The next time you forget to thaw that meat for dinner – use hot water...

Thawing meat for dinner? You don’t have to start the day before...  

The recommended method of thawing frozen meat is usually in the fridge – but that can take a whole day, or more. A new study by the USDA says it’s perfectly safe to thaw frozen meat in a hot water bath. This method works great for thin cuts of meat, steaks, chops and chicken breasts – and only takes a few minutes. 

To thaw your meat in hot water, make sure it’s sealed in plastic. Fill a large pot with hot tap water, put the meat in and stir occasionally. Depending on the cuts of meat – it should be thawed in 10 to 20 minutes.

Hot water thawing is safe because it’s too fast for any significant bacterial growth. Meat thawed in hot water also loses less water than air-thawed meat, leaving it juicier and better tasting.