Defrosting meat isn’t just as simple as taking it out of the freezer and letting it sit until it is ready to be cooked. In order to do it efficiently and safely, you also need to make sure you avoid making the following mistakes.
Defrosting the Meat in Hot Water
Many people turn to hot water as a quick way to defrost the meat. But while it gets the job done, it is also really dangerous. Hot water can bring some parts of the meat to a so-called “danger zone” temperature, which will cause the growth of bacteria and might result in food poisoning.
Leaving Frozen Meat at Room Temperature
Leaving frozen meat at room temperature to defrost might seem like a tempting idea if you are not in a hurry. However, this is also a dangerous method. Meat shouldn’t spend more than two hours outside the fridge; otherwise, you risk turning it into a hotbed for harmful bacteria.
Defrosting Meat Under Running Water
Cold water can help you defrost meat when you are in a hurry. However, you should never place it under running water. This might cause cross-contamination of the sink and other kitchen surfaces and expose you to bacteria without you even realizing it.
Placing The Meat on the Top Shelf in the Fridge
The safest method to defrost meat is to place it in the fridge. However, you should never put it on the tip shelf. As the meat thaws, it can produce juices that drip and cross-contaminate other food. Use the bottom shelf and place the meat in a deep container for added safety.
