The simplest, most effective, and safest way to defrost pork chops is to transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator at least 12 hours in advance, but of course it requires some level of planning. Luckily, even if you haven't organized in time and the pork chops are still in the freezer, there is still a way to get dinner served on time. You can defrost chops quickly and safely using cold water or the microwave.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using Cold Water
Step 1. Prepare a bowl full of cold water
Temperature is the key to success in defrosting food safely. Use cold tap water and fill the bowl almost completely, leaving only enough space to submerge the chops.
Bacteria present on meat multiply more quickly if the temperature exceeds 5 ° C, so cold water serves to keep it below this level
Step 2. Place the chops in waterproof wrapping
You can wrap them individually or all together in case they are attached to each other. Inside a resealable food bag they will be protected from both water and any bacteria present in the air.
Step 3. Immerse the bag with the pork chops in cold water
It is essential to prevent the water from reaching room temperature, so you will need to change it every 20-30 minutes.
You could leave the cold water tap running, but to avoid unnecessary waste it is best to change the water at regular intervals
Step 4. Remove the bag with the chops from the water when they have thawed
If you wrapped them individually, they are expected to thaw in about 30 minutes. If, on the other hand, they formed a single block, those outside will thaw first. Once thawed, separate them from the block and transfer them to the refrigerator, then reseal the bag and return it to the bowl.
Keep in mind that the pork chops will need to be cooked before you can freeze them again
Method 2 of 2: Using the Microwave Oven
Step 1. Arrange the pork chops on a plate in an orderly fashion
Make sure it is suitable for microwave use. If you want to defrost a single chop, place it in the center of the plate. If there are three, mentally divide the plate into three equal parts. Remove any type of wrapping to allow the meat to defrost evenly.
If the chops are of different sizes, it is better to put the smaller or thinner ones in the center, as the heat is higher at the end of the turntable
Step 2. Use a low or medium power, between 30 and 50%, and set a starting time of 2 minutes
The power and efficiency of the microwave may vary by model, but in any case the standard or "maximum" power is too high to defrost the meat.
The "defrost" mode corresponds to a power of about 30-50%
Step 3. Flip the chops and let them defrost for another 2 minutes
Since the microwave does not guarantee even cooking, you have to flip and rotate the pork chops to help distribute the heat more evenly. Use a fork or a pair of chopsticks to lift and turn the chops. Repeat the process until they are thawed; it will take about 5-10 minutes, depending on the number of slices of meat.
- If the chops form a single frozen block, turn the oven on at 30-second intervals. Separate the slices of meat and arrange them on the plate as soon as possible.
- During the defrosting process, the meat may begin to cook at the ends.
Step 4. Once thawed, remove the pork chops from the microwave and prepare them for cooking
Since microwaved foods should be cooked immediately, it is advisable to let the pork chops defrost for about 10 minutes to make sure they are ready to be cooked in a pan, oven or barbecue.
Again, the chops must be cooked before they can be refrozen
Advice
- Leaving meat to thaw in the refrigerator is the safest choice. Weight and size determine how long it takes, but in general, for pork chops, one night should be enough. In comparison, a whole turkey takes 1 to 3 days.
- If you want to let the pork chops defrost in the refrigerator, keep in mind that if it is a combination refrigerator, the temperature is lower at the bottom. On the other hand, in refrigerators that are equipped with an ice dispenser, the coldest part is located at the top.
Warnings
- Never allow perishable foods, such as pork chops, to thaw at room temperature, otherwise you will make them vulnerable to bacteria and put your health at risk.
- Do not leave perishable foods out of the refrigerator or freezer, at room temperature, for more than 2 hours.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw meat. It also washes any surfaces and utensils it has come into contact with.
