When to start defrosting turkey? (frozen, defrost, recipe, best)

[carlitasway]

This year we'll have more people over and I bought a 20lb turkey. When should I put it in the fridge to start defrosting?

[Hemlock140]

They recommend 5 days, but we put ours in the fridge last night (21 lbs.) because last year I found the neck and giblets still frozen in the cavities after 5 days.

[maggie2101]

Yeah, at least 5 days. I bought a fresh turkey this year...no defrosting!

[asitshouldbe]

I've always done the overnight method.

[outbacknv]

I defrost turkeys while brining them. It kills two birds with one stone.
The turkey defrosts and ultimately winds up more moist and flavorful.

12-14 hrs in a cold brine solution gets it done.

[Ohiogirl81]

Now!

[maggie2101]

Originally Posted by outbacknv

I defrost turkeys while brining them. It kills two birds with one stone.
The turkey defrosts and ultimately winds up more moist and flavorful.

12-14 hrs in a cold brine solution gets it done.

That's a great idea! I'm going to do that next time I have a frozen turkey.

[birdinmigration]

Originally Posted by outbacknv

I defrost turkeys while brining them. It kills two birds with one stone.
The turkey defrosts and ultimately winds up more moist and flavorful.

12-14 hrs in a cold brine solution gets it done.

Oh -- interesting! How do you do that?

[outbacknv]

Originally Posted by birdinmigration

Oh -- interesting! How do you do that?

I've always used Alton Brown's Good Eats Roast Turkey recipe for the brine. Available here; Good Eats Roast Turkey Recipe : Alton Brown : Food Network

I make the brine, let it cool, toss in a few trays of ice cubes and the frozen turkey, and let it soak overnight (usually around 12hrs).

When it's done soaking I remove the turkey from the brine, pat it dry (being sure to drain the cavity), and let it sit uncovered in a roasting pan in the refrigerator for 4hrs or so to dry the skin (it comes out crispier if you do this).

I've found this method to consistently produce a very moist and flavorful bird. It's a bit of work but well worth the effort.

[maggie2101]

Originally Posted by outbacknv

I've always used Alton Brown's Good Eats Roast Turkey recipe for the brine. Available here; Good Eats Roast Turkey Recipe : Alton Brown : Food Network

I make the brine, let it cool, toss in a few trays of ice cubes and the frozen turkey, and let it soak overnight (usually around 12hrs).

When it's done soaking I remove the turkey from the brine, pat it dry (being sure to drain the cavity), and let it sit uncovered in a roasting pan in the refrigerator for 4hrs or so to dry the skin (it comes out crispier if you do this).

I've found this method to consistently produce a very moist and flavorful bird. It's a bit of work but well worth the effort.

I use that same brine recipe. Best turkey we ever had.