How to Defrost Meat: Expert Advice on the Correct Method, Even When You’re Short on Time

The best way to defrost meat is to place it, still in its packaging, on a plate on the bottom shelf of the fridge. But what should you do if you forget to take the meat out of the freezer on time? Leaving it to thaw at room temperature is not the solution. Our biologist and nutritionist Simone Gabrielli explains why, and how to do it the right way.

Do you know how to defrost meat correctly? If you forget to take the meat out of the freezer on time, leaving it to thaw at room temperature is not the solution. In fact, it’s important to maintain the cold chain, as the freezer stops bacterial growth but doesn’t eliminate it. Therefore, the ideal method is to place frozen meat—and food in general—on the bottom shelf of the fridge, the coldest part, and allow it to thaw naturally.

However, if you’re short on time, you can follow the advice of our biologist and nutritionist Simone Gabrielli: all you need is a bowl and a sealed plastic bag, or alternatively, an appliance with a defrost function.

Why It’s Important to Maintain the Cold Chain