How Long Can You Keep Beef Tenderloin In Refrigerator?
A common meat cut that is frequently enjoyed on special occasions or as a treat is beef tenderloin. Knowing how long it can be stored in the refrigerator without going bad is crucial.
Raw beef tenderloin can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days in accordance with food safety guidelines. When buying fresh beef tenderloin that hasn’t already been frozen, follow this timeline.
It’s best to freeze beef tenderloin if you intend to keep it for more than three days. Beef tenderloin can stay fresh for up to six months if kept in a freezer.
It’s crucial to remember that these timelines are based on ideal storage circumstances. Your beef tenderloin may spoil earlier than anticipated if your refrigerator is not set to the proper temperature (below 40°F), if it is not kept in an airtight container, or if it is not tightly wrapped in plastic wrap.
It’s crucial to comprehend what beef tenderloin is and why it’s such a prized cut of meat before learning how to store it properly.
A long, narrow, and lean muscle called the beef tenderloin is found in the cow’s loin. Due to its anatomical location, which is the cow’s least-used muscle, it is the most tender cut of beef available. It is known as the “Tender” Loin because of this.
Typically, the tenderloin is sold as a whole roast or as individually cut steaks known as filet mignon or tenderloin steaks. On either side of the backbone, there are two tiny, slender, and incredibly tender muscles known as steaks. Due to their generally mild flavor, they are frequently served with sauces that add moisture and additional flavor.
It’s crucial to look for beef tenderloin that is bright red throughout and has white marbling. This shows that the meat is fresh and has enough flavor-enhancing fat.
To preserve the tenderness and flavor of beef tenderloin, it is best to cook it quickly over high heat. It can be grilled, broiled, roasted, or pan-seared.
Let’s concentrate on how to properly store beef tenderloin now that we are aware of what it is and how to prepare it in order to maintain its freshness and safety for consumption.
Factors Affecting The Shelf Life Of Beef Tenderloin
Beef tenderloin’s shelf life can be impacted by a number of variables, such as temperature, packaging, and handling.
When determining how long beef tenderloin can be stored safely, temperature is a crucial consideration. To slow bacterial growth and prevent spoilage, the USDA advises storing raw meat at a temperature below 40°F. Bacteria can quickly multiply if the temperature rises above this point, causing spoilage and potential for foodborne illness.
Another crucial element in extending the shelf life of beef tenderloin is packaging. Vacuum-sealed packaging can aid in preventing air exposure, which can hasten deterioration. It’s crucial to remember, though, that to stop bacterial growth, vacuum-sealed meat must still be kept in a freezer below 40°F.
Additionally, the shelf life of beef tenderloin can be impacted by proper handling and storage procedures. To avoid cross-contamination, raw meat should be handled with clean hands and stored apart from other foods. Additionally, beef tenderloin that has previously been frozen shouldn’t be refrozen after thawing because doing so increases the risk of spoilage and can result in a loss of quality.
You can safely enjoy delectable beef tenderloin for several days or even months by taking these factors into account and adhering to proper storage instructions.
Tips For Maximizing The Shelf Life Of Beef Tenderloin
There are a few guidelines you can use to extend the shelf life of your beef tenderloin:
1. Freeze it: It’s best to freeze beef tenderloin if you won’t be using it within three days. Beef tenderloin can stay fresh for up to six months if kept in a freezer.
2. Vacuum seal it: When it comes to meat, a vacuum sealer is a fantastic tool for preserving quality. Because there is no air to absorb the moisture of the meat during vacuum packing, the shelf-life is increased by reducing freezer burn. Utilize safe meat handling techniques when vacuum sealing meat.
3. Keep it properly refrigerated by placing your beef tenderloin in an airtight container or tightly wrapping it in plastic wrap. This will help prevent air exposure and prolong the freshness of your beef tenderloin.
4. Use a freezer bag when freezing beef tenderloin to keep bacteria from contaminating the meat and to vacuum-seal dangerous bacteria inside the food.
5. It should be properly thawed before cooking: Place your beef tenderloin in the refrigerator and thaw for up to two days. This will ensure that it is thawed evenly and safely.
You can make sure that your beef tenderloin stays as fresh and delectable as possible by adhering to these suggestions.
Signs That Your Beef Tenderloin Has Gone Bad
It’s crucial to understand how long beef tenderloin can be stored in the freezer or refrigerator as well as when it has become spoiled. Here are some signs to look out for:
1. Smell: Beef tenderloin that has been spoiled will have an offensive odor that is stronger than usual. It may smell sour, musty, or like ammonia.
2. Texture: If the surface of your beef tenderloin feels slimy or sticky to the touch, bacteria have begun to grow there. This is a blatant sign that it has degraded and needs to be discarded.
3. Color: Fresh beef tenderloin should be a bright red color. It should be thrown away if it begins to turn brown or gray as this indicates that it is no longer fresh.
4. If there is any visible mold on your beef tenderloin, it has gone bad and should not be eaten.
5. Always look at the beef tenderloin’s expiration date on the packaging before consuming it. It is best to err on the side of caution and discard it if it has passed its expiration date.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that eating spoiled beef tenderloin can result in food poisoning and other medical issues. It’s best to throw away your beef tenderloin and buy a new one if you think it has gone bad.
Safe Handling And Storage Practices For Beef Tenderloin
There are a few crucial procedures to follow to ensure the secure handling and storage of beef tenderloin.
To begin with, always be sure to buy your beef tenderloin from a reliable source and carefully inspect it before purchasing. Choose meat that is bright red in color and free of any stains or slime.
Beef tenderloin should be transported home in a cooler or insulated bag to maintain its cold temperature. As soon as you get home, put the beef tenderloin in the freezer or refrigerator.
Make sure the beef tenderloin is kept in the refrigerator at or below 40°F if you intend to do so. To prevent air from getting in and causing spoilage, it is best to store it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic.
Safety must always be considered when defrosting frozen beef tenderloin. The best method for defrosting beef tenderloin is to keep it in the fridge for several hours or overnight before cooking. Avoid thawing beef tenderloin in hot water or at room temperature because doing so can encourage the growth of bacteria and cause foodborne illness.
Finally, use a meat thermometer to check that the beef tenderloin is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 145°F. After cooking, any leftovers should be placed in the refrigerator and eaten within three to four days.
You can make sure that your beef tenderloin stays fresh and suitable for consumption for as long as possible by adhering to these safe handling and storage procedures.
Ask the Test Kitchen: How Long Will Meat Last in the Fridge?
FAQ
How long can you keep vacuum sealed beef tenderloin in the fridge?
When vacuum-packed, raw meats can be kept for up to 10 days before they need to be cooked or frozen. Comparatively, raw meat that is not vacuum-sealed will only keep for about three to five days in the refrigerator before going bad.
How many days in advance can you buy beef tenderloin?
The beef tenderloin can be purchased at least three days beforehand and properly stored in the refrigerator in a ziplock bag or an airtight container. It should be possible to keep it fresh until its next use if it is kept in the refrigerator for three to five days.
How do you store raw beef tenderloin?
In the bottom of the fridge, raw beef ought to be kept in a bowl or on a platter. Your refrigerator temperature should be at 40 °F or less. Whole-muscle fresh beef cuts can be kept in the fridge for three to five days.
How long can a filet mignon stay in fridge?
For three to five days, most steaks are safe to keep in the refrigerator. Writing a date on the steak when you thaw it or put it in the fridge is best practice so that you don’t forget about it and store it for too long. If you can’t remember how long it’s been there, it’s probably been in the fridge for too long.