Rib Roast Defrosting Problem--Help!

[SPITFIRE]

I have a 7 pound rib roast that is as solid as a rock. I took it out of the freezer last night (bought it on sale last weekend) and it hasn't thawed one bit by morning. We are eating tomorrow around 3.

Any thoughts on what I should/shouldn't do to defrost this baby. If it isn't defrosted by tonight or tomorrow morning, can I stick I place it in a bowl and run it under some cool running water to start the process. Uggh!! I don't want to ruin an expensive cut of meat.

Thank you for coming to my rescue!

[mbrogier]

Put it in a waterproof plastic bag--or several--I'm assuming it is too big for a ziploc bag. Submerge this in cold water and return to the fridge for the day. It should thaw by tonight. Take it out of the bag and dry it off with paper towels. Let it sit on a cookie pan with sides to catch any meat juice uncovered overnight in the fridge. The drying of the meat will make it taste better. A little water on the meat won't hurt it, but the texture won't be improved by it being submerged in water.

A rib roast also cooks much better if it is at room temperature when you put it in the oven. I'm not saying leave it out all day to thaw. Thaw it early, but when you season it, do so about 45 minutes before you want to put it in the oven. Let it sit out then and it will warm up. It won't be in the danger zone that long to hurt anyone...and then you'll zap all the little buggers at 450-500 degrees anywhoo. :D

[PattiA]

Spitfire, You're on the right track. Put the frozen roast in a large ziplock bag (or vacuum bag if you have a sealer), squeeze out as much air as possible so that the bag contacts the roast. Place the bagged roast in a large bowl or basin in the sink and run cool water over it. Leave the water running slowly. Using the bowl and running water so that the water circulates around the roast is the right way to do this rather than just sticking the roast in a sinkful of water.

Instead of wondering if it will be defrosted by tomorrow, you could just go ahead and do this today so you don't have the last minute stress.

-Patti