Turkey Thaw Failure?

[Bryanin82]

Hello -

I put the turkey in my fridge on Sunday and pulled it out today to dry brine with salt.... but I noticed that the bird is still frozen! Still has bits of frozen juice on the skin...... time to panic?

I'm looking at the Thawing article, and it mentions that thawing in water requires an airtight zipper bag... but the turkey is too big!

Advice is appreciated!

Side question: If I cook the turkey ahead of time and need to keep in warm for another hour or so, at what temperature do I need to hold it at on the smoker?

Thank you!

Bryan

[richinlbrg]

Perhaps seal up a trash bag? Just keep the tied-up area out of the water.

[Ernest]

wrap it in cling film then place it in a large ziploc bag and into a cooler with cold water. Change water every 30 minutes.

I think you should be alright holding it 150 - 160. BUT how good is your smoker at holding that temp? If it jump to over 160, you risk overcooking the breast.

[Bryanin82]

Thank you gents -

I'll probably end up using a trash bag and cooler - going to go purchase a cooler today.

With a blanket, the smoker holds temp very well - but with the new cooler purchase, I can use it as a Faux Cambro.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!