We’re all aware that purchasing frozen meat at the local store is a lot easier on the pocketbook, but there’s definitely a reason why it’s cheaper. You see, not everyone has the time to endure the defrosting and thawing process, especially if you want to sink your teeth into that delicious ribeye right away.
So, what do we all do when we want to defrost our meat quickly? Some pretty dangerous stuff, to be honest. Don’t think you’re part of this group? Answer us this question, then: Have you ever left a piece of frozen meat to defrost on the side? If you have, then you have unknowingly exposed yourself and your family to some potentially deadly bacteria.
Below are 8 common meat defrosting mistakes that you need to stop making right now!
1. You’re Defrosting Your Meat in Hot water
Believe it or not, but defrosting that primo ground beef in hot water can actually get you in hot water. The high temperatures in this meat bath serve as a ripe breeding ground for dangerous bacteria. Instead, place your packaged meat in a vat of ice-cold water to speed up the thawing process safely.
2. You Defrost Your Meat near its Garnishing and Spices
If the meat is still thawing and you place it near garnishes and spices, then it could make a lot of people really sick. Therefore, you should take extra care to ensure that your meat is fully defrosted before you introduce it to any other ingredients.
3. You Place Your Meat on the Counter to Defrost
Many of us aren’t away that thawing at room temperature invites a ton of incredibly dangerous bacteria to breed on the meat. Instead, thaw in the fridge or ice-cold water, or, if you’re in a hurry, the microwave works well, too!
4. You Wash Unpackaged Meat to Speed up the Thawing Process
There is no reason to wash frozen or thawed meat. Doing so will only spread bacteria to your sinks, countertops, and sponges.
5. You Refreeze a Piece of Meat That Has Been Thawed at Room Temperature
If you’ve been playing close attention, then you should already know that you should never ever thaw something at room temperature, right. Therefore, it makes sense that you wouldn’t refreeze it, just to let it thaw on the counter again.
6. You Defrost Your Frozen Turkey with a Blowdryer
Yes, apparently this is a thing. We cannot believe that we have to tell you this, but please don’t do it! Not only is this thawing method way too time-consuming for our liking, but the meat will not defrost evenly, which can make for increased bacteria production.
7. You Defrost Thick Cuts of Meat on the Skillet
Sure, you can get away with cooking ground and thinly-sliced frozen meats right on the skillet, but it won’t work out too well if your cut is a thick one. In the best case, it will turn out tough, and in the worst case, it could be severely undercooked at its center.
8. You Don’t Wash Your Hands after Handling Defrosting Meat
Just because the meat is frozen it doesn’t mean that there isn’t plenty of bacteria on its surface that can be spread all over your home later. Always wash your hands after handling defrosting meat.
Source: tiphero
Images: depositphotos
Say Goodbye to Fat with These 6 Great Fat-Burning Foods
If you're looking to lose some weight, you should add these 6 fat-burning foods to your diet.
Be Sure to Read This if You're Planning a Cookout Soon!
Most people love a good cookout, but that doesn't mean that mistakes don't get made when grilling. Here are 12 common grilling mistakes that everyone makes.
If You Have a White Tongue, Here's How to Get Rid of It!
If you have a white tongue, here are some tips on how you can get rid of it!
If You're Making These Hygiene Mistakes, You Must Stop Now
When it comes to personal hygiene, many of us are making mistakes and don't even realize it. Here are 10 common hygiene mistakes you need to stop making.
Who Knew Raisins Were THIS Good For You?
Raisins have been revered as a healthy snack for centuries. Here are 10 amazing health benefits of raisins.
Suffer from Dust Allergies? Try These Natural Treatments!
Do you suffer from dust allergies at home? If so, here are 8 natural remedies that you should definitely try!
The Best Plant Milks For Every Task
Different plant milks work best for various tasks, which can be tricky. This culinary guide will help you choose the best ones for you
8 Things You Need to Do With Your A/C to Save on Money
Not looking after your AC properly will decreases the efficiency of your system, meaning you’re losing a lot of money.
7 Proven Techniques for Testing & Fixing Christmas Lights
Test your holiday lights with these easy fixes.
The Best Time of Day to Eat Healthy Foods!
In this article we have outlined the best time of the day to indulge in some of your favorite foodstuffs.
15 Immensely Helpful Things You Can Do With Baby Oil
Learn about these 15 helpful uses for baby oil!
14 Little Known Ways to Save on Gas While Driving!
If you take heed of these 14 easy pieces of advice, you will end up saving hundreds of dollars each year on gas.
25 Ways to Keep Your Garden Healthy and Thriving
We've collected some great tips for maintaining a healthy garden that will help you every day.
Bored of the Outlet Covers? Here's How to Paint Them Well
In this article, we'll learn how to paint and wallpaper plastic or metal outlet covers effectively and professionally.
6 Popular Grocery Items You Should Definitely Stop Buying
Many companies have become masters at selling us stuff we don't need. Here are some of the worst offenders.
