What is the best way to thaw frozen food?

Thawing frozen food properly is crucial to maintaining food safety and minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses. The best methods include thawing food in the refrigerator, under cool running water, or as part of the cooking process.

Thawing in the refrigerator allows food to defrost gradually while remaining at a safe temperature, below 41°F, which helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Using cool running water also facilitates a quick and safe thawing process, as it keeps the food in a temperature range that inhibits bacterial growth. Thawing as part of the cooking process is another safe method since the food is cooked immediately after thawing, further reducing any risk of bacteria multiplying during the thawing phase.

In contrast, thawing food at room temperature can allow parts of the food to remain in the "temperature danger zone" (41°F to 135°F), which promotes bacterial growth. Thawing in hot water is not advised because it can cause the outer layer of the food to rise to temperatures that support bacterial growth while the inside remains frozen. While using a microwave is an acceptable method as well, it is not considered the best option since it can lead to uneven thawing and partial cooking, potentially allowing bacteria to survive or thrive.