How to Thaw Meat
The best way to keep meat fresh for days is to freeze it, and thaw it when you’re ready to cook the ingredient. The problem is that the thawing process can make all the difference for freshness, flavor, and texture. Here are some ways to help you thaw meat properly and safely.
Thawing Precautions
Meats like chicken, beef, ****, and veal are safe to eat, as long as they are packaged or if you’re buying them from a trusted butcher or meat shop. thaw meatMeat is highly perishable, however, and cold to freezing temperatures help keep the meat fresh until such time that you’re ready to cook it. While you can cook frozen or partially frozen meat, it takes a little longer to cook and may affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Here are some important food safety reminders when you’re thawing meat:
Don’t thaw meat under room temperature, because the meat becomes a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.
If you plan to grill or pan-fry meat, don’t thaw meat with hot water.
If the meat comes inside a package, it’s best to thaw the meat with the container it’s wrapped in, to avoid contamination and prevent the growth of bacteria.
Meat should be used immediately once it’s thawed.
Refrigerator
The safest way to thaw meat is to thaw it while inside the refrigerator. When thawing meat, place a pan, plate or bowl underneath the rack where the meat is on. Allow the meat to soften and the ice to melt for as long as it takes. Thawing meat inside the refrigerator is safe because the cold temperatures prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.
Cold Water
Another way to thaw meat is to soak the meat in cold water. You simply soak the meat in a bowl or basin of cold - not ice-cold and not lukewarm - water and wait for the meat to become tender. You need to replace the water every now and then to keep the meat from turning rancid as it thaws.
Microwave
If you need to cook with the meat right away, you may need to thaw it in the microwave oven. Remove the packaging from the meat, and place the meat on a microwave-safe plate or container. Use the “Thaw” function of the microwave to soften the frozen meat. One problem with microwave thawing is that the texture and flavor of the meat may be affected if it stays in the microwave for too long, or if you use a high temperature setting.
If you thaw meat right, the flavor, texture, and tenderness of the meat will return as if it was never frozen in the first place. With these tips, you can enjoy tender, juicy, delicious fresh meat even if it’s long frozen.