How to Defrost a Steak

Techniques for defrosting steak

Safety comes first when you’re defrosting meat and poultry. You should individually wrap each steak fillets so that they can be defrosted one or two at a time (depending on how many you want to cook). Leave them wrapped in their packaging while they thaw so that the juices don’t escape and make sure you place them on a plate so that your kitchen counter doesn’t get covered in steak juice! Steaks can be defrosted in the refrigerator, cold water or in the microwave.

Refrigerator Thawing

The bottom of your refrigerator is the warmest area in the unit, so place your wrapped steaks on the shelf and allow them to defrost – this will take a few hours. A 1 inch thick steak will take 8 to 12 hours to defrost, and a 2 inch thick steak will take 16 to 24 hours. This means that you should try and thaw out your food overnight before their intended use or get them out early in the morning to allow them to unfreeze.

Cold Water Thawing

This is faster than defrosting your steaks in the fridge, but you have to keep checking up on them throughout the defrosting process. This method therefore won’t suit anyone who plans to be out of the house during the defrosting time. Get a large bowl and fill it with cold water. Remove the steak from the freezer and leave it wrapped. Place it in the bowl of cold water – never use hot water or you will increase the chances of bacteria on the food which may lead to illness. Change the cold water every half an hour until the steak is properly defrosted. Steaks with a 1 inch thickness will take between 2 and 3 hours to thaw, and 2 inch thick steaks will take between 4 and 5 hours.

Microwave Thawing

The quickest method of defrosting food, it can also be dangerous if not done properly. Certain microwaves have a ‘defrost’ setting which allows the centre of the meat to defrost at the same time as the outer layer. Leave the meat wrapped, and don’t puncture it or all the juices will leave the meat. Microwaving is the fastest way for how to defrost a steak, but it is only a successful method if you like your meat slightly tougher and well done. If you like rare steak, cold water or refrigerator thawing are much more effective.

What to do after defrosting steak?

Don’t leave your steak exposed to room temperature as this is the perfect temperature for bacteria to breed. If you want to refreeze your steak, you can do so as long as it is refrigerated up to two days before it goes in the freezer. Food safety is vital for steaks, and the safer you are with the defrosting process, the more likely you are to enjoy your steak. Find your favorite steak recipes on Recipebridge.