Can I Thaw and Brown Ground Turkey in the Microwave?

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores the use of microwaves for thawing and browning ground turkey, with participants sharing their personal experiences and methods. Various techniques and tools, particularly the micro-cooker, are discussed, along with the effectiveness of these methods compared to traditional stovetop cooking.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions using a micro-cooker to thaw and brown ground turkey, suggesting a method of microwaving for 1 minute intervals with stirring.
  • Another participant shares their experience of using a classic batter bowl, microwaving for a total of about 10 minutes with stirring in between.
  • Several users mention the convenience of using micro-cookers for browning meat, noting less mess compared to stovetop cooking.
  • One participant expresses satisfaction with the micro-cooker, stating they prefer it over traditional methods due to ease of cleanup.
  • Another participant discusses the versatility of the micro-cooker, mentioning its use for cooking pasta and scrambled eggs.
  • Some participants highlight the appeal of micro-cookers as a selling point during demonstrations, noting their popularity among customers.
  • One participant raises a question about the advantages of using cookware versus micro-cookers for browning meat.
  • Another participant shares their experience of cooking chicken in the micro-cooker, expressing surprise at the results.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness and preference for micro-cookers versus traditional cookware for browning meat. Some participants advocate for the micro-cooker due to its convenience, while others express a preference for cookware for demonstration purposes.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences and methods shared by participants, primarily Pampered Chef consultants, regarding the use of microwaves and specific tools in cooking.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants and community members interested in alternative cooking methods and tools for browning meat and preparing meals quickly may find this discussion relevant.

4kids4me
4kids4me
Messages
417
I have a pound of frozen ground turkey and want to thaw and brown it in the microwave. Can I do this in the micro-cooker, and if so, for how long?

TIA!!!!
 
Here's a partial answer for you:
Yes, you can. But I don't know how long it takes (I've not done it before). I'd start with 2 minutes, give it a stir, then go for another 2 minutes. Keep doing that until all the pink is gone.
 
I do mine in the classic batter bowl. Just put it in the bowl with lid on and then microwave for 4 minutes. Take out and stir and put it an additional 4 minutes. Stir and then I normally put it back in for 2-3 minutes and it is done.
 
I just tried hamburger in the micro-cooker the other day. It was partially thawed and only took about 5 min. I drained and rinsed it and it was wonderful!

Sheryl
 
This is one of my selling points for the micro-cookers. I always guests they can put the ground beef/turkey in the micro-cooker and microwave on high for 1 min.-stir-1 min.-stir etc. Since the lid has holes in it just turn the cooker over to drain.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
You girls rock! I did it! I used the micro-cooker and drained all the fat that way. Yahoo, I am NEVER going to brown meat on the stove again! It always grossed me out, lol. I am making the taco ring for the first time tonight. The med scoop worked perfectly! It looks so cute that I'm almost sad it's just me and the 4 kids tonight to enjoy it, lol. My 5 and under crowd aren't terribly appreciative, kwim? But my 5 yo is quickly becoming my best salesperson! She talks about Pampered Chef all the time - in public at the grocery store with strangers, lol. I know one day it will turn into a sale! SHe is most impressed with the prep bowls where she makes the 1 min omlets and we do the brownie desserts. :)

Wow I really digressed there, sorry!
 
That's awesome! Get them indoctrinated into the world of quality kitchen tools while they're young!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
chefann said:
That's awesome! Get them indoctrinated into the world of quality kitchen tools while they're young!
Click to expand...
Haha, absolutely! She likes to call her cousins and grandparents on Sat nights, and she was telling them how she used the "Easy Ants Decorator" for her sour cream, lol. :) She's getting there! Seriously, every night when we sit down to eat she asks me if it's a "Pampered Chef Dinner" and what I used to make it. She gives me good practice! I've only been doing this less than 2 months. :)
 
I brown hamburger in the micro-cooker for my shows as well. I know I can brown it in a skillet, but it splatters all over their stove, and honestly, most people don't know you can brown meat in a micro-cooker till you show them.

You can also make scrambled eggs in them. I don't cook eggs in the batter bowls, they are hard to clean up, but in the micro-cooker, they come right out.

But I do cook pasta in the batter bowl all the time. Classic batter bowl (10 minutes to heat water, 10 minutes with pasta in it). Small batter bowl for Ramen noodle soup (5 minutes to heat water, 5 minutes with pasta in it). Works great.
 
You can put the covers from the batter bowls in the microwave? They won't melt? I should probably know this bit of info after almost 2 years.:confused:
 
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  • #11
genburk said:
I brown hamburger in the micro-cooker for my shows as well. I know I can brown it in a skillet, but it splatters all over their stove, and honestly, most people don't know you can brown meat in a micro-cooker till you show them.

You can also make scrambled eggs in them. I don't cook eggs in the batter bowls, they are hard to clean up, but in the micro-cooker, they come right out.

But I do cook pasta in the batter bowl all the time. Classic batter bowl (10 minutes to heat water, 10 minutes with pasta in it). Small batter bowl for Ramen noodle soup (5 minutes to heat water, 5 minutes with pasta in it). Works great.
Click to expand...

