These days freezers across the country see more and more action. Most people have discovered that freezing food is a great way to save money and time. Two things that most of us seem to be wanting.
The freezer can be so convenient that it’s common to find a second freezer in the garage. The only problem with frozen food, however, is that it needs to be thawed.
You can’t just pull it out of the freezer and eat it immediately. That means that if you don’t think ahead and begin thawing food well before you want to eat, you may be kicking yourself when dinner time comes around.
Here are some tips on how you can safely and quickly thaw frozen food.
Meal planning for the week? Here are a few ways to thaw frozen foods to safely use them!Click To TweetThaw Frozen Food in Cold Water
The best way to defrost frozen food quickly is by placing it in a bowl of cold water. Do not use warm or hot water.
Use a bowl that’s large enough to cover the entire package in water. Then, change the water every 30 minutes until the food is thoroughly defrosted.
If it’s not possible to fit the whole package in water, another good option is to place the frozen food in a bowl and put it in the sink under cold, running water.
This is a safe and quick way to defrost frozen food. It will take only a few hours to thaw a huge piece of meat.
Defrost Food Quickly in the Microwave
The microwave is the quickest way to defrost frozen food, and it’s the best method for you to use when you’re really in a pinch.
However,
If you defrost food in the microwave, you should be ready to cook or eat it immediately or very soon after for the best taste. Also, thawing food in the microwave isn’t recommended for food like bread or dairy.
Thaw Frozen Vegetables and Other Foods in the Refrigerator
Defrosting food in the refrigerator is the safest way to do it, but it isn’t the quickest.
Thawing food in the fridge is the best way to prevent the growth and spread of bacteria and germs, and it can also help best preserve the taste or form of the food.
To defrost safely in the fridge, prepare at least 24 hours in advance so that the food will be fully thawed by the time you’re ready to eat it. Small pieces may take less, and larger pieces can take two days or more.
Every night before bed, the best thing to do is take out of the freezer what you plan to eat two nights from then.
Smaller food may be able to defrost thoroughly during the day and be ready for dinner the next night, but a two-day window will ensure that you don’t get home to a still frozen meal. However, if that’s the case, you can always put it in a bowl of cold water to speed up the process.
These tips are awesome! Thank you so much for sharing!
What’s your favorite way to thaw food?
Great advice, thanks for sharing! I am terrible about remembering to take things out of the freezer to thaw in time! I am trying to get better. I usually defrost in the refrigerator, as it is the safest method.
Most times we use a combination of the refrigerator and sitting it on the counter to thaw food for cooking same day or next.
i often have to take stuff out of freezer for dinner because i forgot, so this is helpful!
This is where meal planning probably comes in handy so you know when to thaw your frozen food
I don’t really like using the microwave to defrost things as it’s extra power used when all you need to do it take it out the day before.
Sometimes two days before if it’s a thick piece of meat. My chicken leg quarters often take two days in the fridge to thaw.
Thank you for sharing. Awesome tips!
I try to plan ahead and thaw frozen foods in the fridge. Thanks for the tips.
We are guilty of forgetting to sit things out to thaw a day or two before.