A hot dog is a great option for a family meal.If you have frozen a pack of hot dogs, you may be wondering how to thaw them.The best way to thaw your hot dogs is to put them in the microwave.It is better to cover the hot dogs in cool water so that they can be re-warmed within an hour.For the safest option, thaw your hot dogs in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.
Step 1: Take your hot dogs with you.
The packaging on your hot dogs can melt in the microwave.The hot dog water inside the packaging can carrybacteria that only die at high temperatures, not on the defrost setting.It is better to put the hot dogs in a dish.After you discard the packaging, use soap and water to clean up the spilled hot dog water.The method works best if you thaw no more than 1 pack of hot dogs.
Step 2: Place the hot dogs in a microwave safe dish.
The hot dogs should be put in a single layer.To cover the hot dogs and soak up the liquids, drape a paper towel over the dish.The hot dogs may be wrapped in paper towels to absorb the liquids that come out of them.This isn't necessary.
Step 3: You can set the microwave defrost setting to 30% power.
If your microwave doesn't have a button that says "Defrost", you can set it to 30% power by finding the "power setting" button.If you have trouble with your microwave, you can check the manual or do a quick Internet search to learn how to fix it.Every microwave has its own quirks.
Step 4: Check your hot dogs after 30 seconds.
Put the hot dogs in the microwave and set the timer for 30 seconds.Remove the hot dogs from the microwave and check to see if they are still warm.It will take longer than 30 seconds to thaw your hot dogs.Depending on your microwave, an entire package could take as long as 12 minutes.You need to check them often to make sure they don't start cooking.
Step 5: If the microwave doesn't work, place the hot dogs in a circle.
If your microwave rotates the food, you can skip this step.The dish should be turned 180 degrees every 30 seconds if the microwave doesn't have a rotating plate.If there is a difference in temperature, your hot dogs may not heat evenly.Roll the hot dogs to make sure they are even heating.
Step 6: The hot dogs should be frozen for 30 seconds at a time.
Take the hot dogs out of the microwave.Push the button, then set the timer for 30 seconds.The hot dogs need to be checked every 30 seconds.If you heat the hot dogs, make sure to set the microwave on defrost or 30% power.
Step 7: The hot dogs should be cooked.
The cooking process begins when you cook hot dogs in the microwave.The hot dogs will be in the danger zone because of the high temperature.The best way to keep your food safe is to cook it immediately.It is safe to cook your hot dogs in a pot of boiling water, on a grill, or in the microwave.
Step 8: Put your hot dogs in the bag.
You can leave your hot dogs in the sealed package.If the hot dogs have been opened, put them in a plastic bag with a zip.The hot dogs should be sealed so that the water doesn't touch the food.You don't want the hot dogs to get wet.It is best to avoid the risk of the hot dogs becoming contaminated.
Step 9: You can cover your hot dogs with a large bowl of water.
The water should feel cool to the touch because you don't need to be precise about temperature.The cool setting on your tap is generally safe.To cover the hot dogs you want to thaw, add water to the bowl or dish.It's best to place hot dogs in separate dishes so they thaw quicker.
Step 10: Take your hot dogs out of the bag and put them in the water.
Put the hot dogs in the bowl or dish and push them under the water.Make sure they are completely covered.They can sit on the counter.You can check on them by setting a timer.The hot dogs should be placed at the bottom of the dish or bowl.If there is air in your bag, they may float.Put your hot dogs in the water if this happens.
Step 11: The hot dogs should be replaced after 30 minutes.
The used water should be poured down the sink.To thaw the hot dogs, feel them through the packaging.Add more water to the bowl or dish if they don't.The timer should be set for another 30 minutes.Hot dogs should be squishy and flexible.They will feel cool and not cold.You can thaw your hot dogs in 30 minutes, but it will take an hour if you thaw a whole pack.
Step 12: For up to 2 hours, change the water every 30 minutes.
After another 30 minutes, pour the used water down the sink and check your hot dogs.Start cooking them when they feel like it.They should be covered with cool water again if they still feel frozen.Set your timer for 30 minutes.For up to 2 hours, you can thaw your hot dogs.Hot dogs will thaw within an hour.
Step 13: Cook some hot dogs.
You still need to cook your hot dogs, even though this is a safer method.The hot dogs are not kept below 40 F (4C) because of the cool water.The hot dogs should be cooked to kill thebacteria.You can either grill, boil, roast, or microwave your hot dogs.
Step 14: The hot dogs should be in the shallow dish.
If they are still in a sealed package, put the unopened package in the dish.Line them up in a single layer.The dish will keep the hot dogs out of your fridge.You could use a shallow baking dish or a bowl.Don't stack multiple packs.If you put them in a single layer, it's safe to place several packs in one dish.If your hot dogs aren't packaged, you may want to cover the dish.
Step 15: You can put the hot dogs in the refrigerator.
The hot dogs should be on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.While the hot dogs thaw, leave the dish undisturbed.The hot dogs don't need to be covered with water.The cooler temperatures of the refrigerator will thaw them.
Step 16: The hot dogs should be left to thaw for at least a day.
A pack of hot dogs should thaw.Check the hot dogs to make sure they are not cold.They should feel flexible.It is safe to store them in your refrigerator for a few days before cooking them.They will be safe if you cook them as soon as they thaw.If you have a lot of hot dogs, you may need to thaw them for longer.Allow 24 hours per 5 lbs of food.If you put your hot dogs in a single layer, you won't need to worry about this.