LOVE the idea of doing this for shows - I bet I"d sell a few of these at every show! And pasta in there, too? A whole box? OMG that's really cool! Going to try that tomorrow. Thanks!
 
I do sell micro-cookers when I cook hamburger in it for the taco ring.

You can cook a whole pound of spaghetti in the classic batter bowl.
 
Micro-cookers are on my top 20 bestsellers list, and I've never even brought mine to a show.......I'd rather sell a one or two pieces of cookware than 6 micro-cookers, because that is a gateway to bigger and better sales of more cookware! The micro-cookers seem to pretty much sell themselves.
 
I agree 100%, but after browning hamburger on my first host's (just happened to be my Mother-in-law as well) stove and splattering grease, then trying to pour it off, having a hot skillet to deal with, and a few spots for her to remove off of her flat top stove (It was like the burnt grease or food stain, that has to be scrubbed with the special cleaner to get it off - but not even sure it was from me), I decided that the micro-cookers were better for me to cook with, when it comes to browning hamburger.

I would much rather promote the cookware, and I tell my story about it, than make more mess in their kitchen while waiting for it to brown. I do clean up, but what if I miss a little?
 
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  • #15
Is there an advantage to browning the meat in the cookware vs the micro-cooker?
 
I tell the host to brown it in advance, or I bring it myself already browned.
 
That is much easier !!
 
4kids4me said:
Is there an advantage to browning the meat in the cookware vs the micro-cooker?
Click to expand...

Cookware - $38-$125 item to demo(and an opportunity to sell more of the collection)......microcooker - $6.50 - $9.00 item to demo($20 if you include the rice cooker), and that's the whole collection!
 
Well, I too would rather sell the cookware than the micro-cookers, but the chances of everyone at a show buying a piece of cookware is slim, where as if I can get 10 people to spend $15.50 each for the two pieces, then I definately push it.

I do up to 3 lbs. frozen hamburger in the large micro cooker for 8-12 minutes without checking on it and draining it at all in between. I LOVE it, and use it mostly every day. Also, my second favorite thing in the micro cookers is skinless boneless chicken. Fill to top of chicken with water and same time as the burger. It is so moist and tender, people just cannot believe it!
 
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  • #21
pchefkristin said:
Well, I too would rather sell the cookware than the micro-cookers, but the chances of everyone at a show buying a piece of cookware is slim, where as if I can get 10 people to spend $15.50 each for the two pieces, then I definately push it.

I do up to 3 lbs. frozen hamburger in the large micro cooker for 8-12 minutes without checking on it and draining it at all in between. I LOVE it, and use it mostly every day. Also, my second favorite thing in the micro cookers is skinless boneless chicken. Fill to top of chicken with water and same time as the burger. It is so moist and tender, people just cannot believe it!
Click to expand...

Would that work with frozen chicken breasts?? Thanks!
 
You betcha! Give it a try, I think you will be mildly surprised at how wonderful the chicken really is!
 
I too have done chicken in mine, but would have been afraid of frozen chicken, because it sometimes get tough if you cook it too fast. I will have to try this, with the water. Thanks !!
 
WOW the pasta thing! I was looking for info on nuking pasta one day and couldn't find it...now I know!

For the browning meat thing, don't you break it up? I hate my ground meat to be all lumpy! When I cook it on the stove, I don't stop chopping it up until it's done! But the micro cooker for the draining...now THAT appeals to me...and the micro is my new best friend!
 
Came home from work, and tried the frozen chicken in the water in the micro-cooker. Worked great !! Thanks, I had to cook it a little longer than 12 minutes, because it was one huge chicken breast, but it was tender. I will use this trick for the frozen chicken, because although I have a system for dinner, I haven't used it lately, so I have been waiting till the last minute to figure out what to cook. Thanks again.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I thaw ground turkey in the microwave?

Yes, you can thaw ground turkey in the microwave. Use the defrost setting on your microwave, and be sure to check the turkey frequently to ensure it doesn't start to cook. Once thawed, cook the turkey immediately.

Is it safe to brown ground turkey in the microwave?

While it's possible to brown ground turkey in the microwave, it's not the most effective method. Microwaving may not achieve the same browning effect as stovetop cooking. For best results, consider browning it in a skillet on the stove.

How long does it take to thaw ground turkey in the microwave?

The time it takes to thaw ground turkey in the microwave depends on the weight of the turkey and the power of your microwave. Generally, it takes about 6 to 8 minutes per pound. Always check the turkey frequently to avoid cooking it.

Can I cook ground turkey directly from frozen in the microwave?

Yes, you can cook ground turkey directly from frozen in the microwave, but it will take longer than cooking thawed turkey. Make sure to break it apart during cooking to ensure even cooking throughout.

What should I do if the ground turkey starts to cook while thawing in the microwave?

If the ground turkey starts to cook while thawing, stop the microwave immediately. Let it rest for a few minutes, then continue thawing in shorter intervals to prevent further cooking. Always cook any partially cooked turkey immediately after thawing.

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