Like many women, Dr. Vu Thi Tan, a lecturer in Inorganic Chemistry at Hanoi University of Technology, is also the head chef in her family. The female scholar shared a tip for defrosting food stored in the freezer quickly and efficiently without using a microwave, which can overcook the meat or fish if the timing isn’t right.
Dr. Tan revealed a handy trick for homemakers to defrost frozen food effectively and safely using just two tablespoons of salt and a little lemon.
“Soak the meat or frozen food in water mixed with lemon and salt. I usually use half a small lemon or one whole small lemon and two to three small spoons of salt. Just soak it for 15 to 25 minutes, and you’ll have fresh food ready for cooking,” Dr. Tan advised.
Fish soaked in a lemon and salt mixture to defrost.
Image: Dr. Vu Thi Tan
Tasty meat after defrosting with lemon and salt.
Image: Dr. Vu Thi Tan
According to the female scholar, besides its cleaning and antibacterial properties, salt also lowers the freezing point of water, helping meat and fish defrost faster. Additionally, the acid in lemons has a similar effect, lowering the freezing point and tenderizing the meat quickly.
Vinegar can be used as an alternative to lemon. However, lemons are preferable as they leave a more pleasant aroma due to their high content of citric acid and ascorbic acid (also known as vitamin C). These acids also help preserve food freshness for longer before freezing.
“If you want to eliminate the fishy odor of the food, especially fish, you can use baking soda after defrosting. However, do not use baking soda simultaneously with vinegar or lemon, as it will neutralize their effect. The reason is that lemon or vinegar will react with baking soda and produce carbon dioxide bubbles,” Dr. Tan explained.
The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Corn: Discover the Secret to Perfectly Flavored Kernels
Introducing the art of boiling corn to perfection – a simple yet delicate process that eludes many. It’s time to elevate this familiar favorite with a twist of flavor and a touch of mastery. Say goodbye to bland and boring corn on the cob, and get ready to unlock a whole new world of taste sensations.
No Bleach Needed: 3 Kitchen Ingredients to Remove Yellow Stains from Pillows in One Wash
Although many believe that bleach is the most effective way to clean, a hygiene expert claims otherwise.
The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your Dirty Electric Fan: A 2-Minute Quick Fix
Introducing the ultimate guide to cleaning your electric fan without dismantling the frame! Say goodbye to dusty blades and hello to a fresh, breezy home. With our simple step-by-step process, you’ll be amazed at how effortless and effective it is to have your fan sparkling clean. Get ready to beat the heat with a breeze of fresh air!
The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Corn: A Chef’s Secret to Perfectly Tender and Sweet Corn
Professional chefs have revealed their secret to perfectly boiled corn on the cob: by adding just one simple step to the process, you can achieve a dish that is tender, sweet, and aromatic. With this extra step, your homemade corn will be just as delicious as what you’d find at your favorite restaurant.
Cancer Cells ‘Go Crazy’ for These 3 Flavors: Unknowingly, You’re Feeding Them Daily.
The tantalizing sweetness of sugar, the indulgent richness of fatty oils, and the savory punch of salt – these three familiar flavors that enhance our daily meals are, ironically, the very ingredients that fuel cancer cell growth. This stark reality serves as a wake-up call, revealing an unsettling truth: the more we indulge our taste buds, the higher the risk of inviting disease becomes.
