How to defrost meat, seafood quickly and safely with this hack

Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY
·3 min read

Picture this: you come home after a long day. You're craving a homemade feast, only to realize that your main ingredient is still frozen solid. Suddenly, you’re in a race against the clock to salvage your dinner plans from potential ruin. However, the rules for fast and safe defrosting are swirling around your head like a box of jumbled puzzle pieces.

Well, don’t panic! While the freezer can be a kitchen lifesaver - extending the life of your food, locking in freshness and allowing you to stock up when your go-to items are on sale - proper defrosting can be a daunting task if you don’t have the right tricks up your sleeve. Luckily, we’ve got the expert tips you need to defrost frozen food quickly and safely. With our easy-to-follow guide, you can take the guesswork out of the thawing process, harness the full power of the freezer and tackle meal prep like a pro. Here’s everything you need to know about fast and safe defrosting methods.

Watch the video above to learn how to defrost food quickly and safely.

Freezer Meals: Freeze Vegetables

How to defrost frozen food quickly and safely

  • Ensure that frozen food is individually portioned and packaged to facilitate quick and precise defrosting. This organization method can simplify meal prep and minimize waste during your daily cooking routine.

  • Thaw frozen items safely in the refrigerator by placing them inside at least 24 hours before cooking. The exact time needed for defrosting can vary depending on the food item and its size. It's advisable to plan ahead and allow for a sufficient defrosting period.

  • To thaw frozen food items faster, you can use the water technique. By submerging the food in cold water, heat is conducted away from the food much more efficiently than in the air, significantly speeding up the thawing process. This method is particularly useful for quickly defrosting items like meats or seafood when you need them ready for cooking in a shorter time frame. Here’s how it works:

    • If food isn't pre-portioned, transfer the desired portion into a zip-top bag.

    • Submerge the bag in cold water, ensuring never to use hot water.

    • Replace the water every 30 minutes with fresh, cold water. This ensures it maintains an optimal environment for safe and rapid thawing.

    • Defrosting time for meats varies depending on size or thickness, typically ranging from a few hours to overnight.

  • It’s safe to cook vegetables directly from frozen to save time. This method retains nutrients and simplifies meal preparation, making it convenient for busy schedules.

  • Certain prepared foods or meals can be microwaved directly from the freezer without prior defrosting. Be sure to check the packaging to confirm recommended cooking instructions.

  • Avoid microwaving frozen raw foods, which can compromise safety and quality. Instead, opt for other defrosting methods like the refrigerator or water technique outlined above. This ensures that food is thawed evenly and safely before cooking.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to defrost frozen food quickly and safely