How to Thaw Spinach in a Microwave

Frozen spinach is used for a delicious side dish and recipe component.

Treat frozen spinach as a possible carrier of food-borne illness. Spinach is harvested, stored, processed and then frozen. Pathogens, such as E. coli, that are picked up during this processing are frozen and preserved intact. Thaw the spinach quickly so bacteria are not given a chance to multiply, and then kill the bacteria by cooking the spinach before using it. Spinach and other leafy greens cook more evenly when thawed before cooking. Spinach is used in recipes that are not cooked as well as in recipes that are cooked at too low a temperature to kill bacteria. Does this Spark an idea?

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Medium baking dish
Microwave
Colander
Paper towels

Instructions

- 1
  
  Remove the spinach from the package and place it in a medium microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a paper towel.
- 2
  
  Microwave the spinach on high for three minutes or until the spinach is thawed. Use a fork to break the spinach apart and stir it thoroughly. Continue heating until there are no more cool spots in the spinach.
- 3
  
  Cook the spinach according to the directions on the package if it is being served plain. If it is part of a recipe that is not cooked or cooked at too low a temperature for it to reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit, such as a vegetable dip, then it must be cooked and drained before using.
- 4
  
  Do not cook the spinach if it is part of a recipe that is cooked hot enough to reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit, such as lasagna; simply drain the spinach after thawing and use it immediately in the recipe.
- 5
  
  Drain the spinach, if necessary, by placing it in a colander and using a large spoon to press the water out of it. Press the spinach between two layers of paper towels to remove most of the moisture.

Tips & Warnings

Use the defrost option on the microwave according to manufacturer instructions as an alternative method to defrost spinach.
Drape a clean cloth towel over the bottom of the colander if the chopped spinach is small enough to go through the holes.
Do not thaw frozen spinach by simply placing it out of refrigeration. Too much time is required to thaw during which bacteria multiply.