If you can't go to the butcher several times a week to buy meat, you can store it in the freezer and transfer it to the refrigerator 24 hours before cooking. If you don't have time to let it defrost in the refrigerator and want to cook it right away, you can use a slightly less safe, but still effective, defrosting technique. All you need is a microwave, an appropriate container and a little patience.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Meat
Step 1. Check that the meat is still good
If you bought it a long time ago and forgot it in the freezer, it is best to throw it away so as not to take unnecessary risks. In case you have recently purchased it, there are some signs that can reveal if it has gone bad:
- The flesh appears faded;
- The meat gives off an unpleasant smell;
- The package shows signs of cold burns (there is ice inside).
Step 2. Get a container suitable for microwave use
You can also put the meat directly on the microwave turntable, but it is better to use a container because it will be the only item to wash. The best option is to use a glass container.
- If you want to use a plastic container, make sure it is suitable for microwave use by observing the symbols and words on the bottom.
- Do not use a single-use plastic container (such as one intended for take-out) and never put the foil in the microwave. Paper containers are also generally unsuitable for microwaves. In other words, if you are unsure whether it is an appropriate container, do not use it.
Step 3. Weigh the meat
If it is still in its original packaging, there will probably be a label indicating its weight, otherwise you will have to weigh it with the scale.
If possible, use a digital kitchen scale because it provides a more accurate measurement than a mechanical one
Step 4. Remove the meat from the package
Many materials used as wrapping are not suitable for use in the microwave, so when in doubt it is best to discard them.
Part 2 of 3: Defrosting Meat Properly
Step 1. Defrost the boneless chicken breasts for 2 minutes at 50% power
After 2 minutes, separate the individual slices and turn them over. Set the microwave to 20% of maximum power and set the timer by calculating 1 minute for every 700 g of weight. Flip the chicken breasts about every 60 seconds and remove any that have already thawed from the oven (set aside for cooking).
You can check if the chicken breasts have thawed by tapping them with your fork and making sure they are soft
Step 2. If the chicken has not been boned, start defrosting it for 2 minutes at 50% power
After 2 minutes, separate the individual pieces of meat and turn them upside down. Reduce the oven power to 30% and set the timer by calculating 1 minute for every 700g of weight. Check the meat every 60 seconds or so and remove any chicken pieces that have already thawed from the microwave.
Step 3. Defrost T-bone steaks for 2 minutes at 50% power
After 2 minutes, separate the steaks and turn them over. Reduce the power to 30% and set the timer by calculating 1 minute for every 500g of weight. Check the steaks every 60 seconds or so and remove any that have already defrosted from the microwave.
Step 4. Thaw the pork chops on the bone for 2 minutes using 50% power
After 2 minutes, separate and flip the chops. Reduce the microwave power to 30% and set the timer by calculating 1 minute for every 500g of weight. Check and flip the chops every 60 seconds or so, removing any that have already defrosted from the microwave.
Step 5. Defrost beef steaks or boneless pork chops for 2 minutes at 40% of maximum power
After 2 minutes, separate the slices of meat and turn them over. Reduce the power to 30% and set the timer by calculating 1 minute for every 250g of weight. Check and flip the steaks or chops every 60 seconds or so, then remove any that have already thawed from the microwave.
Step 6. Defrost the ground beef for 2 minutes at 50% of maximum power
After 2 minutes, try to separate the meat with the fork; reduce the oven power to 30% and set the timer by calculating 1 minute for every 700 g of weight. Check the ground coffee approximately every 30 seconds and remove the defrosted parts from the container
When the ground beef begins to soften and change heat, it means it has thawed and you can remove it from the container
Part 3 of 3: Food Safety Guidelines
Step 1. Monitor the meat as it defrosts
If you want to defrost meat using the microwave, it is very important to "never lose sight of it". If the defrosting process is not done properly and the meat does not defrost completely, it will not cook properly.
If your microwave doesn't have a turntable, rotate the container every time you check the meat
Step 2. Make sure the meat is defrosting evenly
At high temperatures, the edges of frozen foods tend to heat up more quickly. If you find that the meat is not defrosting evenly and is still tough in the center, check that you have set the microwave power correctly and that you have carefully separated all the individual pieces.
Step 3. Cook the meat as soon as it is completely thawed
Once the food has thawed, the bacteria will immediately begin to proliferate. High temperatures will stop bacterial growth, but only if the meat is cooked immediately.
