Not all methods of thawing meat, chicken and burgers are safe. In fact, the safest way to allow meat to thaw is in the refrigerator. But when you're pressed for time and don't have hours to spare, what alternative methods can you try? Take a look at two methods you can consider when you're in a hurry. These methods have been approved by food safety experts from the Department of Food Science at Pennsylvania State University. |
|
1. Thaw meat in cold water Method: Put the frozen meat in a sealed zip-locked bag and place in a tub of water. To thaw it, either maintain a constant flow of cool, running water or keep in a tub of water, changing it every 30 minutes. Pros: Thawing frozen meat in cold water works faster than thawing it in the fridge, and is similarly to fridge thawing, it keeps the meat from getting warm enough for germs to grow. Unlike microwave thawing, this method won't partially cook the meat. But how long does this method take? According to the Food Safety and Inspection Service at the US Department of Agriculture, thawing meat in cold water takes roughly about an hour. Cons: One of the issues with this method of thawing is that it requires more attention than microwave or fridge thawing. If you leave the meat to thaw in a tub of water, the water would need to be changed. With this method, you also need to ensure that the bag does not leak, as it can lead to soggy meat, as well as allowing bacteria in. |
|
2. Defrost meat in the microwave Pros: In comparison to fridge and water thawing, microwave is the fastest method of the two. It's convenient and doesn't require much of your attention. Cons: The microwave can partially cook the meat - though this isn't necessarily a bad thing, you would need to cook it immediately after you thaw it to prevent bacteria from accumulating in warm spots. It's also important to pay attention to packaging instructions as they may not be designed to withstand heat and may emit harmful chemicals, like styrene.
The preferred method Microwaving is the fastest and safest method because you don't need to worry about changing water, and there's less of a chance you'll forget about the half-thawed meat that may be growing bacteria. Nevertheless, it is not the perfect solution, so keep these additional tips in mind:
|
If You Value Your Health, Wash These 9 Foods Well
Are you washing these 9 foods correctly? Probably not!
6 Cuts of Meat to Stay Away From
While this often comes down to personal taste, there are a few cuts that are generally worth skipping - find out which ones and why.
These 10 Healthy Foods Can Be Dangerous If Eaten in Excess!
We all want to eat healthily, but even too much of a good thing can be bad. to make sure you're eating the right amounts of these healthy foods, check out this guide.
This Collection of Baking Charts is a Terrific Resource
Baking doesn't have to be difficult or complicated - all you need to do is follow the 8 fantastic charts that we've compiled in this post.
If You Value Your Health, Wash These 9 Foods Well!
Are you washing these 9 foods correctly? Probably not!
Which Wine Pairs Well with Which Cheese? Here’s the Guide
Pairing the perfect wine to a slab of cheese is an art form that can truly elevate the taste of both. Here's how it's done.
An Innovative Twist Using Eggs for a Healthy Breakfast Idea
Eggs are one of my favorite food. They are so versatile and can be used in a number of ways. Check out this innovative recipe.
I Could Eat This Yummy No-Oven Cake Every Day!
When a sweet tooth strikes, this is the dessert to make! No oven is needed.
Make a Delicious and Unexpected Dessert: Apple Blossoms!
It's time to impress your guests with a dessert that isn't just sweet and delicious, but also stunning to look at!
There is a Secret Way to Perfectly Cut a Mango...
Enjoying this tasty summer fruit has never been easier!
Cook the Juiciest Chicken Breasts Ever With This Recipe
Chicken breasts are easy to cook, but they need to be cooked properly to be enjoyed. This recipe will ensure you cook the tastiest chicken breasts imaginable.
The Long History of the World’s Oldest Hot Beverage
While tea was invented in China, it has spread to all corners of the world, becoming a staple everywhere it was introduced.
These Halloween Cupcakes Are Simply the Best!
Halloween is always a fun time of year, but it's about to become more delicious and more fun thanks to this gorgeous trio of cupcakes! Here's the recipe.
Make Delicious Meatloaf Using This Simple Recipe!
This recipe teaches you how to make the most tender, most delicious meatloaf that you have ever had.
13 Delicious Juice Recipes to Detox Your Body With...
Follow this guide to learn how to make 13 delicious juices that'll help you detoxify your body.
Here's How You Can Dice Green Onions Like a Professional
Prepare to take your cooking skills to the next level by learning about the correct way to dice green onions.
These Delicious Baked Dishes Have Become Family Favorites
These three, heavenly baked dishes have become family favorites in my kitchen. I encourage you to try them out!
What EVERYONE Should Know About Fruits and Veggies
Amazing facts you probably don't know about the best things we should all eat every day.
