We’ve all been there…you forgot to thaw dinner. And now dinner is a couple hours away and you’re in panic mode. Don’t feel bad, we’ve all forgot to thaw dinner before. We’ve all been there. However, there are a number of options when it comes to getting dinner on the table. So, don’t let forgetting to thaw dinner cause you to pull your hair out. I got you!
Forgot To Thaw Dinner
We live busy lives. Kids, work, home, pets, farms, and everything in-between keep us running ragged. And sometimes we can get forgetful and forget to take something out for dinner. And then there is the new stress of “what do I do?!”
Well, you have some options! Some that may save the dinner you were going to make and other ideas to help when you can’t make what was planned. So, you forgot to thaw dinner, it’s not the end of the world! You got this and I’ll help you get through this while minimizing stress.
Water Bath When You Forgot To Thaw Dinner
Fill a bowl with cold water and put your meat in the the water. Change the water periodically (every 30 minutes or so) for quick thawing. For smaller cuts of meat like a pound or less, it can thaw out in an hour or less. For larger cuts of meat, it can take 2-3 hours. Unless it’s really big like a large turkey or ham. Then it’ll take an 30 minutes per pound.
Forgot To Thaw Dinner? Cook It In A Pressure Cooker!
Have a pressure cooker or an Instant Pot? Then put it to good use! It can safely cook frozen meat. It may, however, require longer cooking times. Generally a good rule of thumb is to increase your cooking time by 50% or more depending on the thickness to ensure the meat you’re cooking reaches an internal temperature that is safe.
Thawing Food In The Microwave When Your Forget To Thaw Dinner
Your microwave should have a defrost setting. Only defrost it if you’re ready to cook it. If your microwave doesn’t have a defrost setting, adjust your power to 20% to 30% and heat it 8-10 minutes per pound.
Every so often, or every few minutes, stop the cooking to flip your meat to ensure it doesn’t cook or over heat.
Also, DO NOT defrost in the package, but use a microwave safe container. Also, make sure the container has a bit of a lip because liquid will begin to seep out.
Using Your Oven To Cook Frozen Food
Forgot to thaw dinner? No problem! If you have an oven then you can cook frozen food in the oven. However, it will require longer time and so you need to adjust the temperature so it doesn’t dry or overcook. The USDA says it will take about 50% longer than the recommended time. Also, you may need to cook at a lower temperature so the outside doesn’t cook much faster than the inside.
I often do this when I cook frozen chicken. I cook it at a normal temperature, but I cover it with tinfoil which will allow the steam help cook the chicken. And when the chicken is about done, I take the tinfoil off and let the skin crisp up.
Cooking Frozen Meat In The Crockpot When Your Forgot To Thaw Dinner
This one is iffy and you do you. The USDA recommends thawing meat first before putting it in the crockpot so the meat doesn’t stay in the “danger zone” which is 40F to 140F for too long. Which can allow dangerous bacteria to grow. However, there are things you can do to make it safer.
- Partially thaw it in the microwave or water bath.
- Cut it in smaller peices.
- Add a liquid to the crockpot to promote even cooking and to help the food heat faster.
- Cook for longer times suggested.
You decide for you whether you think it’s a good idea. There is a chance of the frozen food staying in the “danger zone” too long and causing foodborne illness. I have personally cooked frozen meat in the crockpot and had no issues and learned to do it from a friend. But I’m also willing to risk it. Do what is best for your family.
Boiling Frozen Meat When You Forgot To Thaw It
This method is not the preferred method unless it’s a meat like chicken. Boiling chicken is a great way to cook it especially if it’s going into something. If you’re eating plain boiled chicken you may find it bland and not as tender. I don’t suggest boiling frozen pork or beef as you will end up with a tougher and uneven cooked meat.
The Ideal Way To Thaw Frozen Meat
Ideally, we want to thaw meat in the fridge. You can do the water bath method and place it into the fridge for smaller pieces of meat. Or you can take meat out a few days in advance. I know that this post isn’t for those who have done that, but this section is for someone who is maybe new to cooking.
Generally it takes 10-24 hours to thaw in the fridge. You really want to allow 24 hours for every 5 pounds of meat. So, if you’re thawing something really big, give it a few days.
Alternative Dinner Ideas When Everything Goes Askew
Sometimes you really don’t have time to thaw out dinner. It happens, I have 100% been there. So, there are times you need to pivot. And that can also feel overwhelming too. So, let’s find a few ideas that can save you in a pinch.
- Breakfast can 100% be for dinner! Make veggie omelets, a frittata, pancakes, potato and egg skillet. Who says breakfast has to be eaten only in the morning?
- Sandwiches and soup or salad. Sometimes a quick dinner or a cold dinner is fine. Share a can of soup and sandwich or have a sandwich with a side salad. Dinner doesn’t always have to be elaborate.
- Make 1/2 cup of rice, fry up spam and coat with a little brown sugar, Worchester sauce, and a dash of vinegar, and fry up an egg and have that for supper. It’s delicious!
- A big chef salad! Got lunch meat? Veggies? Boiled eggs? Dressing? Have you a big ole salad.
- Tuna, chicken, or egg salad can be made quickly and is tasty.
- Macaroni and cheese, but add in a can of chicken, or a can of chili, or some cut up weenies or sausages.
- Worst case scenario: order out or pick something up from the store like a TV dinner or rotisserie chicken. It stinks having to spend more money, but sometimes you have to throw in the towel.
I’ve gotten pretty creative those days I forgot to take something out for dinner. Sometimes it’s fun throwing stuff together or times I’m ready to (metaphorically) beat my head against the wall. But if there is a will there is a way!
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What do you do when you forgot to thaw out dinner? What are your go-to meals in a hurry?