How long can you keep a thawed turkey in the refrigerator before cooking? That depends on how long you can let it stand in the original liquid state. Many people, however, find that they simply can’t keep any more than a day or two in this frozen state. There are several steps you can take to extend the time frame. We’ll discuss them here, as well as some foods you can purchase that will help extend the shelf life of your bird.
The first question you need to ask when wondering how long can you keep a thawed turkey in the refrigerator before cooking is, “How fresh is the turkey?” Most often, fresh turkeys are stored at room temperature in a dark place, away from light and air. This ensures they have no nutrients in their tissues which leach into the juices and blood of the bird. To test how fresh the turkey is, remove the turkey from its packaging and slice it open. If it easily slides out, it is still fresh.
Once you’ve removed that slice, leave the cavity (the cavity where the neck used to be) intact. Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator for one day, then, using a perforated aluminum foil, slowly add it to your warm juices. You should know by now which cavity has been thawed; that is, the one closest to the door. Once you’ve done this, you can put that cavity back where it originally came from.
You may also want to consider a slow-cooker to freeze the turkey. It has a sealing lid that can seal tightly and keep the food moist while letting steam escape through a tube. This type of turkey cooker is not as effective if you plan to use a traditional oven or grill. The liquid in these devices tends to evaporate too fast and there’s no way to control the cooking time. However, it’s a good option for people who don’t mind waiting for a while for the food to cook. If you use a stovetop version, be sure to monitor the food’s temperature and avoid burning.
How long can you keep a thawed turkey in the refrigerator before cooking it? It depends on the ingredients. If the meat is at room temperature, then several hours should be enough. A thicker cut of turkey will take a longer time, up to a couple of days. Remove any bones or skin when you get the upper part of the thigh out, since the meat will shrink when it comes out.
How long can you keep a turkey in the refrigerator before cooking it? Your best bet would be to buy a frozen turkey, but if you’re willing to invest a bit more, you can find a grinder-processed turkey at your local supermarket. Some people find canned meat too rich in flavor, so if you’re used to eating canned turkey and want to go back to the old way, this method might work for you. Just remember to make sure the can was sealed and refrigerated before buying.
How long can you keep a thawed turkey in the refrigerator before cooking it? Once you remove the meat from the refrigerator, allow it to defrost for about an hour or so. Thawing before cooking it will ensure that you don’t end up with a mushy or soggy turkey.
How long can you keep a turkey in the refrigerator before cooking it? That all depends on how much time you have. If you’re looking for a convenient, no-fuss meal, you’ll likely need to defrost it and cook it within a few hours. If you’re looking for a hearty, moist piece of meat, you can usually go several days without eating it. For some people, the answer is always two days; others enjoy slow-cooked turkey for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
