Can You Freeze Corned Beef Brisket?
Can You Freeze Corned Beef?
Corned beef is a popular filling for sandwiches and can also be used in other dishes such as corned beef hash. This post looks at whether or not you can freeze corned beef, whether it's come from a tin or in slices from the supermarket or even if you've made it yourself at home.
What Is Corned Beef?
Corned beef is typically made from brisket which benefits from long slow cooking and the salt curing process. Corned beef originally came from preserving meat before modern refrigeration was invented. The curing process is also what causes the meat to keep its pink colour.
Corned beef tastes meaty, salty and sour all at the same time. It has a soft texture and it remains popular, both in the canned version and the prepared slices that are perfect for use in sandwiches.
Can You Freeze Corned Beef?
Yes. You can freeze corned beef. Just like normal cooked beef it freezes well and isn't damaged by the freezing process.
Corned beef will actually last for a few days in the fridge, so if it will be used up quite quickly then there is no need to freeze it.
Can You Freeze Corned Beef Slices?
Yes, corned beef slices can be frozen. As these are thinner and a little more delicate than corned beef from a tin I do find sometimes after freezing they are more likely to break in half or into smaller pieces.
They taste fine though so this isn't really an issue especially if they're just going into a sandwhich.
How To Freeze Corned Beef
Whether freezing homemade corned beef, corned beef slices or corned beef from a tin, simply follow these steps. If you have a large amount of corned beef that needs freezing then you may want to split it into smaller portions before freezing.
- If you've made the corned beef yourself, ensure it is fully cooled before freezing.
- Place the corned beef into a ziplock bag or plastic freezer container. Alternatively, you could wrap it in tin foil or clingfilm. Make sure it is well wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
- Label the corned beef so you know what it is.
- Corned beef will last in the freezer for around three months. It's fine to eat after this time but might not be at the best quality.
How To Defrost Corned Beef
Like all other meats, corned beef should be defrosted overnight in the fridge. Typically if I wanted it for lunch I would take it out of the freezer the evening before.
If you've frozen and are defrosting a large portion then you may want to allow some extra defrosting time.
Defrosting in the fridge prevents the corned beef from spending too long at room temperature which is when bacteria can start to form.
Reheating Corned Beef
To reheat corned beef in the oven, simply place in an ovenproof dish and cook until the meat reaches a minimum temperature of 75 degrees C.
To reheat in the microwave, place on a plate and cover with clingfilm. Heat for one minute. Ensure the corned beef is piping hot before serving.
Any other questions?
Here are a few extra questions I thought it might be helpful to answer about freezing corned beef.
Can You Freeze Tinned Corned Beef?
Yes, you freeze tinned corned beef.
However, you only need to do this once the tin has been opened. Tinned food lasts for years, often well past the date on the tin and this is the best way to keep it fresh. Once opened it should be stored in the fridge, and then frozen if it won't be used within a few days.
Can You Freeze Packet Corned Beef?
Yes, you can freeze packet corned beef. This is the type that you get from a supermarket or deli. Freezing does tend to make it break up a little but it will still be fine to heat.
Can You Freeze Corned Beef Hash?
Yes, you can freeze corned beef hash. If you've used a recipe then there may well be instructions on how to do this. If not, wait until the dish is fully cooled and freeze using the instructions provided above.
It's worth noting that corned beef hash probably shouldn't freeze if any of the ingredients have been previously frozen (although I wouldn't include frozen veggies, such as peas, in this).
There we have it! Lots of tips and information on freezing corned beef.
Source: https://www.freezethatfood.com/can-you-freeze-corned-beef/
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