After a long day at work, many people want to whip up dinner as quickly as possible—and often reach for . However, experts warn that not all foods can go straight from the freezer to the oven or skillet.
Specialists from the organization Which?, in collaboration with the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA), have identified five popular foods that must be thawed before cooking.
1. Raw Chicken
Processed chicken products—like nuggets, patties, or burgers—can be cooked without thawing. But raw chicken (breasts, drumsticks, thighs) should never be cooked straight from the freezer.
“Cooking raw chicken directly from the freezer can lead to uneven heating. The outside may appear cooked, but the inside remains raw—creating a perfect environment for bacteria like salmonella or campylobacter,” explains Which?
The safest way to thaw chicken is in the refrigerator, which can take up to 24 hours, so plan your meal ahead of time.
2. Sausages
Some sausages that are sold frozen can indeed be cooked without thawing. However, sausages or hot dogs that you freeze yourself must be completely thawed.
The best option is to thaw them in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
“Before cooking, make sure the center of the sausage is soft and not cold,” advise the experts.
3. Ground Meat
This versatile ingredient is often used in dishes like lasagna, pasta, or chili. However, it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t throw frozen ground meat onto the skillet.
is very dense, so it thaws unevenly: some parts cook while others remain raw.
“Undercooked ground meat is one of the most common causes of food poisoning,” warns Which?.
4. Shrimp and Other Seafood
Some types of seafood are specifically sold for cooking straight from the freezer, but most are not.
“Cooking shrimp or shellfish without thawing makes them tough on the outside and cold on the inside. This not only ruins the taste but also poses a risk of harmful bacteria,” emphasize the experts.
The optimal way to thaw seafood is in the refrigerator overnight or by using the microwave’s defrost function.
5. Homemade Frozen Dishes
Many people prepare portioned meals in advance at home—it’s convenient and economical. However, casseroles or layered dishes, like homemade lasagna or pot pies, need to be completely thawed.
“If there’s still ice inside, the dish will heat unevenly, and bacteria may survive in the center,” explains the FSA.
Before serving, ensure that the entire dish is hot and steaming throughout.
What CAN be cooked straight from the freezer: a few safe options
- sliced and rolls,
- most vegetables and ,
- creams and based on cream,
- ready-made frozen meals (pies, curries, fish fillets),
- fruits for desserts and smoothies.
Experts’ Conclusion
“Freezing is a great way to preserve nutrients and reduce food waste. But not all foods can be cooked right away. Thawing is an important step that ensures the safety of your food,” conclude Which?
Photo: Openverse