Why Settle For Regular Toast When You Can Have THESE?
Change things up a bit with 17 original and delicious pieces of toast!
Avocados Are Incredibly Versatile, as These 6 Recipes Show
Avocados are more versatile than you ever imagined, and I'm sure these 6 recipes will make you want to include them in your diet from hereon.
These Pies Are Truly a Feast for the Eyes and the Stomach!
If you love pies, then you absolutely need to check out these incredibly beautiful pie crusts, which are utter masterpieces.
10 Piping Hot Soups to Keep You Warm Throughout Winter
These soups are amazingly tasty, and will keep you warm on a cold winter's day. Yet the most amazing thing is that they are all under 300 calories.
A Guide to 7 Unique Tomato Varieties and How to Use Them
Whoa! I never knew there were so many different varieties of tomatoes out there.
Enjoy Guilt-Free, Delicious Brownies With This Great Recipe
This is a sweet brownie treat you'll definitely want to try - delicious, guilt-free four-ingredient brownies! Read the recipe here.
Re-Grow These 10 Vegetables - Just Use Water!
It's amazing how much money you can save by re-growing these 10 favorite vegetables! Follow our tips and instructions to learn more about how you can have a constant supply of your favorite greens, without paying an extra penny.
A Fool-Proof Chili Recipe for Winter Nights!
Here's a classic and delicious chili recipe that can be made in just about an hour!
THIS is Why I Love Italian Cuisine!
What makes the Italian cuisine one of the best in the world? Watch and learn.
How to Make Delicious and Healthy Avocado Chocolate Cake
Everyone thinks cakes are unhealthy, but it doesn't always have to be the case! This tasty and healthy chocolate avocado cake is a great example of this!
This is How You Make Delicious Home-Made Hummus
Hummus is delicious, and you'll be surprised how easy it is to make your own.
These 10 Superfoods Are Extremely Beneficial to Our Health
These 10 Superfoods are extremely good for you. Read on to find out what they are and how they are beneficial to our bodies.
A COLLECTION of Recipes for 12 Delicious Fish Dishes
Humans have been cooking fish for thousands of years, and some countries completely depended on fish for food. We've collected our very best fish recipes here for you to enjoy.
This Crispy Lemon Pie Is Made From Just One Batter!
It's hard to believe how this delicious dessert's creamy filling and perfect crunchy crust is made. Take a look and save the recipe.
6 Terrific Recipes That Can Be Made with Medicinal Herbs
Find out how mallow, nettles, mint, elderberry, fennel, and chives are dutifully incorporated into these 6 delicious recipes!
Upgrade Your Favorite Foods With this Common Ingredient!
How to use baking soda and drinking soda to upgrade different foods.
5 Best Meal Planning Sites to Save Time, Money, and Energy
These meal preparation websites will help you cook a week’s food in advance.
These Quick Snacks Are Proven To Be Healthy and Cheap
A video from John Hopkins University shows us that healthy food doesn't have to be a burden on your bank account or your watch. These easy and affordable snacks can help keep you moving.
15 Delicious Street Foods to Try When You Go Traveling
The world is full of inventive dishes and each country boasts a signature street food. Here are the best street foods from around the world.
Why You Should NEVER Eat the White Part of Moldy Bread
Many of us simply cut off mold from a slice of bread and eat the rest, but you really shouldn't do that. Find out why in this informative video.
Surprise Your Sweetheart With a Valentine’s Day Breakfast
All of these recipes are simple in preparation, but very different in taste and food preferences. Find the perfect one for your special someone...
13 Delicious Dishes You Can Make Using a Waffle Iron
I didn't think I could find so many ways to use a waffle iron to create delicious meals.
Whet Your Appetite with These Delicious Salmon Fish Cakes
Fish cakes can be served as a starter or a main course, this recipe will teach you how to make delicious salmon fish cakes.
This Broccoli Soup Has Cancer-Fighting Properties
This creamy broccoli soup is not only delicious, but it also has cancer-fighting properties. Follow this recipe to learn how to make this tasty dish.
How to Make Delicious Vegan Bolognese
Bolognese is a great comfort food. Most people think that you need to use meat to make a great Bolognese, but, as this recipe proves, this is not the case.
18 Common Baking Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
If you like fresh pastry, but your baking attempts have been less than successful, there's a good chance you're "guilty" of these 18 common baking mistakes.
An Italian's Secret to Making the Best Pasta
Follow these tips to prepare an excellent plate of pasta.
Make 8 Super-Simple Yet Healthy Treats
Discover how to transform simple ingredients into delicious, healthy snacks.