What is the best method for thawing meat?
A. There are several methods to thaw food safely — in the refrigerator, under cold, running water, and in the microwave. To ensure that your food is safe to eat, follow one of these methods: In the refrigerator: Plan ahead as this is the slowest thawing technique. Small frozen items may thaw overnight in the refrigerator, while larger items will take significantly longer. In cold running water: Place the frozen food in a leak-proof bag and place it under cold running water. In a microwave on the defrost setting: Plan to cook the food immediately after it has thawed in a microwave, because some areas of the food may have begun cooking during the defrost cycle.