Is it safe to defrost meat in hot water? Everything you need to know

1. Always keep meat out of the danger zone of temperatures.
2. Plan ahead and use refrigerator thawing whenever possible.
3. If you need to defrost meat more quickly, use cold water or microwave defrosting methods, but proceed with caution.
4. Cook meat immediately after thawing, especially if using methods that can warm parts of the meat to the danger zone temperatures.
Practicing safe thawing techniques is a critical component of meal preparation. The extra time it takes to safely defrost meat can mean the difference between a delicious, safe-to-eat meal and one that could be potentially hazardous to your health. Always be vigilant about temperature control and when in doubt, opt for the method that keeps meat safely out of the danger zone.