Video: How to Thaw a Turkey

Watch the correct, safe ways to thaw your frozen turkey.

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It’s not safe to thaw a turkey at room temperature or to cook a still frozen turkey. In this video, you’ll learn three safe and easy ways to thaw or defrost a frozen turkey. First, see the slow thaw method, which is done in the refrigerator and requires three days for a 15-pound turkey. The medium thaw method involves thawing the turkey in cold water. See how to seal the bird watertight and learn a great trick for keeping the thawing turkey completely submerged. The key to this method is changing out the water like clockwork every 30 minutes. With this method, a 15-pound turkey thaws in seven to eight hours. And finally, see the fastest way to thaw your turkey: in the microwave. We’ll show you how to prepare it for microwaving and how to clean up your kitchen after you’ve put the bird in the oven.