How To Thaw Pork Tenderloin?
How to thaw pork tenderloin? The best way to thaw frozen pork tenderloin is to place it in the fridge for 3-5 hours per pound. This means you need to plan ahead when wanting to cook a frozen pork tenderloin.
Although nothing beats fresh pork straight from the butcher shop, frozen meat is convenient because you can store it for up to 6 months. However, you need to thaw it before cooking.
Since many people don’t know the best method for thawing pork, I wrote this article to help anyone who needs to thaw pork tenderloin but doesn’t know how. Keep reading!
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How To Thaw Pork Tenderloin?
There are several ways to thaw pork tenderloin, so let’s take a closer look at each one of them!
In The Refrigerator
The best way to thaw pork tenderloin or any other meat is to do it gradually. Thawing it in the fridge overnight is definitely the best option since pork tenderloin needs 3-5 hours per pound to thaw.
Before placing it in the fridge, you need to place frozen pork in a bowl or another container. This way, you will prevent thawed blood and liquid from spilling onto other food stored in the fridge.
In The Cold Water
However, if you can’t wait for long or forget to take the meat out of the freezer on time, there is another popular way to thaw meat. The cold water bath is also an efficient way to thaw frozen meat.
You can place frozen meat in a large bowl and fill the bowl with cold water. Or, you can place frozen meat in a colander and under the tap and let the cold water run over it for 20 minutes.
The first option requires less water, and it is more simple. However, the second option is faster, and it is a better choice when you are in a hurry.
In The Microwave
Did you know that frozen pork tenderloin can be thawed in the microwave? Simply place the frozen pork tenderloin in a microwave-safe dish and add a few tablespoons of water. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and microwave on the defrost setting for 5-7 minutes or until the pork is thawed.
Keep in mind that pork tenderloin thawed this way should be cooked immediately. Also, refreezing microwave-thawed meat is a bad idea, and we don’t recommend it.
Can Pork Loin Be Cooked From Frozen?
Pork loin can be cooked from frozen, but it will take longer to cook and may not be as tender as if it were thawed first.
- To cook a pork loin from frozen, place it in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
- Then, lower the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 hours, or until the pork loin is cooked through.
- If you aren’t sure if the meat is cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should be at least 145 degrees F, but 165 F is optimal.
If you want to cook frozen pork loin in a slow cooker, that might be a bad idea. Cooking still frozen pork loin this way will significantly increase the already long cooking time. If you, however, still decide to cook frozen pork loin in the slow cooker, it will take you 8-10 hours on a low setting.
How Long Does It Take To Thaw Pork Loin In Water?
It takes about 30-60 minutes per pound to defrost pork tenderloin in a bowl of cold water. This time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the pork loin.
If this is too slow for you, you can place your frozen pork tenderloin directly under the tap and let the cold water run over it. This way, meat thaws even faster, 20-30 minutes per pound.
Can You Thaw Pork In Hot Water?
No, thawing meat in hot water is not recommended. When defrosting pork roast in warm or hot water, the surface of the meat gets heated to 40-140 degrees F, while the inside remains frozen. Such an environment is ideal for bacteria growth, which can lead to foodborne illness.
Does Meat Thaw Faster In Cold Water Or Hot Water?
Obviously, frozen meat will thaw faster in hot water. However, in the previous paragraph, we explained why that could be dangerous. Additionally, when you thaw meat that way, it is at a higher risk of drying out when cooked.
How To Defrost Pork Tenderloin More Quickly?
One way to defrost pork tenderloin more quickly is to cut it into smaller pieces. This way, it will defrost much more quickly, and it will also need less time to cook.
Is It OK To Thaw Pork On The Counter?
No, thawing pork tenderloin on the counter at room temperature is just as dangerous as thawing it in hot water. With both methods, you are exposing the meat to temperatures suitable for bacterial development.
The only scenario in which thawing meat on the counter is OK is when you submerge it in a bowl filled with cold water.
Summary
So, now you know how to thaw pork tenderloin! The easiest way to do it is to place frozen pork tenderloin in the fridge. It will take 3-5 hours per pound to thaw fully. Of course, you can use other methods, such as cold water and microwave, to achieve the same effect.
However, don’t use warm or hot water because it can cause meat contamination. Also, thawed meat should be cooked immediately, and it mustn’t be frozen again. With these tips in mind, you can safely and quickly thaw frozen pork tenderloin. Happy cooking!
