If you don’t have at least 24 hours to wait for the meat to defrost, choose a faster method.

Leave on any plastic packaging. This will protect the meat from falling food or debris in your refrigerator.

Poke the meat through the plastic or turn it over to see whether or not it’s done thawing. Wash your hands before and after touching the frozen meat to avoid food contamination.

Poultry, fish, and ground meat can be kept in the refrigerator for an additional 1-2 days. Beef, pork, lamb, or veal will keep for another 3-5 days in the refrigerator. [3] X Research source

You don’t have to remove any plastic packaging before sealing the meat into the re-sealable bag.

One or two pounds of meat (0. 5 kilograms) can take 15-30 minutes. Larger pieces of meat can take 2-3 hours. [5] X Research source

The thawed food must be cooked immediately after thawing. If you can’t cook it immediately, wait to thaw it until you need it. [7] X Research source

Microwave safe plates include ceramic and glass plates that don’t have any metal embellishments. Some frozen meats come on Styrofoam trays. These trays are not microwave safe and should be discarded.

Before using the “defrost” feature, read your manufacturer manual.

Use a hand towel to remove the plate from the microwave to avoid burning your hand. Wash your hands before and after touching raw meat to avoid food contamination.