Is it OK to defrost meat in the microwave?

[motely36]

I always forget to take something out of the freezer the night before or in the morning. Or, I do take something out and then something comes up and I don't get to use the defrosted meat. I think I remember hearing that you really shouldn't defrost in the microwave. Is this true or just an old wives tale?

Thanks!

[Stinky The Clown]

1. You can defrost in the microwave

Does yours have a defrost setting? What that does is pulse the power on and off and does it at much less than full power when it is pulsed on.

That being said, there is a noticeable degradation of quality when you do it. Water formerly frozen in each cell of the meat sort of explodes out, making the meat a little watery. As I said, you can do it, and the meat is edible and not too, too bad, but there is a loss of quality.

Life's a compromise!

[motely36]

3. My microwave does have a defrost setting

I just remember hearing you shouldn't do it that way. Your explanation makes sense.

Thanks!

[Frogtutor]

2. I'm very bad about forgetting to thaw things ahead of time...

My microwave has a "Turbo Defrost" setting that works fairly well; it goes by the weight of the meat (which you enter) then beeps about halfway through for you to turn the meat over. It usually thaws pretty evenly without cooking it.

However, to thaw fish or shrimp I place the package in a sinkfull of cold water, or just let cold water run over the package. With shrimp I sometimes put the frozen shrimp in a collander and let cold water run over it.

[Love Bug]

4. I do it all the time and I haven't croaked yet!

The downside is you sometimes get cooked spots on the meat, but if you can live with that, go for it.