerator every time you open it
Step 3. Cook the ground turkey within a couple of days after defrosting it
Turkey will keep good for 1-2 days once thawed. Re-freeze it within this time frame if you don't have a chance to cook it all.
- Keep in mind that if you don't want to wait, you can cook ground turkey even if it is still fully or partially frozen without running any health risks. It will simply take about 50% longer to cook.
- You can speed up the defrosting process by placing the ground turkey in a bowl filled with cold water or using the microwave.
- Keep in mind that the quality of the meat decreases each time it is defrosted and then refrozen, as it loses moisture when it defrosts.
Method 2 of 3: Defrost Ground Turkey in the Microwave
Step 1. Place the ground turkey in a microwave-safe bowl
Remove the meat from the package and transfer it to a plate or bowl. Use a large container that can also hold the juices released from the meat as it defrosts.
Do not put the ground coffee in the microwave inside its original packaging as it could melt or catch fire
Step 2. For 500g of ground turkey, microwave for 2 minutes at 50% of maximum power
Put the meat in the oven and set the power to 50% or use the "defrost" function. If after 2 minutes the ground coffee is still not completely defrosted, reactivate the microwave at 1 minute intervals until it is ready.
Swirl the container in the microwave after the first 2 minutes if the meat is not yet completely thawed. The heat is not distributed evenly inside the oven, so by rotating the container you will obtain a more uniform result
Step 3. Cook the ground turkey as soon as it has defrosted
Meat thawed in the microwave should be cooked immediately to prevent bacteria from proliferating. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Note that the ground coffee may begin to cook on the outside as it defrosts and this could promote bacterial growth.
- If the ground is already partially defrosted, turn on the microwave at 1 minute intervals right from the start.
Method 3 of 3: Defrost Ground Turkey with Cold Water
Step 1. Place the ground turkey in a sealed plastic bag
Remove the meat from its original packaging and place it in a resealable food bag. Make sure it's completely sealed to protect the meat from water and bacteria.
- This method allows you to defrost ground turkey faster than the previous one, but requires more attention during the process.
- Compared to when you use the microwave, the meat will defrost more evenly in cold water due to the more homogeneous temperature.
Step 2. Place the meat bag in a large bowl or container and submerge it with cold water
Make sure the bowl is large enough to allow you to keep the meat completely submerged. Fill it with cold water and put it in the sink or on the kitchen counter.
Never use hot water to defrost ground turkey, to avoid the proliferation of bacteria that are dangerous to health
Step 3. Leave the ground turkey to soak for at least an hour and change the water every 30 minutes
It will take about an hour for every 500g of meat to defrost. Change the water in the bowl every half hour to keep it from overheating to reduce the risk of bacteria proliferating.
- Set an alarm on your phone or watch to remind you to check the meat and replace the water in the bowl.
- If the ground is already partially defrosted, it may take 30 minutes of soaking in cold water to be ready to cook.
Step 4. Cook the turkey as soon as it has defrosted
The meat must be cooked immediately to prevent bacterial proliferation and avoid running health risks. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Remember that you can cook ground beef even if it's not fully defrosted yet, if you don't have time to wait. Simply the parts still frozen will require a longer cooking time.
- If the meat does not defrost quickly enough while immersed in cold water, you can complete the process using the microwave.
