How to Defrost Steak Fast (The Best, Safe Way)
We’ve all been there. You have a plan for a special dinner — a nice steak seared on the stovetop, or maybe grilled. Perhaps you’re planning on steak tacos or a one-skillet meal with steak bites and potatoes. No matter what kind of steak is on the menu, if you don’t defrost it in time your well-laid plans may be derailed. Don’t panic. Here, we break down everything you need to know about how to defrost steak safely — and quickly.
To defrost steak quickly and safely, while still maintaining its quality, submerge it — in leak-proof packaging— in cold (below 40°F) water and then change that water every 30 minutes. Depending on the size of the steak, it should only take between 1 and 1 1/2 hours to defrost.
A Note on Food Safety
Defrosting any meat is more than a matter of speediness, it’s also a matter of safety. Harmful bacteria can begin to grow on food when it’s between the temperatures of 40°F and 140°F, which the USDA refers to as “the danger zone.”
The USDA lists a few recommended ways to defrost food safely without risk of entering the danger zone, all of which are included in the testing outlined below.
The Best Way to Defrost Steak When You’re Not in a Rush: The Refrigerator
Thawing in the refrigerator is a foolproof, USDA recommended method for thawing food. There is no risk of steak entering the danger zone this way, as it will remain cold as it defrosts. The downside, of course, is it’s time-consuming. Depending on the size and thickness of the steak it could take up to 24 hours to defrost steak this way. If you’ve got time, the fridge is a great option.
The Best Way to Defrost Steak Quickly: Cold Water Bath
If you didn’t remember to move your steak into the fridge the day before you wanted to cook it, an equally safe way to thaw it out — but with a much quicker turnaround time — is to submerge it (in a sealed package like a zip-top plastic bag) in a bowl of cold (40°F or below) water. The water should be changed every 30 minutes until the steak is fully thawed, which will take between 1 and 1 1/2 hours depending on the size and thickness of the steak.
The Best Way to Defrost Steak Lightning Quick: The Microwave
Sometimes you don’t have even an hour to wait for your steak to thaw. If you’re ready to cook right now, your best bet is to turn to your microwave. Many microwaves have a dedicated “defrost” setting, which heats food at a slightly lower temperature — to avoid cooking it — and may intermittently pause so you can flip the steak as it is thawing. When using the microwave to thaw meat, be sure to cook it immediately, per USDA recommendations, since it may have begun to cook during the thawing process.
What Not to Do When Defrosting Steak
Don’t be tempted to defrost steak (or any other meat) on the counter. Leaving steak out of the refrigerator for extended periods of time can lead to it entering the danger zone where harmful bacteria can grow very quickly.
Don’t thaw steak in hot water. Though hot water may thaw it slightly faster, it could also raise the temperature of the meat into the danger zone. Thawing in cool water that is 40°F or under ensures that the meat remains in the safe zone.
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