How long can defrosted beef stay in the fridge

Although it might be common practice, defrosting meat at room temperature can lead bacterial growth. There are three ways you can safely thaw meat, and the amount of time you have to cook meat varies depending on how it was thawed.

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If you need to thaw something quick, you can use the microwave. You can thaw meat in the refrigerator with some planning ahead. You can also thaw meat in cold water.

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Microwave and cold-water thawing require immediate cooking and refrigerator thawing varies by a few days, depending on the type of meat, according to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.

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Tip

The amount of time that food is safe after thawing varies by the method used to thaw it. Microwave and cold-water thawing require immediate cooking, while thawing in the fridge can buy you a few days.

Save Time With the Microwave

Meat can be safely thawed in the microwave but you should remove all plastic wrap and foam trays before beginning the defrost process. Thaw meat on low power so that the meat is heated more evenly.

After thawing in the microwave, you should cook the meat immediately in case portions of the meat become too warm and begin to cook, according to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.

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This creates an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria, especially bacteria that was already present before the thawing process. Foodborne illness, such as salmonella infection, can occur from consumption of meat that is contaminated with bacteria, according to Mayo Clinic.

Read more: 5 Healthy Red Meat Recipes That Satisfy

Use the Fridge

You can thaw meat in the refrigerator with some advance planning because it takes some time. For example, a frozen turkey takes 24 hours to thaw for every 5 pounds of weight. One pound of ground meat or chicken takes 24 hours, perhaps longer if the temperature in your refrigerator is below the optimum temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

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According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, ground meat, poultry and seafood need to be cooked within a day or two after thawing in the refrigerator. Pieces of red meat, like beef steaks, lamb chops and pork chops or roasts, should be cooked within three to five days of thawing.

It's OK to refreeze meat without cooking if it's been thawed in the refrigerator, but some quality may be jeopardized.

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Read more: The Carnivore Diet: Is Going All-Meat Right for You?

Try Cold-Water Thawing

Meat can be safely thawed in cold water but never in warm water or on the countertop because the meat gets too warm, which is ideal for bacterial growth. Thawing in hot water can begin to cook your meat.

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To thaw meat in cold water, place it in a leak-proof bag, submerge it in cold water and change the water every 30 minutes so it stays cold, explains the University of Illinois Extension. Cook meat thawed in cold water immediately, even before you refreeze it.

You can cook frozen meat without thawing it if you run out of time to thaw. Plan on cooking the meat at least 50 percent longer than if it were in a thawed state.

Make sure to read the whole article because below, I’ve included information on how to thaw the steak properly.

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How Long Can Steak Stay In The Fridge After Thawing

According to USDA, thawed steak can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days before it starts to spoil. If you properly store your thawed steak in an airtight container or a zip bag, it will most likely stay fresh for those 5 days. However, it’s always best to cook the steak as soon as possible after thawing.

How To Thaw Steak

• Submerge Under Cold Water
• In The Fridge
• In a Microwave

Submerge Under Cold Water

Submerging steak under cold water is perhaps one of the best and fastest ways to thaw the steak. However, make sure to change the water every 30 minutes, so it stays cold. It will take about 30 minutes to thaw a one-inch steak completely. To make the thawing process even faster, leave the steak under running cold water. Of course, if you’re concerned about the water bill, perhaps it’s not the best option.

In The Fridge

If you have plenty of time and plan things ahead of time – thaw the steak in the fridge Take the steak out of a freezer and place it on a plate (or even better, in a deep bowl) and put it in the fridge for about 24 hours. It should be ready for cooking the next day. Just make sure to bring steak to room temperature before cooking.

In a Microwave

You can thaw steak in the microwave. However, I highly suggest skipping this method. Defrost your steak in a microwave only if you’re in a hurry. Otherwise, please use the two methods above. Steak is not a cheap product; therefore, you would not want to destroy its texture and beefy flavor.

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FAQ

How to store steak in the freezer?

Put steak in a vacuum bag or an airtight container, and then place it in the freezer. Alternatively, wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap. However, make sure to do it properly; otherwise, freezer burn can occur.

How long can thawed steak stay out of the fridge?

Thawed steak can stay no more than 2 hours out of the fridge before it goes bad.

How can you tell if thawed beef is bad?

The best way to tell if a thawed steak has gone bad is by checking the color and smell. If the steak is brown or has an off odor, it has gone bad and should be thrown out.

Renaldas Kaveckas

Renaldas is the founder, professional chef, and content creator at AvantGardeKitchen.com. What is his aim, you may ask? Simple. Help you to become a better home cook.