It's possible to cook a frozen or partially frozen turkey.
As Thanksgiving approaches, many people find themselves preparing to get the holiday meal ready. One common mistake is underestimating the amount of time it takes to defrost a turkey. But you might be pleasantly surprised to learn that not only can you cook a partially frozen turkey, but you can cook a completely frozen turkey as well, according to the USDA. It just takes a little more time and patience.
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven.
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Add 10-40% to your cooking time for a partially frozen turkey.
Determine how much time your turkey will need to cook. A smaller bird at 8 lbs. needs at least 2 3/4 hours, while a 20 lb bird needs around 4 1/2 hours. Add a 1/4 of an hour on average if the turkey contains stuffing. For a partially frozen bird, you will need to add anywhere up to 50% of the standard thawed cooking time to fully cook the turkey. Since your turkey is just a little icy, though, and not fully frozen, anywhere from 10-40% of additional time should do the trick. Do not worry about being exact. Use of a meat thermometer will insure that you don't overcook or undercook your turkey regardless.
3. Season your turkey and prepare it for the oven.
Add chicken or turkey broth or stock to your glass dish or roasting pan and place your turkey on it. Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer in one of the thickest parts of your turkey, such as the thigh. Cover the turkey in an aluminum foil dome, which you will remove after the first 1-2 hours of cooking time. Season your turkey as you desire and baste in melted butter to encourage browning. Do not baste the turkey during roasting as that can sabotage the crispy skin you were hoping for.
4. A meat thermometer will help ensure you cook your turkey thoroughly.
Put your turkey in the oven and set your timer. Remove the foil after 1 1/2 to 2 hours have passed. Before the timer runs out, check the meat thermometer in the turkey to see if it has reached 165 degrees F.
5. Enjoy your perfectly cooked meal.
Take your turkey out of the oven when the thermometer reads 165 degrees F. Let it sit for 10 minutes or so. Then carve and serve.
Tags: your turkey, frozen turkey, meat thermometer, partially frozen, cooking time, partially frozen turkey