Allow about a full day in the refrigerator for a 1-pound package of ground turkey. In a sealed bag under cold water it takes about an hour or less; change the water every 30 minutes and cook immediately.
- In the fridge
- About a full day Safest; plan ahead
- Cold water
- About 1 hour or less for a…Change water every 30 min
- Microwave
- YesCook right away
- Cook from frozen
- YesAbout 50% longer
Thawing times from USDA FSIS. Checked .
How to thaw ground turkey: every safe method
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | About a full day (24 hours) for a 1-lb package | Use within 1-2 days after thawing |
| Cold water | About 1 hour or less for a 1-lb package; 2-3 hours for 3-4 lb | Seal in a leak-proof bag, submerge in cold tap water, change the water every 30 minutes, and cook immediately. |
| Microwave | OK | Use the defrost setting and cook immediately; parts of the food may start to cook and warm into the bacteria growth range. |
| Cook from frozen | OK | Safe to cook from frozen; it takes about 50% longer than thawed or fresh (FSIS). |
After it's thawed
Fridge-thawed: use within 1-2 days after thawing. Food thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking (some quality loss); food thawed in cold water or the microwave must be cooked before refreezing, and anything left out over 2 hours should not be refrozen.
Never thaw it this way
- On the counter / at room temperature: The outer layer warms into the 40-140°F (4-60°C) danger zone, where bacteria multiply rapidly, while the center is still frozen.
- In hot water: Same problem: the surface sits in the danger zone. FSIS's cold-water method uses cold tap water changed every 30 minutes.
Questions people ask
How long does thawed ground turkey last?
Use it within 1 to 2 days after refrigerator thawing.
Can I cook ground turkey from frozen?
Yes. It's safe; allow about 50% more time.
How to defrost ground turkey fast?
Cold water is the fastest safe method for most packages: About 1 hour or less for a 1-lb package; 2-3 hours for 3-4 lb. The microwave is faster still, but cook it immediately.
How to thaw ground turkey fast?
Cold water is the fastest safe method for most packages: About 1 hour or less for a 1-lb package; 2-3 hours for 3-4 lb. The microwave is faster still, but cook it immediately.
How to thaw ground turkey quickly?
Cold water is the fastest safe method for most packages: About 1 hour or less for a 1-lb package; 2-3 hours for 3-4 lb. The microwave is faster still, but cook it immediately.
How to quickly defrost ground turkey?
Cold water is the fastest safe method for most packages: About 1 hour or less for a 1-lb package; 2-3 hours for 3-4 lb. The microwave is faster still, but cook it immediately.