Yes, you can freeze corned beef, but you’ll want to do it properly to get the best results. You’re at the grocery store and see a great deal on those prepackaged corned beef briskets. We’ll go over how to properly freeze corned beef so that you can enjoy delectable meals and the convenience of simple storage.
Can You Freeze Corned Beef?
We learned that we’re not the only ones who buy excessive amounts of corned beef when one of our readers sent us a query about freezing it. Here’s the message we received:
Fortunately, you can safely freeze corned beef, whether it’s a big piece or already sliced. Corned beef can be frozen without any problems, but it shouldn’t be kept frozen for longer than 2-3 months to preserve its flavor and texture.
Before beginning the freezing process, remove any liquid from any corned beef that was packaged in water or brine. Then, pat the beef dry.
Can You Freeze Sliced Corned Beef?
Naturally, freezing sliced corned beef will be equally effective as freezing the entire piece. You’ll need to be cautious about how you store them all, but we’ll go over the entire list with you in a moment.
How to Freeze Corned Beef?
There are a few steps you must take before freezing your corned beef to ensure everything will go as planned.
To freeze whole corned beef:
- To ensure that no portion of the corned beef is exposed to the air, a corned beef brisket (or other piece of corned beef) should be wrapped in two layers of plastic wrap.
- Then, place the wrapped corned beef into a freezer bag.
- Remove any extra air from the bag, then date and seal it.
- Place in the freezer bag where the temperature is consistently the coldest.
- Avoid putting anything heavy on top of the package to prevent the corned beef from being crushed.
To freeze sliced corned beef:
- Cut pieces of parchment paper to lay between the slices. If not thawing the entire quantity, this keeps the slices from sticking together in the freezer and makes it simpler to remove just the right amount for a serving size.
- Place a piece of parchment paper in between each slice of corned beef to create small stacks.
- Each stack should be double-wrapped in plastic wrap before being put into a rigid freezer-safe container or a freezer bag.
- Seal the bag or container, then label and date it. Place in the freezer.
How to Thaw Corned Beef?
There are a few procedures you must complete before eating your corned beef.
To thaw, take the desired quantity of corned beef out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator to thaw for a few hours or overnight. Since using a microwave to thaw meat could cause it to become dry, it is not advised. Use within two days of thawing for best results. Never refreeze previously frozen corned beef.
Can I freeze leftover corned beef?
FAQ
How long can you freeze unopened corned beef?
For best quality, a raw corned beef brisket should be well-wrapped, drained, and frozen for a month. Long-term freezing will affect the flavor and texture, but the product is still safe. Following cooking, corned beef can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days and in the freezer for two to three months.
Does corned beef freeze well?
For two to three months in the freezer, tightly wrapped corned beef won’t significantly change in texture or flavor.
Can you cook a corned beef that has been frozen for a year?
Fortunately, you can safely freeze corned beef, whether it’s a big piece or already sliced. Corned beef can be frozen without any problems, but it shouldn’t be kept frozen for longer than 2-3 months to preserve its flavor and texture.
How long to cook frozen corned beef?
Add a little extra time if the corned beef you purchased was frozen. As a general rule, cook one pound of frozen corned beef in the Instant Pot at manual high pressure for approximately 34 minutes. For instance, cook a 3 pound corned beef for 102 minutes. If it’s 4 pounds – 136 minutes.