Can you freeze cooked steak?
You may have treated yourself to a satisfying sirloin, but at the same time, you have some leftovers after your meal.
And so, you have decided to freeze it and save it for another day. But the question is – can you freeze your cooked steak? Will it still be fine to eat next time?
These are just some of the important questions we will answer in this post – which you may find to be useful to know. Let’s get to it.
Can You Freeze Cooked Steak?
The simplest answer to this question is a yes. Whether you have uncooked or cooked steak, you should be able to freeze it without any issue.
In fact, the lifespan can go up to three months once you freeze your cooked steak. But do keep in mind that raw steak is more ideal to freeze than cooked ones. The reason is that it is able to retain more nutrients. Plus, it is just much juicier than the cooked version.
No matter if it is cooked or uncooked, it is best to freeze your steak by wrapping it tightly. Then, you can put it in your freezer-safe bag afterwards.
However, refreezing steak is not recommended. Once you have thawed it, you need to consume it instead of refreezing. Otherwise, the texture will not be optimal, as well as the flavor.
Now that you know if you should freeze cooked steak or not, the next thing to think about is how to do it properly. Freezing is a good way to preserve the quality and freshness of your steak.
If you are freezing uncooked steak, place it first in a cling film or tin foil and be sure to wrap tightly. Wrap each steak individually instead of as a bunch to avoid them clinging to each other.
Then, you can put the wrapped steak in your freezer-safe bag. Be sure to label the bag to know when you put it in the freezer and when you should use it. Generally, it should be fine to freeze your uncooked steak for six months but not longer than that.
Now, if you are freezing cooked steak, the process will be a little different. When it is cooked, you need to first let the steak cool. Never place hot or warm meat in the freezer as it will cause the food to go bad.
Afterwards, you can wrap the cooked meat in a cling film or tin foil – just like what you did to the uncooked steak. It needs to be wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn. Wrap individually, in the case of multiple cooked steaks that you want to freeze.
And lastly, you can put in a freezer bag and label. Seal the bag to make sure there is no gap to the bag. With proper freezing methods, your cooked steak should be fine to freeze for up to about three months.
Read more: How Long Can Frozen Chicken Sit Out? The Answer Will Surprise You!
Additional Tips You Need To KNow
When you are freezing cooked steak, it is best to undercook the meat. This is why if you prefer to have the steak medium-cooked, then you need to avoid overcooking it. This is what you need to do if you plan on freezing it for a few months.
Otherwise, having overcooked steak will end up being rubbery and tough. So, it is best to cook it lightly and then store according to the steps we have enumerated earlier.
Also, be sure to freeze your steak just once. When there is too much steak that you cannot consume all at once, be sure to portion the steak prior to freezing. Thus, you can easily take out the smaller portions anytime you wish. And in this case, you do not end up wasting any steak.
When it is time to defrost the steak, simply remove the bag from the freezer. Then, put it in your fridge and let it sit there overnight. This is the best way to defrost the meat. Yet, if you have not anticipated eating it, then a quicker way is to use the microwave to defrost. This is not our preferred method, however. What this does is impact the texture and the taste.
But no matter what you do, avoid defrosting your frozen steak at room temperature. This causes bacterial growth to your steak, which renders it unsafe to consume.
Overall, steak freezes well without any problem. Whether you freeze it cooked or uncooked, the texture and taste still turn out to be perfectly fine just like with fresh or newly-cooked steak. The secret is in the method you apply in freezing. This is why you should follow the steps we have shared with you above to ensure the finest flavor, texture and aroma possible.
Summary
Freezing cooked steak is a good way to preserve the meat if you have no plan of finishing a big slice. However, it is not all too easy since there are certain methods that can ensure its quality flavor and texture.
When you freeze cooked steak, it may not end up being as juicy as raw steak when defrosted and reheated. However, it is still going to be quite delicious. The most important thing is that you undercook it a bit before going to the freezer. Also, be aware that you should not freeze cooked steak for over three months.
Whether you have wagyu steak or any type of steak, freezing should be fine. Purists may not agree, yet this is a good way to prevent food wastage. Just implement the right techniques when freezing, defrosting, and reheating to avoid any issues with the quality, flavor, and aroma of the meat.
