We have all been there before; thinking of the best way to thaw meat so you can get it in time on the dinner table.
Keeping your freezer stocked with frozen meat is a great way to make quick, easy dinners on busy nights. But what do you do when you need to defrost meat fast? There are a few methods that will thaw your meat quickly without compromising safety. Here’s how to do it right:
1. The safest method: Refrigerator thawing
The best way to defrost meat safely is to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. This method requires planning but ensures your meat remains at a safe temperature throughout the process. Ground meat, poultry, and seafood will stay fresh in the fridge for an extra day or two after thawing, while red meat, like beef and pork, can last up to five more days.
Bonus: You can refreeze meat thawed this way, although the texture might not be as good after refreezing.
2. Quick and safe: Cold water thawing
If you need your meat defrosted faster, the cold water method is a great option. Simply place your frozen meat in a sealed plastic bag to keep water out. Submerge the bag in a large bowl of cold water, and change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold.
This method can thaw smaller cuts, such as chicken breasts or seafood, in about an hour. Larger cuts, like roasts, might take up to three hours. Just be sure to cook the meat immediately after thawing since refreezing is not recommended.
3. The fastest option: Microwave thawing
If you’re in a real-time crunch, using the microwave is the fastest way to defrost meat. This method works best for smaller cuts like chicken breasts, ground beef, or seafood. Set your microwave to the defrost setting, or if it doesn’t have one, use a lower power setting and thaw in short bursts to avoid cooking the meat.
Keep a close eye on the process to ensure even thawing. Once defrosted, it’s crucial to cook the meat right away to prevent bacteria growth.
Can you cook frozen meat?
Surprisingly, you don’t always need to defrost meat before cooking. It’s perfectly safe to cook frozen meat, but it will take about 50% longer to cook through. This option works for ground meats, chicken, and steak. Keep in mind that while it’s convenient, it’s harder to achieve crispy skin or a nice sear on the meat when cooking from frozen. However, it’s a good backup option when time is really tight. Just avoid using a slow cooker for frozen meat, as it takes too long to reach a safe temperature.
Avoid unsafe thawing methods
Although you might be tempted to defrost meat by leaving it out on the counter or in hot water, F.A.C.S (Regulation of Food Safety and Quality in South Africa) advises against these methods.
Leaving meat at room temperature or in warm environments allows bacteria to grow rapidly, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. Always stick to safe thawing methods to ensure your meals are both delicious and healthy.
ALSO SEE: Should you rinse your meats before cooking or freezing?
Feature image: Pexels
