Frozen meat is perfect for cooking and easy to store. However, if you don't defrost properly, your food is at risk of developing harmful bacteria. The first way is to thaw frozen meat slowly and evenly in the refrigerator. This method takes the most time, but is the easiest and most secure. Alternatively, you can thaw frozen meat in cold water. This method is faster than using the refrigerator and gentler than the microwave method. The final method is to quickly heat the meat using the " defrost " function in the microwave. Check the meat periodically so that the thin parts of the meat do not accidentally overcook.
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Method 1 of 3: Defrosting Frozen Meat in the Fridge
Step 1. Use the refrigerator to thaw frozen meat slowly and evenly
The refrigerator method is easy and safe, and doesn't really require your intervention. Plus, you don't have to worry about the thin parts of the meat getting cooked or charred. However, defrosting frozen meat this way can take a long time, especially large meats such as turkey or roast pork.
Choose the faster method if you can't wait at least 24 hours for the meat to thaw
Step 2. Place the frozen meat on a plate
Use a plate that is strong, wide, and large enough to hold all of the meat. The water vapor that comes out of the meat will be accommodated into the dish so it doesn't fall directly into the refrigerator. If you have large cuts of meat, use a large pot to contain them.
Leave the plastic packaging still attached to the meat. The packaging will keep meat and dirt from falling in the refrigerator
Step 3. Let the meat freeze in the refrigerator
Place the plate of frozen meat in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. For large pieces of meat, 24 hours is the time to defrost meat weighing 2.3 kg. After the first 24 hours, check the meat periodically to see if it has melted or not.
- Press the meat against the plastic packaging or turn it over to see if it has melted or not.
- Wash your hands before and after touching frozen meat to prevent contamination of your food.
Step 4. Cook or refreeze the meat
Using this refrigerator is a slow defrosting method, so you don't have to cook it right away. Instead, you can refreeze them for later use or cook them at a later date. As an example:
- Poultry, ground beef, and fish can be stored in the refrigerator for another 1 to two days.
- Beef, lamb, pork, or veal can be stored in the refrigerator for another 3 to 5 days.
Method 2 of 3: Defrosting Frozen Meat with Cold Water
Step 1. Choose the cold water method
This method of thawing frozen meat is much faster than the refrigerator method. Meat weighing 2.3 kg or less can be defrosted within an hour, while larger cuts of meat can take 2 to 3 hours. In addition, the thin parts of the meat are not at risk of overcooking as if you were using the microwave. However, thawed meat should be cooked immediately.
Step 2. Put the meat in a sealable bag
This type of bag can protect the meat from being attacked by bacteria in the water or air. First, choose a large plastic bag. Next, close the bag tightly while pressing the bag to release the air inside.
You do not need to remove the plastic packaging that wrapped the meat before placing it in a plastic bag
Step 3. Soak the bag of meat in a bowl filled with cold water
Use a large bowl and place it in the sink. Fill the bowl with cold tap water. After that, dip the bag of meat into the water, with all the parts submerged in the water. Leave the meat submerged in water until the meat is completely thawed. Every 30 minutes, drain the water and refill it to keep the water cool and fresh.
- It can take 15 to 30 minutes to defrost half or one kilogram of meat.
- Larger cuts of meat may take 2 to 3 hours.
Step 4. Cook the thawed meat immediately
Even if the meat has been soaked in cold water, it has been exposed to warm temperatures. Therefore, the meat must be cooked immediately. If you want to refreeze it, cook the meat first.
Method 3 of 3: Defrost Frozen Food in the Microwave
Step 1. Use the microwave to quickly defrost frozen food
This quick method is perfect for small, even cuts of meat. The microwave can defrost frozen meat in just a few minutes. However, this method can also partially cook the meat or make it tough, which can affect the quality of the food.
Once thawed, frozen meat should be cooked immediately. If you can't cook it right away, just wait for the meat to thaw until you need it
Step 2. Open the wrapper and place the meat on a plate
First, remove the plastic packaging that wraps the meat. This package can hold the moisture that will "boil" on the outside of the meat. After that, place the meat on a large, microwave-safe plate. If there is a thin piece of meat, place it near the center of the plate so it doesn't cook in the microwave.
- Microwave-safe dishes include plates made of ceramic and glass that do not have metal embellishments.
- Some frozen meats are packaged in styrofoam containers. These containers are not microwave safe and must be removed.
Step 3. Thaw frozen meat in the microwave
Each brand of microwave is slightly different. However, most brands of microwaves have a dedicated " defrost " button. To defrost frozen meat, place the meat in the microwave and then press the " defrost " button. Then, you must enter the weight of the meat you want to defrost. This measurement is used to determine the exact length of time to thaw the meat.
Before using the " defrost " feature, read the manual of your microwave
Step 4. Check your food periodically to see if there are "hot spots"
Every minute or so, hit the pause button and check the meat. Gently touch the sides of the meat to see if it's warm. Once warm, allow the meat to cool for a minute or so before proceeding to defrost. Once the frozen meat has thawed, remove it from the microwave.
- Use a cloth napkin to remove the dish from the microwave so you don't burn your hands.
- Wash your hands before and after touching raw meat to prevent contamination of your food.
Step 5. Cook the meat immediately
If you thaw frozen meat in the microwave, it will be exposed to warm temperatures, which can encourage bacteria to grow. Therefore, the meat must be cooked immediately so that your food is not contaminated. Cook the meat first if you want to freeze it again.
