[header] How to thaw a turkey fast [title] Fill your container. [step] Pour cool water into a clean pot, tub, or container large enough to completely hold and cover your turkey. For this method, the shape of the container doesn't matter. 
The water must be no warmer than 40 degrees fahrenheit (4.44 degrees celsius) to avoid bacterial growth. [substeps] Place resealable plastic bags of ice into the container to keep the water temperature cool, if necessary.