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Questions tagged [defrosting]

84 questions
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Is there a problem with defrosting meat on the counter?

I generally defrost meat on the kitchen counter. A friend of mine suggested that this was dangerous and suggested that I defrost meat in the refrigerator. I am no biologist but it seems to me that as long as the meat doesn't get warm defrosting it…
ahsteele
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How to quickly and safely defrost chicken?

What is the safest, quick way to defrost chicken? Microwave? Running water over it?
Smashery
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I need to quickly and safely thaw frozen ground beef, what are my options?

Since reading the answers to my question about defrosting meat on the counter I've been good about giving my meat time to defrost in the refrigerator. However, my plans for tonight have changed and I'd like to defrost some ground beef that is…
ahsteele
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Why is expired frozen chicken safe to eat?

It seems to be a widely held belief that that freezing chicken, and then defrosting, cooking, and eating it much later (well past the expiration date) is a perfectly fine thing to do. What makes it safe? And are there any food safety hazards to…
Ana
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Can I thaw salmon directly in water?

Some websites suggest putting salmon in a bag before thawing in cold water. Is it safe to omit the bagging, and instead thaw directly in water? (If not, why?)
Asker
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How to defrost frozen pizza dough quickly?

Obviously, best practice for defrosting it to leave the pizza dough on the counter or in the fridge overnight, then let it rise before cooking it. However, I've got company coming tonight, and I forgot to defrost the dough last night. (It's…
Goodbye Stack Exchange
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Should one - moreover can one - defrost a frozen lasagna before cooking?

So I purchased one of these "frozen lasagna" products at the supermarket to see what it's all about. It was in the supermarket freezer and indeed I am keeping it in the freezer of my fridge. (I.E., it's frozen solid when I took the pic just…
Fattie
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How do you properly defrost frozen fish?

I recently bought a package of frozen cod that contains about 6 pieces. How do you go about properly defrosting them? Thanks.
duchessofstokesay
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How do I choose frozen fish so that it doesn't release so much water?

I bought a package of frozen, individually wrapped, vacuum-sealed pacific cod fillets (about 150-200 grams each) from what I thought was a reputable brand (and not the lowest price) in my nearest supermarket, and attempted to pan-fry it. I defrosted…
Calimo
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Is a longer defrost better than microwave defrosting?

I was taught the idea that if you let frozen meat thaw out over night then it is better for the end product that defrosting it in the microwave? Does this have merit or is it just an old wives tale? Also does cooking frozen meat effect the taste or…
Neil Meyer
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Why exactly is thawing via hot water bad?

I read all over the internet and labels that you shouldn't thaw with hot water? However, tons of people leave meat to get to room temperature, so how is thawing with hot water bad? For instance, when I buy some Pork Loin and it's kinda frozen, I run…
user17188
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Food safety issues related to eating raw frozen vegetables

I just pulled out a package of frozen spinach and noticed a warning "Cook from frozen, product must be cooked before consumption". I found the same on a package of frozen baby peas and I'm sure I've seen it many times before on vegetables that are…
PeterJ
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Can I successfully bake previously-frozen bread dough?

I prefer my bread freshly baked (who doesn't?), but my mixer prefers kneading two loaves at a time to just kneading one. I have tried to freeze the second loaf before baking it, but when I thaw it, it does not rise well before baking. I've tried…
Rebekah
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Can you store frozen dinners in the refrigerator for up to a week before eating them?

Given that this is "Seasoned Advice", my question may be considered blasphemy, but I'm going to take a chance anyways as the good people here are likely best suited to know the answer. ;) Is there any harm in storing store-bought frozen dinners in…
RockPaperLz- Mask it or Casket
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What's the best way to defrost ice-cream/sorbet quickly?

I made some sorbet at the weekend, and realised just when we were due to serve that I had forgot to take it out of the freezer to soften, and so it was rock hard. What is the best way to bring it to a usable temperature quickly? We chucked it in…
Sam Holder
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