How do you defrost meat? If you do it wrong, you might even end up calling an ambulance

From time to time, we put meat in the freezer. Either we have some left over, or we buy a larger quantity because it’s good value. Whatever the situation, when it comes to meat, it’s not just important to freeze it properly, but above all to defrost it correctly. This can be a real stumbling block. We’ll therefore take a closer look at how we should never defrost meat. If we do so, we could face some very unpleasant health consequences.

Dangerous ways to defrost meat

The classic method is to defrost meat slowly. However, it’s a problem when we forget to defrost the meat and need to use it as quickly as possible. This leads to attempts to defrost it quickly. This can be counterproductive. The search for quick fixes often results in us placing the meat somewhere hot. In winter, this is usually a radiator. Now, in summer, simply any hot spot. If we leave the meat in such a hot spot for a long time, putrefaction can occur. These are also caused by rapid temperature changes. Logically, the rotting processes mainly take place in the outer parts of the meat.

Photo: Radek Stepan

How to defrost meat safely

There are several options.

The classic method in the fridge

It’s best to defrost meat directly in the fridge. Ideally, you should start defrosting it the day before you intend to use it. The meat will begin to defrost slowly and no rotting processes will take place.

Defrosting in water

Of course, this is possible, but the meat should not be placed directly into the water itself. The meat should be in some sort of container and the water should be changed every half an hour. This results in slow and even defrosting, which is quicker than in the fridge.

The upside-down saucepan trick

It’s quite an interesting method. It works best with small pieces of meat or slices. Take them out of the freezer and leave them in their original packaging. Take a saucepan and turn it upside down. Place the meat underneath it. Pour water into another saucepan and heat it up. Then place this second saucepan on top of the one containing the meat. Leave it there for 5 minutes. Just make sure both saucepans are made of stainless steel. The meat will defrost quickly and properly.

Tip: Have you smoked any meat? How can you keep meat for as long as possible?

Sources: Author, Meta, tojenapad.sk

Photo and gallery: Radek Stepan