The best way to thaw meat is overnight in the refrigerator until completely thawed. It’s an environment that remains consistently cold, keeping the meat safe from harmful bacteria.

If you don’t have time to thaw meat overnight in the fridge, the cold water method is an option. Place the meat in a ziploc bag, removing as much air as possible. Fill a large bowl with cold water and place the bag of meat inside. Change the water every 30 minutes to maintain a consistently cold temperature. This process can take anywhere from about an hour for smaller amounts of meat, to 2 to 3 hours for amounts up to 3 to 4 pounds.

Using a microwave is the fastest way to thaw meat but you must check to ensure that the meat is thawing consistently, without any frozen or hot spots. Rotating the meat throughout the process will help to ensure it’s completely thawed and safe to use.