How To Defrost Ground Turkey In Microwave – 4 Best Methods & Alternative Methods

Just like chicken, ground turkey is a versatile meat that can be used in many recipes. When you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to thaw your ground turkey the old-fashioned way.

If you are cooking a ground turkey dish for the first time, or just need to defrost some for dinner, you may be wondering how to defrost ground turkey in microwave. 

Luckily, there are a few methods that can help defrost ground turkey quickly without ruining it. But not all methods work equally well, so it’s important to know which one will give you the best results.

Are you looking for a quick and easy way to defrost ground turkey? When you’re in a hurry, the microwave is the best way to defrost ground turkey. This can be a bit of a tricky process, but with the right tips it can be easy and painless.

In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to defrost ground turkey in microwave, as well as some alternative methods if you don’t have a microwave. Plus, we’ll share some tips for ensuring that it cooks evenly. By following these tips, you’ll be able to have delicious and hassle-free ground turkey for dinner tonight!

Is It Safe To Thaw Ground Turkey In Microwave?

The answer is Yes, it is safe to thaw ground turkey in the microwave. In fact, this is one of the quickest and easiest ways to do it. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when defrosting ground turkey in the microwave.

First, make sure that you use a microwave-safe dish or container. You don’t want to risk melting your dish or creating dangerous conditions by using a plastic container.

Second, always thaw ground turkey on low power or defrost setting. If you use high power, it could cause the meat to cook unevenly and may make it tough or dry.

And finally, be sure to check the temperature of the turkey before cooking it. Make sure that it is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before cooking, as this will help kill any bacteria that may be present.

Step-by-step Guides On How To Defrost Ground Turkey In Microwave

Turkey is a common main course for Thanksgiving, but it’s also great all year round as a lean protein source. Ground turkey is a great alternative to ground beef and it’s perfect for making tacos, burgers, chili and more!

One of the most common ways to cook turkey is by grilling, baking, or frying it. However, if you’re looking for a different method, then you may want to try defrosting your turkey in the microwave. 

So, How to defrost ground turkey in microwave? It’s important to defrost your ground turkey properly before cooking it, as improper defrosting can lead to bacteria growth and an uneven cook. 

We’ll provide you with four methods on how to defrost ground turkey in the microwave safely and quickly. The following is a step-by-step guide on how to thaw ground turkey in microwave without drying out:

Method 1: How To Defrost Ground Turkey In Microwave With Dish Or Bowl

1) The first step is to place the ground turkey in a microwave-safe dish. You can use either a glass or ceramic dish for this. Make sure that the dish is microwave-safe and that it will not melt in the heat.

If you’re using a frozen block of ground turkey, then you’ll need to break it up into smaller pieces before putting it in the dish. This will help it defrost more quickly. 

2) Cover the dish with plastic wrap and poke a few holes in the top to allow steam to escape. This will help prevent the meat from boiling over during the defrosting process.

3) You will want to defrost your ground turkey in two intervals. The first interval will be for about three minutes on high power. Then, leave it alone for a few minutes to complete the initial thawing process before repeating this step again for another three minutes. 

4) After that second time is up, you should have a fully-defrosted block of ground turkey that’s ready to use. Just make sure that it has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit before using it in any recipe.

Keep in mind that microwaves can vary by wattage, so cooking time may vary even within brands of microwaves. You may also want to experiment a little bit to find the perfect cooking time for your microwave.

Method 2: How To Defrost Ground Turkey In Microwave With Ziploc Bags

1) Lay your frozen ground turkey package flat on a microwavable dish or bowl and place another dish or bowl on top of it. Be sure that the other dish can hold the weight of the meat and water inside the bag before proceeding.

2) Fill up either side with enough warm water to cover all parts of the turkey, then zip up the bag.

3) Cook on high power for 3 minutes, then rotate the dish and cook for an additional 15-30 seconds depending on how much more thawing needs to be done.

Then let it sit for 5 minutes without removing from the microwave or opening the door.

4) Remove from the microwave and check the temperature. The USDA suggests cooking ground turkey to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, or until there is no pinkness remaining inside. This will ensure that any bacteria that may have been present are killed off during the cooking process.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid dried-out, overcooked ground turkey. Just make sure that you always cook your meat to a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure food safety.

