The Best and Worst Way to Thaw Meat and Fish, According to Our Test Kitchen

Here’s how to thaw meat safely and evenly.

Freezing meatis a great way to save money and trips to the grocery store.

Here are the two methods we use at EatingWell.

(The protein thaws so quickly that bacteria dont have enough time to grow.)

Fill a large bowl with hot waterthe temperature the researchers tested was around 102F.

Place it in the bowl and set a plate on top to keep it completely submerged.

It should thaw in 10 minutes or so.

Dont thaw on the counter

Such a commonly used methodand such a no-no.

Food left at room temp is a potential breeding ground for bacteria.

Breana Killeen, M.P.H., R.D., is the EatingWell Test Kitchen manager.