Can I thaw a turkey this way?

[1GirlTwinBoys]

We bought a 21 lb turkey on Friday and put in the fridge at 5:30 pm.  It's been in the fridge thawing but I really need it to be thawed on Weds so I can do a wet brine overnight.  I don't think it will be ready by then.  Is it ok to do a cold water thaw on Tuesday and then put back in the fridge to wet brine on Weds and cook on Thurs?  Or do you have to cook a turkey right after doing a cold water thaw?

 

I've never done a cold water thaw and just want to be extra careful. 

Edited November 21, 2016 by 1GirlTwinBoys

[SparklyUnicorn]

I thaw in part of the time on the counter.  But if you want official instructions:

 

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/the-big-thaw-safe-defrosting-methods-for-consumers/CT_Index

[ktgrok]

I brine in a big 5 gallon drink cooler thing. I'd put it in even if it was still partly frozen and it will finish thawing in the brine. I normally add a bunch of ice to the brine in the cooler, but you may not need the ice if it is still partially frozen. 

[Guest]

I shove the sucker in the sink with hot water for a few hours, turning it around as needed, until the innards are thawed enough that I can get the gut bag out. And then yes, I stick it in the pail with the brine recipe overnight, either in the fridge or in a cooler like Katie.

 

We have never, ever had even a hint of food poisoning, but he aware the USDA has heart attacks over people like me :D

Edited November 21, 2016 by Arctic Mama

[Renai]

I brine in a big 5 gallon drink cooler thing. I'd put it in even if it was still partly frozen and it will finish thawing in the brine. I normally add a bunch of ice to the brine in the cooler, but you may not need the ice if it is still partially frozen. 

 

This is exactly how I do it - in a cooler and with the ice. The turkey finishes thawing in the brine.

[1GirlTwinBoys]

Ok.  The brining instructions said it needed to be completely thawed so I wasn't sure.  

[fraidycat]

I shove the sucker in the sink with hot water for a few hours, turning it around as needed, until the innards are thawed enough that I can get the gut bag out. And then yes, I stick it in the pail with the brine recipe overnight, either in the fridge or in a cooler like Katie.

 

We have never, ever had even a hint of food poisoning, but be aware the USDA has heart attacks over people like me :D

You and me both! I'd thaw it in the sink in cool water without a second thought!

[kitten18]

I have a 13lb turkey that I was going to take out of the freezer on Friday but didn't get around to it until last night. I'm going to put it in a water bath in my sink for a few hours this morning to speed things up and then back in the frig until the brining on Wednesday.

Good luck.

[redsquirrel]

FWIW, I just saw Alton Brown say that he puts a fully frozen turkey in his brine and lets it thaw in there.  He keeps it at the proper temp, used a dedicated cooler etc, but he does thaw in the brine.