I have some chicken in my freezer that has today's date on it, but I don't think I feel like cooking it tonight. I was under the impression though that meat doesn't really go bad as long as it's kept frozen. Is that true?? Will this chicken be way too gross for me to make tomorrow or next week?? (can you tell that I'm somewhat new to cooking?)
snwb08
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Re: frozen meat
it's fine if it's frozen; you can make it next week.
RockysGirl
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Re: frozen meat
Posted by snwb08
it's fine if it's frozen; you can make it next week.
yay, that's what I thought. I'd hate to have to throw it all away, esp considering how freakin' expensive meat is!!
thanks
wundmoretime
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Re: frozen meat
If you buy a package of meat and put it in the freezer, it can last up to 6 months if you package it good. I would suggest no more than 3 months though. If the pkg has just enough for one meal, then I would not open the pkg. I would put it in a freezer bag and directly into the freezer. Family packs are generally cheaper. If you get that, break it up into sizes that work for your family. I wrap it in wax paper, ea serving, then into a freezer bag, then into the freezer. I would not refrigate first. You can't defrost and refreeze though, you can get sick. It is best to defrost for day in refrig, esp during the summer.
cbcf
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Re: frozen meat
I bought Chicken on Sunday but didn't feel like making it at all this week and wont tonight or tomorrow so maybe Sunday I'll make it. I figured as long as it's in the freezer it's okay. At least that's what my mom said haha I am new to the cooking thing as well
jerrys girl
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Re: frozen meat
as long as it is frozen after 3 or 4 days it should be okay.
RisiLeigh
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Re: frozen meat
I buy meat whenever its on sale and pop it in the freezer when I get home. I probably have stuff in there for months but its perfectly fine! I usually take it out a day or 2 in advance and stick it in the fridge to defrost. For some reason, I have noticed that chicken takes WAY longer to defrost than steak - anyone know why that is? I find it very odd
wundmoretime
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Re: frozen meat
Posted by RisiLeigh
I buy meat whenever its on sale and pop it in the freezer when I get home. I probably have stuff in there for months but its perfectly fine! I usually take it out a day or 2 in advance and stick it in the fridge to defrost. For some reason, I have noticed that chicken takes WAY longer to defrost than steak - anyone know why that is? I find it very odd
You can also defrost it in cold water. I have a frying pan that I use to defrost it a lot quicker. It draws the cold away and really speeds up the defrost time.
RockysGirl
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Re: frozen meat
Posted by wundmoretime
Posted by RisiLeigh
I buy meat whenever its on sale and pop it in the freezer when I get home. I probably have stuff in there for months but its perfectly fine! I usually take it out a day or 2 in advance and stick it in the fridge to defrost. For some reason, I have noticed that chicken takes WAY longer to defrost than steak - anyone know why that is? I find it very odd
You can also defrost it in cold water. I have a frying pan that I use to defrost it a lot quicker. It draws the cold away and really speeds up the defrost time.
I remember my mother telling me to never run it under hot water to defrost it, but why is that??? What does it do to the meat if you DO defrost it with hot water?
MikeandJess
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Re: frozen meat
Posted by RockysGirl
I remember my mother telling me to never run it under hot water to defrost it, but why is that??? What does it do to the meat if you DO defrost it with hot water?
I think you're cooking the meat if you run it under hot water and then you're cooking it again when you're actually cooking your meal and I think the whole double cooking thing is a no no when it comes to meat.
wundmoretime
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Re: frozen meat
Posted by MikeandJess
Posted by RockysGirl
I remember my mother telling me to never run it under hot water to defrost it, but why is that??? What does it do to the meat if you DO defrost it with hot water?
I think you're cooking the meat if you run it under hot water and then you're cooking it again when you're actually cooking your meal and I think the whole double cooking thing is a no no when it comes to meat.
Yes, the warm water is heating the meat, almost like you are boiling it.
Cutechef729
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Member since
Re: frozen meat
Posted by RisiLeigh
I buy meat whenever its on sale and pop it in the freezer when I get home. I probably have stuff in there for months but its perfectly fine! I usually take it out a day or 2 in advance and stick it in the fridge to defrost. For some reason, I have noticed that chicken takes WAY longer to defrost than steak - anyone know why that is? I find it very odd
I do the same. Chicken is always taking longer to defrost and the juices get everywhere-all on the fridge shelves, on the counters.... As long as you put meat in the freezer before the best by date you are fine. Like someone else said it's usually good for up to 6 months-anything after that it looses texture and flavor. The freezer is a great tool for buying stuff when it's on sale and using it when you need it. Especially if you go to BJ's/Sam's/Costco-their prices are amazing.