For Beautiful Hair and Skin, Neem Tree Oil Is All You Need
This natural remedy is all you need in your medicine cabinet for great hair and skin.
10 Popular Beauty Products That Are a Waste of Money
Some beauty and self-care products are just a waste of your money, and all 10 of these popular items are better off in the trash...
Avoid Spending Extra Cash on these Unnecessary Upgrades!
To make sure you don't have buyer's remorse after making a big electrical appliance purchase, avoid these upgrades!
Clever Ways to Hide Your Money and Credit Cards
Don't let the burglars get your hard earned cash! Learn how to hide it like a pro.
The 7 Dirtiest Spots in Your Home You Forget to Clean
Your home may not be as clean as you think. Here are seven dirty spots you are overlooking in your home
9 Body Language Mistakes You Don’t Even Know You’re Making
most communication between people is through body language, make sure you're not conveying the wrong messages by avoiding the 9 mistakes.
9 Ways to Keep Your House Clean Using Just a Simple Lime
Limes are just as good as lemons when it comes to cleaning. Here are 9 great ways to clean with them.
10 Things You SHOULDN'T Store on Top of Your Refrigerator
Learn why these items shouldn't be stored on the top of your fridge.
Body Language Guide: 17 Mistakes We All Make
We give ourselves away all the time. Learn the common body language mistakes we all do so you can protect your inner thoughts.
7 Common Missteps That Couples Over 50 Should Avoid
For couples, the 50s can be the best years of their relationship. Just avoid making these mistakes.
16 Unique Uses For Coconut Oil Outside the Kitchen
There's more to coconut oil than its incredible health benefits. Here are 16 fantastic ways that it can be used outside the kitchen.
If Your Leather Items Are Dirty, Here's What to Do
If you want to clean your leather items yourself, you'd better read this...
4 Stylish Haircuts that Take Years Off Your Face
Sometimes, all it takes to look years younger is a change in your hair style and color.
7 Basic Winter Travel Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
These are the missteps you want to avoid when traveling in the winter.
Ink Stain Removal Made Easy With 9 Ultimate Home Methods
Don't throw out you ink-stained clothing, instead, try one of these 9 at-home methods of ink removal to revive your garments
10 Natural Remedies That Actually Work
Not Feeling well? We recommend that you think outside the box, or in this case outside the medicine cabinet with the following 10 effective natural medicines!
10 Surprising Uses for Honey Outside the Kitchen!
While honey may be an essential ingredient to add to your diet, there are a number of other surprising uses for it too.
How to Develop a Green Thumb For Home Plants
The following houseplant cheat sheet summarizes the essentials you need to know about growing your own houseplants.
These 20 Hacks Will Make Gardening So Much Easier!
This rapid-fire video gives you tips on not only how to manage and maintain your garden, but even make use of normally useless items!
Granny Always Knows the Answer to Life's Problems
Life is full of little problems. So that's why you need to ask your granny for the answers.
These 20 Awesome Tool Hacks Will Make Your Life Easier
These awesome tool hacks will make your life so much easier!
Why Buy Candles When You Can Make Your Own at Home?
Why spend money on expensive candles when you can easily make your own? This guide will show you how.
Here's All You Need to Know about Travel Medical Insurance
Planning a trip abroad? This guide will teach you everything you need to know about travel medical insurance!
Is Your Garden Healthy? Test It with These Soil Tips
How healthy is your garden? Test it out with these helpful tips.
14 Common Plants That Are Toxic for Your Pets
Did you realize that many of the plants in our environment are toxic for your pets? Find out which here. If you noticed that your pet has consumed any of these plants, contact your local veterinarian or Animal Poison Control center immediately.
17 Original and Neat Ways to Tie Your Shoelaces
A minor alteration in the way we tie our shoelaces can have a great impact on comfort and visual appeal. Learn 17 different ways of tying your shoelaces.
STOP! Before You Throw Your Egg Shells, Read This...
Egg shells have a plethora of useful properties.
Paper Towels Can Do Much More Than Just Mop Up Spills
We all think that paper towels are just for mopping up spills, but it turns out they have many uses you wouldn't expect. Take a look at them here!
DIY Corner: A Cool Technique for Christmas Decorations!
This is how you can use packing tape to make a sticker out of anything. Sounds too easy? It truly is!
These 10 Rocks May Be Pretty, But They're Also Deadly!
They look pretty but they're deadly. These surprising crystals and rocks look beautiful from afar but are deadly up close.
DIY: 6 Methods for Removing Scratches from Eyeglasses
If you wear glasses or know someone who does, you've probably heard them complain about scratches. Now you can fix these scratches with the following 6 tips!
10 of the Fastest-Growing Vegetables
There is a variety of fast-growing vegetables, including legumes, leafy greens, and root vegetables. We feature 10 of the fastest-growing veggies in this article.