If you bought the value pack and want to save a few steaks for next time, then the best way to keep them from spoiling is to store them in the freezer. It is not recommended to cook meat from frozen, so defrost steaks in the microwave next time.
How do you defrost steam in the microwave? Defrost steaks in a microwave on a defrost setting or low power level. Nuke for 2 to 5 minutes per pound, and flip the steaks on the other side every 30 seconds for even thawing.
Though you can defrost steaks in different ways like placing in the fridge overnight, or running under cold water, but if you are short of time then a microwave can be the right choice for you.
In this article, we are going to discuss how to defrost steak in microwave. Continue reading for answers to frequently asked questions about microwave tips to use when defrosting steak.
Can you defrost steaks in the microwave?
Yes, you can defrost steaks in the microwave. The microwave is the quickest way to defrost frozen steaks
If you do not have time to wait for defrosting steaks in the fridge or under cold running water, then the microwave is an easy way to thaw steaks quickly.
According to the USDA, steaks defrosted in a microwave should be cooked immediately. Defrosting in a microwave puts the meat into the temperature danger zone and increases the chances of bacteria growth if left on the countertop after nuking.
Is it safe to thaw steak in the microwave?
Yes, it is safe to thaw steaks in the microwave according to USDA. This steaks must be cooked immediately after defrosting as the meat will begin to rapidly grow food borne bacteria at room temperature.
Bacteria multiplies quickly on thawed streaks. So after thawing steaks in the microwave, it must be cooked as soon as possible to avoid the risk of remaining in the temperature danger zone for too long.
Do I need to defrost steak before cooking?
Yes, it is recommended to defrost steaks before cooking. If you have just taken a frozen steak out of the freezer and tried to cook it, the outside may cook just fine, but the center will remain ice cold and raw.
If you like the steak black and blue, or completely raw on the inside, then you may cook the steak while frozen. However, that is not the preference for everyone.
As a result, many people prefer to defrost steaks before cooking to make it easier to cook thoroughly. When you cook frozen steaks without defrosting, you will have to cook them carefully to achieve the boneless that you are looking for.
If I defrost steak can I refreeze it?
According to USDA, steaks can be refrozen safely if it has been defrosted in a refrigerator. Refreezing thawed steaks can affect the quality and texture of the meat due to loss of moisture and recrystallization of the water molecules during the freezing process.
It is safe to refreeze steaks after cooking if the raw steaks were previously frozen. However, you can also refreeze the uncooked portion of raw steaks if the meat was defrosted in the refrigerator.
The leftover cooked streaks should be frozen within 3-4 days of being thawed.
Defrosted steaks should not be refrozen if they are left out of the fridge at room temperature for more than 2 hours. This same understanding applies if the steaks were thawed in a microwave, so don’t leave them out of cold storage for too long if you intend on refreezing them.
How do you defrost steak quickly?
Steaks can be defrosted quickly and safely in 30 minutes in cold water. If you are short on time, then defrosting steak in the microwave is the quickest option.
To defrost steaks quickly you should put frozen steaks in a leak-proof and resealable bag and submerge them in a large bowl filled with cold running water. It may take an hour to defrost if there are multiple steaks stuck together.
Check the temperature of the water every 5 minutes to make sure that it is running cold and not warming up too much. The time taken may increase with the number of steaks to be defrosted, so break the pieces apart as soon as they separate easily to expedite the process.
A microwave is the best option to defrost steaks quickly, especially if you have decided to cook them right away. It may change the texture and color of your steaks, so this method should be used as a last resort.
In fact, some parts of the steaks start cooking while defrosting them in a microwave. It may take about 5 minutes to defrost a one pound steak in a microwave, which is fairly quick considering the other options available.
How long does steak take to defrost in the microwave?
It takes between 2 to 5 minutes to defrost a pound of steak in a microwave. The time varies due to the number of pieces in the pound, thickness of the steaks and the wattage of the microwave.
Though a microwave is the quickest option to defrost steaks, it is not recommended by most meat lovers unless it is urgent. Defrosting steaks in a microwave can change its taste, texture and color.
The main reason behind it is that the heat of the microwave slowly starts cooking some parts of the steaks while defrosting. Furthermore, steaks are meant for high heat and quick cooking that caramelizes the meat fibers, not slow heating methods as it will make the meat tough and chewy.
Therefore, you should use the microwave method to defrost steaks as a last resort only.
Tips to defrost steak in a microwave
The time taken to defrost steaks in a microwave depends upon the weight, thickness and wattage of the appliance. Start by checking the weight of the steaks you are going to defrost.
To defrost steaks in a microwave you will have to follow the following tips:
- Take the steaks out of the freezer and remove the original packaging as plastic and styrofoam are not considered to be microwave safe materials.
- Place frozen steaks in a microwave-safe container, or it is generally safe to use a glass or ceramic place.
- Use the defrost setting on the microwave to thaw steaks. If your microwave does not have a defrost button, then set the power level to 30% power for this purpose.
- Set the timer of the microwave to defrost your steaks, it can take between 2 to 5 minutes to defrost a pound of steaks. Additionally, the time varies according to the number of steaks being defrosted.
- For best results, use the auto defrost option provided on the microwave to defrost specific foods by weight.
- While thawing steaks in a microwave you should be very careful as to heat it evenly on all sides. Flip the streaks every 30 seconds to distribute the heat. Unattended frozen steaks on the microwave may defrost for too long and easily overcook.
- After the steaks are completely defrosted, remove them from the microwave immediately to cook them right away. When left in the microwave for too long, bacteria grows rapidly that could cause food borne illness.
Best way to defrost steak in the microwave
The best way to defrost steaks in a microwave is on a low power level or defrost setting. Defrost for 2 to 5 minutes per pound and flip the steak over at 30 second intervals.
If you have just decided to cook steaks for dinner, then frozen steaks should be defrosted before cooking and the microwave is the quickest method.
Remove the steaks from the original packaging and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Set the microwave for 2 minutes at 30% power.
The frozen steaks should be flipped every 30 seconds to thaw them evenly.
Defrosting Steak In Microwave: Final Thoughts
Meal planning has a tendency to creep up on us and before we know it time to eat has arrived. If you have a craving for steak, but they are still frozen in the freezer, then defrosting steaks in a microwave is quick and easy.
The frozen meat must be removed from the original packaging and placed on a microwave safe dish. It is not safe to microwave disposable packaging that the steaks are stored in.
When using a microwave to thaw steaks, always use the defrost button or set the microwave on 30% power level.
Modern microwaves often have automated defrost functions that set the time based on the weight of the meat, this is the best option to use.
Otherwise, set the defrost timer for 2 minutes. Microwave for 30 second intervals and flip the frozen steak over after each increment to evenly thaw the steak.
If the steak is still frozen after 2 minutes, then continue turning the steak and nuking for 30 second durations.
When thawing steak in a microwave, keep the time to the lowest possible amount to prevent overcooking the meat on low heat. In total, it takes between 2 to 5 minutes to defrost a pound of steak in the microwave.
Although the microwave is the quickest way to defrost a steak, it may not be the best. Steaks do not taste great when cooked with low heat, and even on the defrost setting the meat has a tendency to cook slightly in a microwave.