1. Use Cold Water
If you need to thaw your meat quickly, the cold water method may be for you. Seal the raw meat into a plastic bag and soak it into cool water that's around 70 degrees F. If you use warmer water, you put your meat at risk for the multiplication of bacteria. Make sure you change the water every 30 minutes to prevent the spread of bacteria. Depending on the amount of meat, it may take a few hours to defrost with this method. If you need it done fast, you can run cool water over the meat, turning it over every few minutes, though this is a waste of water. You must use the meat immediately after defrosting it with this method.
2. Use Your Microwave
A fast way to thaw meat safely is in your microwave. Put your raw meat onto a microwave safe plate and put a small covering over it to prevent spillage and splattering. If the raw meat splatters or juices spill, make sure you clean them up immediately. Program your microwave according to the directions from the manufacturer, or set the microwave at 30 percent power, and check periodically to see how the meat is defrosting. You may have to turn it over a few times during defrosting in the microwave. Pull apart any individual pieces, such as frozen hamburger patties, as soon as you can to help them defrost faster. Once you use a microwave, cook the food immediately. However, you can refreeze it after cooking.
3. Use Your Refrigerator
Take your meat out of the freezer and place it into your refrigerator. Some people unwrap it; other people keep it in its wrapper. If you take it out of the wrapper, make sure you place the meat onto a tray or a plate to catch any juices that can contaminate your other foods. If you defrost meat this way, you can refreeze it safely as long as it doesn't spend too many hours in your fridge.
4. Avoid Unsafe Methods
Don't defrost raw meat in warm water as this can lead to bacteria multiplication. Also avoid putting frozen meat on a countertop to defrost, as this can lead to bacteria multiplication, too. The more bacteria in the meat, the sicker you can get from food poisoning.
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