Did you forget to thaw your turkey?!
Have no fear! According to the USDA, whole turkey may be cooked from a frozen state. In fact, there are food safety benefits to this method. When the turkey is frozen juices are not able to transfer from the turkey onto sinks, counter tops and towels. This reduces the risk for cross contamination. #Winning
Here is a step by step guide to roasting your frozen turkey (thanks to the Iowa Turkey Federation 's Cooking with Turkey cookbook pg. 78)
1. Remove Wrapper and Place in Pan
Remove the plastic wrapping from the outside of a frozen whole turkey or turkey breast.
Place the turkey on a metal cooking rack in a shallow pan or in a covered roasting pan with
approximately 2" sides. Be setting the turkey on the rack it will allow for heat to circulate evenly
around the turkey. (Do NOT stuff the turkey)
2. Place in Oven
Center the turkey in the oven, placing in on a lower rack. Roast at 325 degrees F.
3. Remove Giblets
Remove the turkey from the oven after 2-3 hours of cooking. Using tongs, or a long-handled fork,
remove the packages of giblets. (If the giblets are in a paper bag there is no concern if they
remain in the turkey for the entire cooking time.)
If they are in a plastic bag and the bag has been altered or melted by the cooking process
do not eat the giblets or turkey. If the plastic bag has not been altered, the giblets and
turkey are safe to eat.
4. Season the Turkey
Now is a good time to season the turkey with salt & pepper or your favorite spices.
If the outside of the turkey is browning more than you would like, place a tin foil tent
loosely over the turkey and return it to the oven.
5. Test Temperature
The cooking time for a frozen turkey will take 25% to 50% longer than a fully thawed turkey.
(A 14 pound turkey may take 5 hours verses 4 hours.) The turkey is done when the thermometer
reaches 180 degrees F in the deepest part of the thigh and 170 degrees F in the thickest part of
the breast.
6. Remove and Rest
Remove the turkey from the oven, tent loosely with foil and allow it to rest for 20 minutes
before carving.
I don't know about you - but this sounds insanely easy to me! Remember - cooking turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F is important to ensure you are serving up a safe Thanksgiving bird! Have a safe and delicious Thanksgiving!
