The final method is by defrosting in cold water. However, if you are in a pinch, the FSIS suggests an even faster way to defrost. 'Foods thawed in the fridge can be refrigerated for between one (for chicken, fish, and ground meat products) and five (for big cuts of meat like a brisket or lamb roast) days.' 'Larger items, like whole chickens and turkeys, pork shoulders, and other big cuts of meat, will take about 24 hours for every 5 pounds. Smaller items, like chicken breasts and steaks, may thaw in about 12 hours. FRED TANNEAU/Getty Imagesīyrne said: 'To thaw meat in the refrigerator, transfer sealed meat from the freezer to the fridge the day before you plan to cook it. Defrosting frozen meat in the fridge is the most reliable way to thaw food safely, according to experts. For example, if you are defrosting your bird for Thanksgiving, that could take days in the fridge.Ī stock image of frozen meat. The fridge method requires more preparation than others, as the larger the meat, the longer the defrost will take. If using the cold water method, only use cold water (don't be tempted to use hot or lukewarm water.)' If defrosting in the microwave, the most important thing to note is the need to cook the food immediately. The second method is in the refrigerator, which, according to food safety expert Jenna Brown, is the safest due to the gradual way in which the defrosting takes place.īrown told Newsweek: 'The safest way to defrost is always overnight in the refrigerator.

In the case of fish, other methods are better suited. Defrosting Meat in the Microwaveĭefrosting meat in the microwave is exactly as it sounds: putting your frozen meat in the microwave on the defrost setting.īyrne said, with this method, it is a good method if you plan to eat that meat right away, and as microwaves thaw from the inside to the outside, it may be parts of the meat are warmer than others when using this method.ĭue to this warming, it is important to cook straight away to destroy any bacteria.Īs Byrne mentioned, you should also consider what you are defrosting and whether microwaving is the best method. So what are these three methods? Newsweek breaks down the best ways to defrost safely. That said, refrigerator thawing has the least room for error, and is guaranteed to keep your food at a safe temperature while it thaws.' 'As long as you're following guidelines, each of these methods of thawing is safe. 'Fish may not thaw properly in the microwave, since its delicate flesh and a high water content might turn it mushy. She explained: 'The three methods of safe thawing work for all types of meat and fish. Using a microwave is also a quick way to defrost meat safely, but it must be cooked straight away.

Quickly defrost ground beef