Want to have beef at dinner? Open the freezer, take out the frozen beef, and start preparing it! It seems easy, but it is definitely not as easy as it looks.
The primary issue while cooking frozen beef is actually defrosting it, especially if you are planning on having a prime rib for dinner.
Like always, this article is all about giving you actionable advice and tips that actually yield results. The aim is to give you an efficient method that you can use in order to defrost the prime ribs with ease.
How Long To Defrost Prime Rib?
Ways and Time Taken to Defrost Prime Rib Quickly
Defrosting a prime rib is definitely not an easy job. If you are not an experienced cook, you will face a hard time understanding how to defrost the prime rib and make sure that it is a nice, even temperature.
The time taken for prime rib to defrost depends entirely on the method that you choose for defrosting.
One of the most common mistakes that people make is that they take out the prime rib from their freezer, and then put it out to dry.
On average, it can take upwards of 16 hours at room temperature for a prime rib to thaw out properly. Obviously, that’s just not acceptable.
It usually takes a couple of hours for bacteria to start multiplying in food items, especially meat, and within a few hours, your prime rib will become inedible.
According to the FDA, you should absolutely avoid eating meat that has been sitting out for this long.
Thankfully, there are several ways for you to defrost and consume the prime rib without going through all the trouble. Here are some simple ways to help you defrost the prime ribs quickly and efficiently.
- Putting in Warm Water
Now coming towards the proper way, the most important things that you need for defrosting the prime ribs are a pot, a stove, and water as needed.
First of all, heat the water to 140o and then turn off the heat once the water gets hot enough.
This is important because if you put in the prime rib, you will probably end up boiling the prime rib. The meat will become all fleshy and will start peeling off, and it’s not something that you want.
So, turn off the flame and then put the prime rib in a plastic storage bag. Now put the storage bag in the warm water.
Keep one thing in mind: do not put the beef in water for more than 45 minutes. Within this period, the prime rib will defrost correctly and will be ready for consumption.
- Keeping in the Fridge
The next process is a bit lengthy, but if you have time, then try this method. It is relatively easy to perform. You need to put frozen meat in the fridge instead of a freezer for at least 2 to 3 days for this method.
It will naturally defrost your prime rib to a level that is perfect for cooking directly without extra effort.
However, for this to work, you have to take out the rib and keep it from your freezer into the fridge at least three days before you are actually going to cook it.
Needless to say, it requires you to plan in advance. If you don’t, it could prove to be a hassle for you.
If you have a BBQ coming up or are planning a big dinner, it might be a wise idea to start prepping things up in advance.
Also, as per the FDA’s recommendations, once you bring the prime rib out of the freezer and into the fridge, it’s best to consume it.
So, in case your plans change, it would still be a wise idea to consume the prime rib nonetheless. Just cook it up and eat it at home!
- Thawing with Cold Water
Another method to defrost the prime rib is to thaw it using cold water. Placing the prime rib in cold water will eventually hasten the process of defrosting.
The reason for thawing the prime rib in cold water is to minimize the growth of bacteria in the meat.
This method will not cost you even an hour. As the temperature of the water starts to fall, the prime rib’s temperature will also decrease automatically.
But, while thawing the prime rib, make sure you are doing it while keeping it sealed. It is one of those methods that will hasten the process of defrosting and will allow you to get started on the preparations.
As you can already see, the primary focus is on making sure that the ribs are defrosted as gently as possible.
If you have a large oven, you can use that too for defrosting, but it’s unlikely to ensure an even defrost throughout the surface.
The FDA recommends that you cook the prime rib as soon as possible after it has been defrosted, otherwise you run the risk of harmful bacteria multiplying within the rib itself.
It’s not just the rib either; all kinds of meats should be consumed as soon as possible once you have defrosted them. It’s a safe and sound method for making sure that your meat does not go bad before you decide to cook it.
Conclusion
In the article, we have outlined some of the best ways to defrost a prime rib and get it ready for consumption. If you have a better method, we are all ears!
However, keep in mind that these methods are recommended by the FDA and are generally the best option.
If you need any help, then let us know in the comment box.