Method 3: How To Defrost Ground Turkey In Microwave With Cold Water

1) Run cold water over the ground turkey package until it is no longer frozen solid. Make sure that there are no holes or tears in the packaging, otherwise you could end up with a big mess and a dangerous situation.  

2) Add your thawed ground turkey into a microwavable dish or bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Be careful not to let any part of the turkey touch the sides of dish because it can begin cooking, even while still frozen at this point. 

3) Cook for 3 minutes on high power, then rotate the dish and cook for an additional 15-30 seconds depending on how much more thawing needs to be done.

Then let it sit for 5 minutes without removing from the microwave or opening the door. 

4) Remove the cooked ground turkey from the microwave and check its temperature (see above). If you need to cook it further, do so now according to your recipe’s instructions. 

Before you cook your thawed meat, make sure it has reached a temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any bacteria that may be present.

Method 4: How To Defrost Ground Turkey In Microwave With Warm Water

1) Add the frozen ground turkey to a microwavable dish or bowl. Try to leave some space between the meat and the sides of the dish/bowl to allow for steam to escape.

2) Pour in enough warm water until the meat is fully submerged. You may need to use more than one cup of water, depending on the size of your package.

3) Cook on high power for 3 minutes, then let it sit for 2-3 minutes without removing from microwave. Cook in one minute intervals until thawed completely.

4) After it has been fully defrosted, you will want to cook it immediately using one of the methods above. Do not refreeze raw ground turkey after it has been thawed.

When it comes to guides on how to thaw ground turkey in microwave, there are several methods that you can use.

In this article, we will discuss four of the most common methods: microwaving with cold water, microwaving with warm water, using a Ziploc bag, and using a microwavable dish or bowl.

Now that you know how to defrost ground turkey in microwave, you will be able to easily cook it for your next meal.

Tips For Thawing Ground Turkey Meat In A Microwave

One of the quickest and easiest ways to defrost ground turkey is by using a microwave. 

But, as mentioned above, you need to make sure that you follow some important safety tips when doing steps on how to defrost ground turkey in microwave – namely, on low power or on a defrost setting.

Keep these things in mind when thawing ground turkey next time:

1) Always choose a microwavable dish or container for safe measure. You do not want to put your expensive glass casserole dish in danger!

2) If possible, you should also place the turkey on an elevated base so that it won’t pool with liquid during cooking. A trivet works well for this use case since it will trap any liquid so it doesn’t spill over onto your food. 

3) Make sure that the ground turkey is fully submerged in water during thawing. Add more water as necessary to cover all parts of the meat.

4) Do not allow any part of the meat to touch the sides of the bowl or dish, else it will begin cooking and may not be safe for consumption.

5) Check its temperature after it has been fully defrosted by microwaving with cold water (see above). If you need to cook further, do so now according to your recipe’s instructions.

6) If you find yourself frequently needing to defrost small amounts of ground turkey at a time, consider keeping unopened packages of frozen ground turkey in your freezer. This will allow you to defrost only what you need when you need it.

Happy defrosting!

Alternative Methods for Defrosting Ground Turkey

Defrost Ground Turkey In Cold Water

If you don’t have access to a microwave and do steps on how to defrost ground turkey in microwave, you are looking for an alternative method to defrosting ground turkey in the microwave, you can also try using cold water immersion.

This method will take a bit longer than using the microwave, but it’s a good option if you don’t have a microwave or if you’re trying to save on energy costs.

1. Place the ground turkey in a large container that is safe for use with cold water (e.g., stainless steel). This is where you place the turkey into a large bowl or container of cold water and let it sit for 30 – 60 minutes.

Make sure that the container is big enough so that the turkey can be submerged entirely in water. You may need to change the water a few times as it warms up.

2. Submerge the ground turkey in cold tap water and rinse off any blood under cold running water (not hot, as this helps to maintain meat temperature and prevents over-chilling).

Be sure to rub gently to remove any visible traces of blood from the outer edges of the ground beef. 

3. Change out the rinsing water about 4 times until it runs clear, then leave your defrosted ground turkey to soak for about 30 minutes. 

Be sure to change out your water every 30 minutes so that bacteria doesn’t start growing inside of it.  

4. After 30 minutes, gently remove the ground turkey from the cold water bath and place it in a clean container. Cover and refrigerate for later use.

