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Skip Navigation LinksSeaboard Foods > Kitchen
Thawing Pork
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Do you have pork in the freezer that you are ready to eat? Learn the safest methods and best practices for defrosting your pork before you prepare it.


 

 

​Defrosting Pork Methods 

 

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      The best way to defrost pork is in the refrigerator in its wrapping.

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​Follow the microwave manufacturer's guidelines for defrosting meat. Cook meat immediately after microwave thawing.

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​It is safe to cook frozen or partially-frozen pork in the oven, on the stove or grill without defrosting it first. The cooking time may be about 50 percent longer. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. It is best if frozen pork roasts are cooked at an oven temperature of 325° F. Do not cook frozen pork in a slow cooker.

Thaw Times


Are you planning your meal and wondering how long to allow your pork to thaw? Look below for thaw times:

 

Type of Pork

Thaw      Time

Small Roast

 

3 to 5 hours per pound

​Large Roast

 

4 to 7 hours per pound

​Pork Chop

 

12 to 14 hours

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Questions about Thawing Pork?

  • Can I use a microwave to defrost/reheat pork that has been frozen?
    The microwave and fresh pork can work together to produce delicious dishes. Pork conveniently and successfully defrosts and cooks in the microwave oven. It's a great idea to cook cuts ahead of time, slice into convenient shapes and freeze to be reheated in the microwave later in the week. But as with many other foods, use traditional cooking methods for best flavor and texture results.
  • My roast isn't thawed completely, but I need to get my meal started. Can I still cook it?
    It is safe to cook frozen or partially-frozen pork in the oven, on the stove or grill without defrosting it first; the cooking time may be about 50% longer. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. It is best if frozen pork roasts are cooked at an oven temperature of 325 degrees F. Do not cook frozen pork in a slow cooker.
  • What is the best way to thaw frozen pork?
    The best way to defrost pork is in the refrigerator in its wrapping.
  • Can pork be refrozen if it has thawed?
    According to the USDA, once food is thawed in the refrigerator, it is safe to refreeze it without cooking, although there may be a loss of quality due to the moisture lost through defrosting. After cooking raw foods which were previously frozen, it is safe to freeze the cooked foods.

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Thawing information is sourced from The National Pork Board.


 

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