How to Defrost Burgers

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: April 21, 2022 References Tested

Burgers are a popular and delicious meal. Burger patties taste best and are easier to cook if they are defrosted. The most effective method is to defrost the patties in the fridge, however, this method can take a few hours. Defrost the burger patties in cold water or in the microwave if you want a quicker option. Cook the patties and then enjoy your burgers with your favourite vegetables and sauces.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Defrosting Burgers in the Fridge

1
Place the burger patties into the fridge. Leave the burger patties in the original packaging. If the packaging is damaged, transfer the burger patties into an airtight container. Place the packet or container onto any of the refrigerator shelves.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Try to keep the burger meat away from fruit and vegetables.
2
Allow the burgers to thaw for 5 hours per 1 lb (0.45 kg). Touch the burger patties to check if they have thawed. If they are still hard and icy they will need more defrosting time. If the patties are squishy, this indicates that they have defrosted.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Keep the defrosted patties in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking. Unlike other thawing methods, patties that have been defrosted in the fridge can be stored for a few days before they are cooked. If you decide not to cook the patties, put them back in the freezer within 2 days of thawing.^{[3]
X
Research source}
4
Cook the burger patties on the cooktop or in the oven. Pan fry the burger patties or grill them in the oven. Add your favorite burger buns, vegetables, and sauces to create a delicious burger.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the patties. Beef and lamb patties need to reach 160 °F (71 °C) and chicken patties need to be 165 °F (74 °C). This ensures that the patties are safe to eat.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
- Store leftover burger patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.^{[6]
  X
  Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Thawing in Cold Water

1
Transfer the burger patties into a watertight plastic bag. Exposure to water or air will damage the texture of the burger patties. Transfer the burger patties into a plastic bag so that they don't get wet. Ziplock bags are a cheap and effective option.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Purchase Ziplock bags from the grocery store.
2
Place the bag of burger patties in cold water. Fill the sink, or a large bowl, with cold tap water. Submerge the bag of burger patties in the water.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Don't use hot water as that will heat up the outer layer of the patties which can cause harmful bacteria to multiply quickly.
3
Replace the water every 30 minutes until the burger patties are thawed. The water will warm up over time, allowing bacteria to breed quicker. Replace the water every half hour to keep the patties cool. The patties are thawed when they are soft to touch, rather than hard.
- If you are defrosting less than 1 pound (0.45 kg) of patties you may not need to change the water as the patties will likely defrost within 30 minutes.^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
4
Fry or oven bake the burger patties. Cook the patties as soon as they are defrosted. Assemble your burger using your favorite sauces, buns, and vegetables. Lettuce, tomato, and mustard is a great combination with a beef patty.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Cook beef and lamb patties to 160 °F (71 °C) and chicken patties to 165 °F (74 °C). Use an instant-read food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the patties. Continue to cook the patties until they reach the specified temperatures.^{[11]
  X
  Research source}
- If you have any leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to eat the burgers at a later date, store them in the freezer for up to 4 months.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using the Microwave

1
Transfer the burger patties to a microwave-safe plate. If possible, separate the burger patties before putting them on the plate. This will help them to thaw faster. Spread the patties out on the plate so that they aren't touching each other.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Check the bottom of the plate to make sure it has a “microwave-safe” label. If in doubt, use a glass or ceramic plate.
2
Put the patties in the microwave and select the “defrost” option. If your microwave automatically defrosts, simply press the defrost button and then press start. The microwave will automatically decide the amount of time that the burger patties require to defrost. If your microwave requires you to enter the weight, check the weight of the patties on the packet or use kitchen scales. Enter the correct weight into the microwave and press start. ^{[13]
X
Research source}
- If the microwave doesn't have a “defrost” setting, set the heat to 50% and check the burger patties every 5 minutes.
3
Cook the patties as soon as they are defrosted. Pan fry or oven bake the burger patties. Assemble the burgers using your favorite burger ingredients. Lettuce, cucumber, and tomato is a great combination with a beef or lamb patty.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the patties. Cook beef and lamb patties to 160 °F (71 °C) and chicken patties to 165 °F (74 °C).^{[15]
  X
  Research source}
- Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 4 months.