When using the cold water method, you will need to cook your turkey immediately after it has been fully defrosted by one of the other methods described above.

Do not refreeze raw ground turkey because this will cause cross-contamination and could result in bacteria growth.

Pro tip:

If you need to defrost a pound or more of frozen ground turkey but don’t have time to run cold water over your meat for 30 minutes, try these tips:

• Place the frozen turkey in a zip-top bag and seal it shut.  
• Place your sealed bag into a bowl of cold water. 
• Change the water every 30 minutes until the turkey is thawed. 
• When the turkey is thawed, remove it from the bag and cook as normal.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your ground turkey is cooked evenly without any dried out or chewy spots. Happy cooking!

Defrost Ground Turkey In A Refrigerator

Another alternative is to use the refrigerator. This will take the longest amount of time, but it is also the most reliable option. 

This will take anywhere from 6 – 8 hours, depending on how big of a chunk of meat you’re starting with. 

This is a good option if you have the time to allow for it. The simplest way to defrost ground turkey in the refrigerator is to place your meat into a zip-top bag and leave it on your kitchen counter overnight. 

1. Place the frozen ground turkey in a large resealable bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing.

2. Place the sealed bag of ground turkey into the coldest area of your fridge and let it defrost overnight.

3. When the turkey is thawed, remove it from the bag and cook as normal.

4. Once your meat is thawed, be sure to cook it within 24 hours. If for some reason you don’t end up cooking the meat immediately, be sure to re-wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it back in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

Pro tip:

If you need to defrost more than 2 pounds of ground turkey, consider splitting your wrapped meat into 3 – 5 separate bags and placing them in the coldest area of your refrigerator.

This will help to thaw your ground turkey more quickly because several smaller packages will transfer their cold quicker than one large package can.

Defrost Ground Turkey Using A Food Processor

If you’re short on time and need to defrost ground turkey quickly, this may be your best option. This method will take anywhere from 5 – 10 minutes depending on how much meat you’re working with.

For the easiest possible way to defrost ground turkey in a food processor, follow these simple steps:

1. Place the frozen ground turkey into your food processor’s work bowl or a large pot.

2. Pulse until the turkey is broken up into small bits, then run at regular speed for about 3 minutes or until it has fully thawed. 

Pro tip: 

1) The faster you go, the thinner your meat will become – so if you want to maintain chunkiness in your dish after it’s been thawed, just pulse the chunks a few times and then let the blades do their work.

2) If you’re going to break up your turkey into smaller pieces using a food processor, it’s a good idea to microwave the meat for 30 – 45 seconds before placing it in your food chopper or food processor.

This will help to thaw out the frozen bits of meat much more quickly. This is especially true if you have large chunks of meat that need defrosting.  

For those who are less patient, this method may be right up your alley! You can easily use the method how to defrost ground turkey in microwave within 5 minutes – which is far faster than waiting overnight in the coldest area of your refrigerator!

Compare The Microwave Defrosting Method With Other Methods 

If you’re reading this article, there’s a good chance that you’ve tried other methods to defrost ground turkey before and they haven’t worked out very well.

You have known step-by-step guides on How to defrost ground turkey in microwave and alternative methods for defrosting ground turkey.

Which Is The Best? Now let’s summarize all of the methods we just went over. 

1) Defrost In The Microwave

If you’re short on time and need to defrost ground turkey quickly, this is your best bet. You can easily defrost ground turkey in a microwave within 5 minutes – which is far faster than waiting overnight in the coldest area of your refrigerator!

The microwave defrosting method may seem like the simplest and most foolproof way to defrost ground turkey. Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks to using the microwave method.

For example, microwaves tend to create hot spots in foods like ground turkey because they heat with fast-moving high frequency waves. This can lead to uneven cooking – which often results in burned or overcooked parts of your meat.

With this method, you can also defrost ground turkey in air fryer instead. But if you want to have an option that optimize your budget, you want to visit our post about air fryer microwave combo. It helps alot on doing everything in kitchen task.

Another drawback is that microwaves tend to work best when dealing with larger chunks of meat (like steaks). When it comes to breaking up smaller bits like ground turkey into small pieces, microwaves won’t always do the trick as quickly as other methods might.    

