How To Tenderize Meat While Defrosting

Thank goodness for the freezer. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family of six, freezing produce and meat makes economical eating so much easier.

Of course, when cooking with frozen food, you have to leave plenty of time to properly defrost it. And if you’re anything like us, sometimes dinner prep is the last thing on your mind when you leave the house in the morning.

Next time you pull out a frozen solid steak or pork roast, pour a little vinegar over it, cover it, and let it sit. Whether it is prime rib or ribeye, this trick truly does work! Vinegar will not only help frozen meat thaw more quickly, but also tenderize it. (Defrosting times will vary depending on the cut of the meat.)

Choose a flavored version like balsamic or apple cider, and it also doubles as a tasty marinade. Win-win!

Photo credit: Alicia Cho