Freezing Steaks

[uclaLabrat]

What's the consensus on freezing steaks? I managed to pick up 4 filets at costco on sat (choice, at only $13/lb) and wife is bummed I threw them in the freezer. I don't think it'll make much difference. Did I commit a cardinal sin?

 

[NikolaeVarius]

As long as you packaged them correctly and don't keep them in there for a year, its fine.

 

[zinfamous]

yes, it's fine

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

As long as you packaged them correctly and don't keep them in there for a year, its fine.

Yes, the OP is fine. Party foul not found.

 

[Ns1]

...why didn't you leave one unfrozen for immediate consumption?

 

[ponyo]

It's fine. But $13/lb for Choice filet at Costco is not a deal. :hmm:

 

[kami333]

And when you thaw it, do it in the fridge (in a bowl of water if you need it within hours). Much better than thawing in the microwave.

 

[waggy]

I get frozen steaks all the time from the butcher. They wrap them in butcher paper and "flash" freeze them.

 

[silverpig]

You can keep them in the fridge for a good little while without having to freeze them.

 

[BornStar]

And when you thaw it, do it in the fridge (in a bowl of water if you need it within hours). Much better than thawing in the microwave.

I just toss the steak on the counter to thaw. I want it room temperature before I cook it anyway and it's already wrapped in plastic wrap from the freezer so it isn't going to contaminate anything.

 

[Spg1]

I vacuum seal them before going into the freezer. The freezer in the house is opened way to much and things tend to get freezer burned if sitting in the door. In the garage they do much better, but I still seal any good meat if it is going into the freezer.

I got my sealer on woot for like $20.

 

[Matthiasa]

I would be bummed to if I wanted to have steak that day too.

 

[Dr. Zaus]

Do NOT freeze a steak!

According to alton brown: if you freeze a good cut of meat then ice crystals form and destroy cell walls which leads to dry tough meat.

You can do a better job of this by flash-freezing the meat using dry ice and a refrigerated cut of meat.

But either way you do it, there is a difference!


Unless, like a Texan, you burn your meat unti it's just a gray mass to be covered in A1 sauce... in which case I couldn't care less; though it was a stupid waste of money to buy a good cut.

 

[Rudee]

I always freeze my steaks, as I find cooking steaks on the BBQ from frozen results in the meat being more juicy and tender.