By comparison, a food processor or cold water bath will evenly thaw out ground turkey in a matter of minutes. Not only that, but these methods will actually break up your meat into nice and even chunks in the process – which means you don’t have to worry about accidentally over-cooking your meat.

Microwave Defrost Method: Pros & Cons

• You can defrost ground turkey in a microwave oven in just 5 minutes .
• The best microwaves for defrosting food are ones with even heating (such as inverter microwaves).
• The major drawback is that the microwave method does not evenly thaw out all parts of frozen meat – which can lead to uneven cooking or overcooked spots when you go to cook your dish.    

If you need to defrost more than 2 pounds of ground turkey, consider splitting your wrapped meat into 3 – 5 separate bags and placing them in the coldest area of your refrigerator.

This will help to thaw your ground turkey more quickly because several smaller packages will transfer their cold quicker than one large package can.

2) Defrost In Cold Water

Cold water bath method is easy, and it’s a great way to defrost ground turkey quickly without using any electricity. This is the most popular method for defrosting food, but it’s not as effective as using a refrigerator or a microwave. 

If you choose to use this method, place your frozen ground turkey into a sink or bowl filled with cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the meat has thawed. This method can take up to 2 hours, so it’s best if you’re prepared to wait!

Just be sure to dry off the turkey before cooking – otherwise your pan will end up coated in scalding hot water and grossed out onlookers.

3) Defrost Overnight In The Refrigerator

This is the recommended method if you have the time to allow for it. The simplest way to defrost ground turkey in the refrigerator is to place your meat into a large Ziploc bag and then place that bag in the coldest area of your fridge. This will take anywhere from 12 – 24 hours, so be sure to plan ahead!

This is the safest way to thaw any kind of meat and will help to prevent the growth of bacteria. If you need to defrost your ground turkey in a hurry, you can cut the thawing time in half by using one of the other defrosting methods listed.

4) Use A Food Processor

The fastest method of them all is using a food processor. This will take you anywhere from 5 – 10 minutes depending on how much meat you’re working with.

All you need to do is place the frozen meat into the work bowl or a large pot and pulse it a few times. After that, let the blades do their job for about 3 minutes or until the meat is fully thawed.

The food processor defrosting method may not yield as nice a ground consistency as some other methods – but if you’re going to use your ground turkey in a casserole dish or another dish where appearance won’t matter much, this technique will work just fine!

Also keep in mind that the defrosted meat from this method may also have slightly dryer chunks than other methods might – so be sure to compensate by adding extra fat and sauce when you begin cooking.

Ground Turkey Vs. Ground Beef

When it comes to nutritional value, ground turkey is a healthier alternative to ground beef. Turkey is lower in saturated fat and calories, and it also contains more protein than beef.

When it comes to ground turkey vs. ground beef, the main difference you’ll notice is that ground turkey will be slightly drier than ground beef.

Because of this, you should aim to cook your turkey burgers at lower temperatures than you would for a ground beef burger. This should ensure enough moisture inside!

And if you’re looking for other ways to prevent lean meat from becoming too dry while you cook, consider adding in some egg whites into the mix – they’ll help bind everything together just like they do in classic meatloaf recipes!

That being said, ground turkey also has a slightly different flavor and texture than ground beef. If you’re not used to cooking with it, you may need to experiment with different seasonings and cooking methods until you find what you like.

The best way to cook ground turkey is by browning it in a pan over medium-high heat until it’s cooked through. You can then use it in recipes that call for ground beef – such as tacos, chili, or spaghetti sauce.

No matter which defrosting method you choose, be sure to always cook your ground turkey thoroughly before consumption. Ground turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before eating. 

The nutritional content of ground turkey and ground beef (USDA)

Ground turkey contains significantly less calories and fat than ground beef. 100 grams of each contain:

* Ground Turkey (with all visible fat removed)

• 121 Calories
• 7.4g Total Fat
• 3.5g Saturated Fat
• 0mg Cholesterol
• 76mg Sodium
• 0.8g Carbs
• 0.2g Fiber
• 0.8g Sugar
• 23.4g Protein

* Ground Beef (with all visible fat removed)

• 193 Calories
• 14.5g Total Fat
• 5.7g Saturated Fat
• 65mg Cholesterol
• 150mg Sodium
• 1.2g Carbs
• 0.6g Fiber
• 1.4g Sugar
• 19.2g Protein

Both are very healthy fats but ground turkey is lower in calories, fat and saturated fat. Ground beef has more sodium! We recommend that you choose ground turkey over ground beef when possible or use half ground chicken with half ground beef to reduce the calorie difference.

