How to safely thaw a turkey quickly?

[frannn]

I have a 19 lb frozen turkey, which I just put in the fridge this morning. I didn't realize it needed 2 more days to defrost. I would thaw it in cold water tomorrow, but everything I read says it should be cooked right after...and I don't want to put it in the oven until 11 am Thurs. How long would it need to sit in cold water on Thurs if I leave it in the fridge till then? I think its too big for the microwave. What is the best way to handle this? Thanks!

 

[mckryan]

I would call the Butterball Hotline, -800-BUTTERBALL (800-288-8372), or the FDA Hotline, 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854), for advice. I would probably re-evaluate the frozeness of your turkey tomorrow afternoon/evening to figure out when you need to wake up and start water-thawing your turkey. You can't just set it in water and leave it. You need to change that water every 20-30 minutes or so.

 

[mckryan]

PS - this link has some guidelines about thawing.

 

[Octoberbride03]

And what time do you want to eat on Thurs?

If memory serves a 19lb turkey completely thawed should take about 6hrs. I know its not less than 4hrs. When my dad used to cook for Thanksgiving the turkey was in the oven before 9am and we didn't eat until around 5-6ish. An we always had enough people to justify the 20lb turkey.

Not sure about the thawing thing, but I imagine it will take over night to defrost in the sink.

 

[ChrisFL]

blow torch? you never said it had to be thawed evenly!

 

[mumom95]

And what time do you want to eat on Thurs?

If memory serves a 19lb turkey completely thawed should take about 6hrs. I know its not less than 4hrs. When my dad used to cook for Thanksgiving the turkey was in the oven before 9am and we didn't eat until around 5-6ish. An we always had enough people to justify the 20lb turkey.

Not sure about the thawing thing, but I imagine it will take over night to defrost in the sink.

According to Butterball's website a 19 pound turkey unstuffed should take 3 1/2 to 4 hours.

 

[LuvOrlando]

I put mine in the sink and covered it with water last night and it was defrosted by lunch. I then drained it and stuck in in the fridge. No worries, BTW mine was 21 lbs