Thaw meat safely using cold water or a microwave, never on the counter. Cold water thawing is gentle and takes 15-30 minutes per pound. Microwave thawing is quick, but cook meat immediately after.

Understanding the Context

You can store meat in the freezer for up to a year. But what's the safest way to defrost it? MSN: How To Store Chicken And Fish Safely: Essential Freezing And Thawing Tips You Must Know How To Store Chicken And Fish Safely: Essential Freezing And Thawing Tips You Must Know The Shreveport Times: LSU AgCenter gives tips on safely thawing a turkey for Thanksgiving You can thaw frozen foods safely in three ways: refrigerator thawing, cold water thawing and microwave thawing. Thawing frozen food in cold water.

Key Insights

keep food in the “Danger Zone,” between 40 °F and 140 °F. Bacteria can grow quickly in these temperatures. Cold water thawing is meant to keep the surface of your food cool enough that bacterial growth stays slow, allowing the food to slowly, safely thaw all the way through. Thawing food in the refrigerator, running cold water, using the microwave, and incorporating it directly into the cooking process are the four correct methods for safely thawing food. Your timeline determines the method, but one of them is a standout.

Final Thoughts

I cook salmon once or twice a month for my family. Though I’d love to have fresh wild-caught fillets on hand, in all honesty, frozen ... Whether defrosting meat, fish, or poultry, food safety experts explain what not to do. Safe thawing protects your family from harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illness and spoil your meal.