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:
|
After Reading This, You'll Never Buy Expensive Meat Again!
Do you know what the major difference between a cheap and an expensive cut of meat is? Here are 5 effective methods of making tough cuts of meat taste absolutely heavenly!
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.
I Bet that You Are Incorrectly Washing These 9 Food Items!
Are you washing these 9 foods correctly? Probably not!
An Italian's Secret to Making the Best Pasta
Follow these tips to prepare an excellent plate of pasta.
If You Value Your Health, Wash These 9 Foods Well
Are you washing these 9 foods correctly? Probably not!
What You need to Eat to Get Your Daily Dose of Vitamins
Discover the types of vitamins you need and what amount of vitamins different products contain. Also discover how much you need to eat to get the daily amount of each vegetable.
The Perfectly Seared Steak: All You Need to Know
Now that its winter, our steak cooking options are fairly limited to the stove and oven, but this isn’t a bad thing...
This is the Fluffiest Omelet You'll EVER Make!
If you like your breakfast eggs fluffy but juicy, don't miss out on this mouthwatering Soufflé Omelet recipe!
Here's How to Make the Tastiest Salad Dressing!
These charts briefly explain how best to go about making a variety of delicious salad dressings.
These Home-Made Doughnuts Need Only 2 Ingredients!
Here's a donuts recipe that anyone can succeed with. Master these 2 ingredient donuts and you'll be able to make any kind of donut you wish!
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.
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.
9 Great Dressing Ideas to Freshen Up Your Salad
Hungry for some juicy salad dressing ideas to spice up your salad? These simple and healthy recipes are just what you need for inspiration!
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.
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.
Love Ginger Ale? Maybe It's Time You Made Your Own...
2 easy to make recipes for organic ginger ale and ginger beer
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.
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.
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.
Trying to Cut Meat from Your Life? Try These Substitutes!
Vegetable and plant-based meat substitutes that are juicy, savory and rich in proteins and vitamins.
10 Vegetables and Herbs To Buy Once and Re-Grow Forever...
Some parts of vegetables and herbs that you don't normally use and just throw away can actually be used to re-grow themselves time and again. Find out more.
The 12 Best Foods for Your Abs!
Introducing the 12 best foods to burn excess stomach fat and keep your body trimmed and thin.
I Hope These Essential Kitchen Tips Make Your Life Easier
These tips will make you a master of your kitchen.
11 Unexpected Health Benefits of Drinking Whisky
If you thought whisky was nothing more than an alcoholic drink, you were mistaken. This video will detail the various health benefits you can reap by drinking whisky in moderation.
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.
This Delicious Bread Has No Carbs, No Gluten and No Sugar
Known as cloud bread, this carb and gluten free bread is soft, airy and fluffy, and so delicious, it practically melts in your mouth. All you need are three ingredients to make it - let's take a look.
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!
Why You Should Never Add Cheddar Cheese To Your Omelet
You can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs, but other than that, how do you make a truly superior omelet every time? This is how...
Ancient Recipe Corner: Old Timey Festive Buttered Beer
Whip out your pewter pots for this medieval recipe! We'll be making buttered beer, with a non-alcoholic version included.
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!
You've Got to Try these Delicious and Comforting Winter Salads
These hearty, comforting salads will take your mind off classic winter, comfort food.
4 Heavenly Chicken Soups to Spoil Yourself with This Winter
Chicken is a common soup ingredient because of its ideal tenderness and taste. Presenting 4 of the many irresistible ways to make the chicken soup of your dreams.
Easy Trick to Know If Your Steak Is Rare or Well-Done
Judging how well done a steak is just by looking at it can be hard, thankfully, this easy trick will tell you just how done it is.
8 Drinks That Help Burn Extra Fat Around Your Waistline
You may be surprised to discover that there are a number of drinks that can help you lose weight. Let's take a look at 8 of them.
Consuming Too Much of These Healthy Foods Can Be Deadly
While they may appear to be healthy on the surface, you may be surprised to discover just how fatal these 6 foods can be.
3 Glasses of Sunshine: Drink Recipes for the Hot Weather
Spring and summer are on their way, so what better time than to start perfecting your drink making skills. These sunny juices will quench your gaping thirst.
Surprise Everyone By Serving Them a Cake Inside an Egg!
No one will see this coming, these eggs contain little cakes...
How to Create the Perfect Home Pita Bread
If you've never tried pita bread, then you're missing out! This simple pita bread recipe will make you wonder why you never tried this before!
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.
After Reading This, You'll Never Buy Expensive Meat Again!
Do you know what the major difference between a cheap and an expensive cut of meat is? Here are 5 effective methods of making tough cuts of meat taste absolutely heavenly!
This Has to Be the Most Guilt-Free Bread Recipe Ever!
This cloud bread is carb, gluten and sugar-free. Despite those facts, it's still light, fluffy and utterly mouthwatering. Learn how to bake it today.
Eat These Foods for Breakfast If You're Diabetic
Breakfast is a very important meal of the day, even more so if you're diabetic. Here are 8 healthy breakfast options for those who suffer from diabetes.
These 5 Foods Will Help You Fall Asleep Immediately
Having trouble sleeping? Here are five foods that can help you out!
Make 8 Super-Simple Yet Healthy Treats
Discover how to transform simple ingredients into delicious, healthy snacks.
Reduce Your Carbs By Choosing the Right Food Alternatives
Reducing our carbohydrate intake is not as hard as it may seem. Find out what healthier alternatives you can make here.
For a Twist on Carrot Cake, Try These Bite-Sized Cookies
For a delicious twist on carrot cake, try these cookie bites! Perfect for an afternoon snack.
Why Did No One Tell Me That Beer Is So Amazing?
Did you know any of this stunning beer trivia? Frankly, I had no idea that beer was this amazing.