How to Defrost Steaks, Roasts, and Burgers
IDEALLY…
- Defrost steak, burgers and ground beef in your refrigerator for at least 24 hours
- Defrost roasts in your refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, depending on size.
THE QUICK (BUT SAFE) WAY…
- Cold Water Defrosting. Fill a large bowl with cold water. Submerge the meat, in its packaging or in a plastic bag, in the water. Change the water periodically. Your meat should be ready to grill in about 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Defrosting in warm water may be faster but will create an environment that is perfect or bacteria. - Microwave. While not our favorite method this is often the fastest way to defrost meat. Follow your microwave defrosting instructions. Watch carefully so as to only defrost the meat and not cook it!
How to Defrost Chicken
IDEALLY…
Thaw your chicken in the refrigerator. This method requires the most preparation but it’s the most highly recommended. Chicken typically takes 24 hours to thaw so you will need to plan your meals in advance. Once thawed, poultry can remain the refrigerator for a day or two before grilling.
THE QUICK (BUT SAFE) WAY…
- Cold Water Defrosting. Place the chicken in a leakproof plastic bag. This will stop the water from damaging the meat tissue as well as keeping any bacteria from the infecting the food. Submerge the bag in a large bowl of cold water. Change out the water every 30 minutes. Your chicken should be fully thawed in 1 to 2 hours.
- Microwave. This is the fastest method but also requires that you grill your chicken immediate after thawing. Microwaves heat poultry to a temperature between 40 and 140˚F which is ideal for bacteria to thrive. Only cooking the chicken to the proper temperatures will kill the potentially dangerous bacteria.
Once your meat/chicken is thawed all you need is your grill and a great recipe.
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