The Lazy Cook's Guide to Fast Weeknight Dinners

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1) Thaw Meat Faster in the Microwave

Forget to thaw your meat in the fridge for dinner? No worries. Use your microwave's defrost setting to safely and quickly thaw meat straight from the freezer. Some models let you input the total weight so it can calculate a more precise defrost time. If not, start in small increments of 3-4 minutes, keeping an eye on the meat to make sure it doesn't start cooking on the outside. Again, this method is best for cooking smaller portions of meat, and be sure to cook it right away once thawed.