The quick-frozen steaks we buy in supermarkets are usually very hard when frozen, so they need to be defrosted after they are bought. But you need to master the correct way to defrost steak, otherwise the taste of the steak will become bad.
Does quick-frozen steak need to be defrosted?
Quick-frozen steak needs to be defrosted, and it must be defrosted slowly using the correct method, so as to ensure the freshness and tenderness of the meat. Many people buy it home. It is very wrong to defrost directly with hot water. The correct way is to put the frozen steak indoors for a few hours before using it; you can also put the frozen steak in the refrigerator for a few hours before taking it out for use. The most scientific way to defrost is to soak the quick-frozen steak in cold water or place it at 4°C to 8°C to allow it to defrost naturally.
The fastest way to defrost steak
1. Cold air thawing
Cold air thawing is actually to put the purchased frozen steak in the refrigerator together with the packaging bag. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator, usually for about 12-24 hours, and the core temperature of the meat will reach 0 degrees. Although this method takes a long time, the meat juice will be lost less. You only need to take it out of the freezer and put it in the refrigerator 24 hours before eating.
2. Thawing under running water
Thawing under running water is to put the frozen meat together with the original packaging bag or into a sealed plastic bag, and then soak it in clean water overnight. It is recommended to replace it intermittently. The clear water and running water thawing methods are faster than the cold air thawing method. The use of plastic bags and the slow thawing process can effectively prevent the loss of meat juice and prevent the meat from being contaminated by bacteria in clean water.
3. Microwave defrosting
The advantage of microwave defrosting is that it takes a short time. This method is generally used in Western restaurants. It usually only takes a few minutes. More advanced microwave ovens can also It comes with a defrost function, which is convenient and fast. The principle is that microwaves penetrate the frozen meat to cause the water molecules in the meat to vibrate and rub, thereby generating heat to increase the temperature of the frozen meat to achieve the purpose of thawing the inside and outside. The disadvantage of thawing in a microwave oven is that the heating time must be carefully controlled, otherwise overheating will cause part of the frozen meat to cook.
4. Thawing with thawing plate
The thawing plate is made of specially synthesized metal, which has excellent thermal conductivity and can achieve high-speed heat exchange, allowing frozen ingredients to achieve the fastest natural thawing effect. There is no need to consume electricity or water, which effectively saves time and maintains the original taste and nutrition of food. However, the price is on the high side, and ordinary families will not adopt this method.
5. Thaw with cold salt water
First put the frozen meat in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, the steak will begin to soften, then put the steak in salt water to thaw completely . Salt water accelerates the melting of ice and does not breed bacteria. This is the same as spreading salt on the road to thaw it when it snows heavily in winter.
How to defrost steak without affecting the taste?
About 24 hours in advance, take the vacuum-packed steak out of the freezer (-18°C) of the refrigerator and place it in the refrigerator. (5℃); Then place the steak in the sink about 2 hours in advance and continue thawing; Do not open the vacuum packaging during the entire process. During the freezing process of the steak, the color of the meat will be darker and the red color will be darker. This is normal. After thawing, the steak will reveal the red color of the meat.
Can steak be frozen again after thawing?
Yes, but it will affect the taste.
Quick-frozen steak can still be refrozen after thawing, but the taste will be lacking. Therefore, it is recommended that you eat the steak as soon as possible after buying it. If it is kept in the refrigerator, the taste will become worse.