How to defrost ground beef, 5 different ways

Everyone has been in this situation of going to prepare lunch or dinner and the meat is frozen. Ground meat is one of the most practical and often the first option for a quick meal. Therefore, we are going to teach you 5 different ways on how defrost ground beef.

So, as we know, The process of defrosting meat is very slow and we don’t always have time to wait. So, these tricks can save your lunch. However, the best way to defrost ground meat will always be in the refrigerator, which maintains the ideal temperature and can still be frozen again later. In addition to avoiding bad smells and strange appearances in the meat.

But, in urgent situations you can benefit from these tricks on how to defrost ground meat.

5 ways to defrost ground beef

1 – In the fridge

As previously stated, This is the best way to defrost ground beef. But it is ideal when we have time to spare until it is time to prepare the meat. Depending on the size of the pieces, it can be defrosted in an hour. But if it is a larger quantity, it may take longer. See the step by step below.

1. First, you will increase the temperature of the refrigerator a little. Ideally, it should be at 2°C.
2. You will place the ground meat on a plate or plastic bag. This is because frozen water and blood may begin to flow out during thawing.
3. Then, place the bag or container with the frozen ground beef in the lower part of the refrigerator. Choose one of the lowest shelves possible.
4. After a few hours, check the condition of the ground meat and whether it is ready to use. A tip is to watch the middle, if it gives way, it’s ready to cook.

2 – With ice water

In this second option on how to defrost ground meat the process is a little faster. In about 1 hour you can defrost half a kg of meat. But remember, the more meat, the longer it takes to defrost.

1. First, place the ground meat to be defrosted in a plastic bag, preferably with a zipper.
2. Close tightly to avoid leaks.
3. Therefore, immerse the meat in cold tap water and place it on a plate or bowl and cover with ice water.
4. Leave the meat in the sink to thaw.
5. Then, after half an hour, change each, and repeat this until completely defrosted. This prevents the water from becoming dirty, in addition to keeping the water at a cold temperature.
6. After an hour, check if the ground meat has defrosted. If it is soft, you can use it within a maximum of two hours. In this case, you cannot freeze the meat again later.

3 – How to defrost ground meat in the microwave

For those who need their meat defrosted as quickly as possible, the best way is to use the microwave. Learn how:

1. First, remove the ground beef from the packaging, which is not ideal for microwaving.
2. Then, place the ground meat in a microwave-safe bowl.
3. And cover the bowl with a plate.
4. Place in the microwave at medium power. For every 450 g of meat, leave for 3 minutes. Never at full power so as not to start cooking.
5. Some microwaves already have the option to defrost meat. In this case, the device is already programmed for the right power and time.
6. After a minute, check the meat and turn the meat over to thaw on all sides.
7. After 3 minutes, check if the meat is already defrosted. If not, add another 45 seconds until it’s done.
8. Finally, just cook the ground beef however you prefer immediately.

4 – With vinegar

Another option for sporadic situations, the ideal is to always let the ground meat defrost naturally in the refrigerator. But if you can’t, vinegar can be a lifesaver in this case.

1. Remove the frozen ground beef from the packaging it came from the supermarket.
2. Then bathe the meat with white vinegar.
3. Then, place the meat in a large bowl and marinate in vinegar for about 20 minutes.
4. This way, the vinegar will help increase the temperature of the meat, and consequently speed up the defrosting process.
5. After this time, check if the meat is ready. If not, leave it for a few more minutes.
6. Finally, rinse the meat under running water and it is ready to be cooked in one of the many recipes using ground meat.

5 – Com zip-lock

Finally, the method of defrosting ground meat using a zip-lock bag. Although effective, this method should only be used in emergencies.. And the meat must be prepared immediately and cannot be returned to the freezer afterwards.

1. First, put a large pan of water on the fire.
2. Wait for balls to form at the bottom and turn off the heat.
3. Be careful not to let the water get too hot.
4. Then, place your ground meat in a zip-lock bag and close it tightly.
5. So, place it in the pan with water and turn off the heat.
6. I wait about 15 minutes and the meat will be defrosted ready to be prepared.

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Sources: Wikihow Tudo Gostoso