Some Recipes With Ground Turkey 

Now that you know all of the best methods how to defrost ground turkey in microwave and more, you’re ready to cook up your favorite dish! 

1) Turkey Enchiladas

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups cooked ground turkey
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 6 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions:

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.

2) In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Cook until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.

3) Add cooked turkey, black beans, salsa, sour cream and green onions. Mix well. Pour into prepared baking dish.

4) Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Serve immediately.

Enjoy this delicious healthy enchilada recipe made with ground turkey!

2) Thanksgiving Leftovers Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked, shredded turkey
• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 large potato, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.

2) In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion, garlic, carrots and potato. Cook until vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes.

3) In a small bowl whisk together chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour into the skillet with the vegetables and add thyme, salt and pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes or until gravy thickens slightly.

4) Add cooked turkey and chickpeas to the skillet. Stir well to combine in gravy mixture; pour the mixture into prepared baking dish.

5) Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through in the center of casserole. Serve immediately with fresh thyme if desired!

Enjoy this delicious recipe with ground turkey leftovers – perfect for Thanksgiving!

3) Ground Turkey Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups cooked ground turkey
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 6 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions:

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.

2) In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Cook until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.

3) Add cooked turkey, black beans, salsa, sour cream and green onions. Mix well. Pour into prepared baking dish.

4) Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Serve immediately.

Enjoy these yummy ground turkey tacos for a quick and easy meal!

4) Ground Turkey Burrito Bowls

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups cooked ground turkey
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 6 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions:

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.

2) In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Cook until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.

3) Add cooked turkey, black beans, salsa, sour cream and green onions. Mix well. Pour into prepared baking dish.

4) Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, diced tomatoes or avocado!

Enjoy these delicious turkey burrito bowls for a quick and easy meal!

5) Ground Turkey Stir Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups cooked ground turkey meat  (or chicken if preferred)  OR leftover Thanksgiving Turkey (don’t forget the leftovers !)      
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped                                       
• 2 cups cooked spaghetti squash                  
• 1/4 cup extra tomatoes, diced                                     
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley                       

Instructions:

1) In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion, garlic and bell pepper. Cook until vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes.

2) Stir in cooked ground turkey meat, spaghetti squash, extra tomatoes, sea salt and black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes or until heated through. Stir in fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy this delicious ground turkey stir fry for an easy weeknight meal!

6) Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked ground turkey
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 large potato, peeled and diced

Instructions:

1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.

2) In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion, carrots and garlic. Cook until vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes.

3) Stir in cooked ground turkey, thyme, rosemary and oregano a large bowl. Mix well with a spoon until it forms a paste. Set aside.

4) In another large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add corn kernels and kidney beans; cook for 5 minutes or until warmed through.

5) To the same bowl as you used for your ground beef (or chicken), add tomato sauce and flour to the meat mixture; mix well to incorporate all ingredients thoroughly into each other.

Then add this meat mixture back into your pan with vegetables and stir gently to combine everything together; set aside.      

Warm up your oven if you haven’t already!

6) Pour ground turkey mixture into the baking dish, and spread evenly. Top with diced potato. Bake for 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender and sauce is bubbly.

Enjoy this delicious ground turkey shepherd’s pie for a cozy winter meal!

7) Ground Turkey Quinoa Burrito Bowls

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups cooked ground turkey meat  (or chicken if preferred)  OR leftover Thanksgiving Turkey (remember the leftovers ?)      
• 1 cup quinoa, cooked
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1) In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion and bell pepper; cook for 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender.  Add chili powder and cumin and stir to incorporate well with the vegetables in the pan.

2) Pour cooked seasoned ground turkey meat (or chicken), cooked quinoa and sauteed vegetables into a bowl; mix well to incorporate all ingredients thoroughly into each other.  Stir in chopped fresh spinach and top with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy!

There are many ways to cook with ground turkey. Ground turkey is leaner than ground beef, but it’s delicious in its own right! So consider trying out one of these easy recipes tonight for dinner or lunch.

FAQs

Is ground turkey healthy?

