How to defrost frozen food in fridge
I've read that allowing frozen food to defrost in the fridge or under running water is generally a good idea (compared to leaving it out on the worktop). I'm aware there are some situations where it's not ideal.
As some foods defrost, they release a liquid. My own research suggests this could be full of bad bacteria etc, and the food can spoil.
In my situation, I have some frozen shellfish. This includes crab claw, squid, cuttlefish and prawns. They are all on 1 dinner plate, in my fridge and I've now considered there are 2 problems, which I can summarise as:
They will soon be sitting in each others water!
I have 2 questions, which are relevant to the title:
As the shellfish will be cooked together, is there are any risk of contamination from the defrosted liquid?
Is my technique (or lack of) of letting them defrost on a plate incorrect? For example, should I be defrosting in a colendar with a bowl underneath?
Best Answer
If this is all kept at refrigerator temperatures, then cooked, your health risk is extremely low. However, there is a better method, which you suggest. Place your seafood/shellfish in a colander or strainer. Place that over a container so that the melting liquid can drain off, and so that the product will not be sitting in the liquid. The same set up can be used for fresh fish, and is common in seafood markets. With non-frozen, the seafood can be packed with ice to keep it as cold as possible. Again, with the set-up I describe, the melting ice will be captured below the product.
Pictures about "How to defrost frozen food in fridge"
Quick Answer about "How to defrost frozen food in fridge"
In The Refrigerator: Plan ahead – most items can take an entire day (or overnight) to thaw. Place frozen food on a plate, or in a container, to catch any juices that may leak. Keep the item that's thawing on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.How long does it take to defrost food in the fridge?
The safest way to defrost food is in the fridge Allow at least 24 hours for every 2-2.5 kg (4-5 lbs). Once the food has thawed, cook or eat it within 24 hours. Do not refreeze it. It is not safe to defrost at room temperature.Should you defrost food in the fridge?
Food should be left out at room temperature for the shortest time possible. Ideally, defrost these foods in the fridge. Foods will defrost quite quickly at room temperature, but harmful bacteria could grow in food if it gets too warm while defrosting.How long does it take to defrost meat in the fridge?
The safest way to thaw frozen meat is in the refrigerator. Generally, an average size cut of meat takes a day to fully defrost in a fridge. Larger cuts or whole birds (like a turkey) take about 24 hours per five pounds to thaw.More answers regarding how to defrost frozen food in fridge
Answer 2
This same liquid was contained within the food itself. Some of that liquid does not drip out of the food and will be cooked. There is no danger here.
Answer 3
Put your food on a a tray that has hole in it so that the liquid fall to the bottom .
You can use a baking/grill rack with a pan under it.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Gustavo Fring, Gotta Be Worth It, Jill Wellington, cottonbro