This is the gold standard. Put your frozen pork chops on a plate in the fridge, 24 hours before you need them. Yes, that means you need to think about dinner a full day in advance. I know, it’s like asking your brain to do algebra when it’s busy scrolling memes. But here’s the shocking fact: the USDA says defrosting in the fridge is the only method that keeps your pork chops at a safe temperature the entire time. No bacteria parties allowed.
Why does it take so long? Because science. A thick pork chop can take 12 to 18 hours to fully thaw in the fridge. Think of it as your meat taking a long, cold nap. If you’re a planner, you’ll wake up to perfectly soft, ready-to-cook pork. If you’re not a planner, well… keep reading.