If consumed in moderation with a balanced diet , most types of meat are actually very nutritious and healthy for us! But because too much of anything can be unhealthy, it is always best to enjoy meat products in moderation. Ground turkey happens to be a great option for those who are looking for a leaner source of protein, and it is also high in B vitamins, niacin and zinc.

How long does ground turkey take to defrost?

If you are thawing your ground turkey in the refrigerator, it will likely take about 24 hours or so to defrost. If you want to speed up this process a bit, you can always submerge your ground turkey in water and store it in a bowl inside of your fridge for 3-4 hours before using, but I’m not sure how this might affect the overall flavor.

If you are in a hurry, you can also defrost ground turkey in the microwave. Place your ground turkey in a microwave safe dish and cover with a paper towel before microwaving on high for 8 – 9 minutes.

Make sure to check the temperature of your ground turkey before you continue to use it during cooking, as microwaves vary and you wouldn’t want to risk getting sick from undercooking your food.

Is the taste affected by slow cooking versus microwaving?

According to food safety guidelines from USDA, microwaving is one of the best ways to thaw out poultry products because of its high heat penetration.

This means that the center of your food will reach a high enough temperature to kill any harmful bacteria that might be living inside.

When cooking ground turkey in general, I would recommend microwaving it over slow cooking because it is more likely to get cooked through evenly that way. But feel free to experiment with both methods and see what you like best!

What can you do if your ground turkey is dry?

If you find that your ground turkey has turned out a bit dryer than you were hoping for, one trick is to add some moisture back into the dish by incorporating some salsa, tomato sauce or even apple sauce into the recipe. This will not only help to rehydrate the meat a bit, but it will also add flavor and sweetness to your dish!

You could also try to add a bit of fat into the recipe. Whether it’s oil, butter or even mayonnaise, adding some healthy fat will help the ground turkey retain moisture and give your recipe a boost of flavor as well.  

What can you do if your ground turkey is too moist?

If you find that you have added too much liquid to your dish because you were hoping for something less moist, one trick is to remove excess liquid from the pan before serving. To do this, simply put a spoon under the food and gently scoop out extra liquid before serving or plating. You could also try draining excess liquid from canned ingredients like corn or beans if they are in the recipe 😉

Can you cook frozen ground turkey without defrosting?

You can, but I would not recommend it. Because ground turkey is a poultry product, it is susceptible to bacteria growth if it is not cooked through all the way. So while you technically can cook frozen ground turkey without defrosting it, I would advise against doing so in order to avoid any potential food poisoning risks.

What happens if you eat bad ground turkey?

If you eat bad ground turkey, you might experience some symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even abdominal cramps. If any of these symptoms persist for more than a few days or get worse over time, it is best to seek medical attention as you might have contracted a foodborne illness.

What are some good recipes for ground turkey?

Some popular ways to use up your leftover ground turkey are using it in taco salad , chili, spaghetti sauce or even BBQ chicken pizza. You can also try cooking recipes that call for minced meat, such as meatloaf or meatballs.

Conclusion on How To Defrost Ground Turkey In Microwave

Frozen ground turkey can be difficult to cook, but it’s not impossible. One of the most common questions people have about ground turkey is how to defrost it. The best way to defrost ground turkey is by using one of these methods so it’s juicy and flavorful! 

There are a few different ways that you can do this, but we’ve found the best methods and tips for doing so in your microwave. How to defrost ground turkey in microwave? Cooking turkey in the microwave is one of the easiest ways to defrost it quickly.

It’s also a great way to cook ground turkey without adding any fat or oil (although you’ll want to use cooking spray if your dish calls for that). You might find that microwaving can be an easy-to-prepare alternative for all those healthy dishes out there with ground turkey as their main ingredient.

If you are looking for some recipes with ground turkey, we have provided a few of our favorite ground turkey dishes that can be made in less than 30 minutes. 

With all of these recipes and methods, we hope that you can find the perfect one for your meal plan. From cooking to defrosting ground turkey in a microwave or oven, there are plenty of ways to go about it. We hope these quick and easy recipes will appeal to the busy home cook on your list this holiday season!

Thanks again for reading today’s blog post, stay tuned next month when we share another great way with which you may be able to utilize this protein-packed food source. We’re looking forward to hearing from our readers!

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