Time to start thawing the turkey?

[Dick Anderson]

I plan to thaw a 16lb turkey in an ice chest. Once it's thawed (or starts thawing), i'll keep it cold with ice jugs,but how many days in advance do I start? I'm going to spatchcock it, and i'd like to give it a couple of days laid out uncovered with rub on it. Is today a good day?

[Meathead]

YES! Rule of thumb: 1 week in advance. Actual time might vary depending on weight, fridge temp, but better a day or two early than late.

[stokester]

Just what I've experienced. I've found the published thawing times of 1 day per 4 or 5 lbs inadequate for the refrigerator. It usually take mine a week or more and then I add time for brining.

[Dick Anderson]

Done, thanks, Meathead. I guess i just needed a bump in the hindquarters

[Steve B]

Good to know. I was planning on taking mine out of the deep freezer Sunday. Guess its coming out tonight.

[jfmorris]

Crap. I need to go buy a turkey!

I guess the next question is, is it too early to buy a "fresh" turkey? I've done that the past few years, just to avoid the thawing issues that have caused me issues in the past.

[bbqLuv]

is it too early to buy a "fresh" turkey?, Yes and No, depends on when you plan to starting the process to cook. If you geat a good deal, you can always freeze it.

[DavidNorcross]

Great advice. Thank you
jfmorris if you have a Food Lion in your neck of the woods they have turkeys on sale for .29 a lb!

[SmokingPat]

Turkey? What turkey? Is there something happening?

[Jfrosty27]

Yikes! I too need to go buy a turkey! Ahhhhh!!!!!

[dtresca]

This post may have just saved Thanksgiving! Thanks everyone!

[tbob4]

Yowzers. You just started our yearly argument.

[fzxdoc]

Those suckers take up so much fridge space! But it's got to be done...

K.

[tbob4]

fzxdoc - thank you! The wife likes to wait but then we always end up with turkey in a bag in the sink thawing out. I won this year due to this thread. It is in the fridge. It better not be thawed by Saturday, though or I will be in BIG trouble. Hahahahaha

[fzxdoc]

Keep that fridge cold (below 35 or so) and you'll have no problems. Many people don't even know their fridge temps.

Kathryn

[fzxdoc]

I bought an 8 lb frozen turkey breast yesterday, brought it home and promptly deposited it in the fridge. The 6 lb frozen chicken I put in there last week took 5 days to completely thaw, so I'm taking no chances. I keep my fridge temps just above 32°.

I need to plan for enough time for a 24 hour dry brine.

Usually I do fresh turkey but didn't want to battle the crowds next week for pickup the day before T'giving like I usually do. Not with Covid rearing its ugly head so convincingly.

Kathryn

[wu7y]

This could be posted in "Jokes" but somehow it also seems appropriate here:

[Attjack]

What turkey?