We’ve all been there: it’s 6 PM, you’re hungry, and the chicken you meant to defrost is still frozen solid. Or maybe you have vivid memories of mom asking you to take the mince out after school, but the day got away from you (again). Fear not, dinner doesn’t have to mean takeout. With a few smart hacks and pantry staples, you can whip up a satisfying meal even when your protein is rock-hard in the freezer.
Quick defrosting hacks (for now or next time)
You can still save dinner. By using these hacks, you can defrost your protein in no time, saving mealtime and possibly your own neck!
- Cold water bath method: Seal meat in a zip-lock bag and submerge in cold water. Refresh every 30 minutes. Science backs this method: the time it takes for the frozen meat to come to the cold water temperature is faster than if you were to use hot water.
- Microwave it: With caution, of course. Use the defrost setting in short bursts (rotating and checking the meat for uneven heat pockets). Cook it immediately afterwards.
- Thin slices: If it’s partially frozen, you can slice or chop it into chunks – smaller bits thaw faster. This works really well with minced or diced meats.
- Cook from frozen: Although not really recommended, certain meats (like chicken breasts, fish fillets or mince) can go straight into the pan from frozen. Adjust cooking times (add more for thicker meats).
Items to stock the pantry in case of an emergency
If all else fails, your pantry is the last resort to help save dinner. Keep it stocked with the following in case of a frozen meat disaster:
- Protein alternatives: Tinned fish (like mackerel and tuna), tinned lentils, chickpeas, beans, fresh eggs, and tofu make for great meat alternatives, not to mention hearty casseroles, stews, and soups.
- Quick carbs: Who needs protein when you’ve got carbs like pasta, couscous, rice noodles, udon noodles, instant polenta, sorghum, quinoa, wraps, and bread.
- Flavour boosters: If you’re after the umami that meats provide, look no further than curry pastes, fish sauce, soy sauce, pesto, stock cubes, shrimp paste, chilli oil, garlic, onions, spices, and mushroom powder.
- Freezer MVPs: Keep a stash of protein-filled fish cakes, dumplings and steamed breads that take a matter of minutes to reheat, a mix of frozen veggies and vegetarian meat alternatives that become dinner heroes.
- Pro tip: Keep your pantry and freezer stocked monthly, making sure to rotate old stock with newcomers, so you’re never caught off guard.
Easy menu ideas
Here are a few zero-thaw dinners you can make in minutes: no defrosting required.
- Spiced coconut cauliflower rice veggie bowls
- Coconut, sweet potato and chickpea curry
- Tuna nicoise salad wrap
- Penne with tuna, olive and tomato sauce
- Shakshuka
- Salmon fishcakes with creamy tzatziki
Also See: 10 Pantry Staples that Bring Serious Flavour
10 Pantry Staples that Bring Serious Flavour
