Salt beef is a delicious cured and brined meat that can add tons of flavor to sandwiches eggs potatoes, and more. But because it’s cured and fully cooked already, you may be wondering – can you freeze salt beef? The short answer is yes! Freezing is a great way to make your salt beef last longer.
I’ve found that with a few simple tips, you can easily freeze salt beef for later use. Keep reading and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
An Overview of Salt Beef
Before we get into the freezing process, let’s do a quick rundown on what exactly salt beef is.
Salt beef starts out as a cut of brisket or round. It’s cured in a brine solution, which gives it its signature salty flavor. The meat soaks in the brine for 4-5 days, during which time the salt penetrates the meat and acts as a preservative.
After brining, the salt beef is rinsed off and then slowly cooked in simmering water for up to 3 hours until fork tender. This gentle cooking retains moisture and gives the meat its characteristic pink color.
The end result is a fully cooked, ready-to-eat cured meat that’s deeply flavored with salt and spices. It has a firm yet sliceable texture that’s perfect for sandwiches.
Now that you know the basics, let’s look at the best practices for freezing it.
How to Freeze Salt Beef
Freezing salt beef is simple
- Allow the salt beef to cool completely after cooking. Refrigerate until chilled through.
- Slice the salt beef or cut it into portions if desired.
- Place the pieces in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 1-2 hours.
- Transfer the frozen pieces to a freezer bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible.
- Label with the contents and freeze for up to 2 months.
That’s it! With these basic steps, your salt beef will keep safely in the freezer.
I like to portion mine into meal-sized servings so I can thaw just what I need. About 4 oz. is the perfect amount for a sandwich.
Make sure to use freezer bags or containers – this prevents freezer burn which can cause dryness. Wrap the salt beef tightly in plastic wrap inside the bag for an extra layer of protection.
And be sure your freezer is 0°F or below to maintain quality.
Tips for Freezing Salt Beef
Follow these tips for the best frozen salt beef:
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Freeze it ASAP: Try to freeze salt beef within 1-2 days of purchasing or cooking. The sooner it’s frozen, the better the texture will hold up.
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** Exclude air:** Squeeze out air from bags and containers before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
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Use proper wrapping: Choose materials like plastic wrap and aluminum foil that are designed for freezing.
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Portion properly: Cutting salt beef into 4-6 oz. portions makes it easy to thaw just what you need.
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Maximize freshness: Use frozen salt beef within 2 months for the best quality and taste.
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Know your freezer: Set the temperature to 0°F or below. Use the coldest sections, like the back.
Following these best practices will ensure your frozen salt beef stays fresh and flavorful.
How to Thaw Salt Beef
When you’re ready to use your frozen salt beef, thawing it properly is key. Here are a few thawing methods to try:
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Fridge thawing: Place frozen salt beef on a plate or in a bowl in the refrigerator. Allow it to thaw for 24-48 hours.
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Cold water thawing: Seal the frozen salt beef in a plastic bag, then submerge in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes. Thaw time is about 2 hours.
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Microwave thawing: Microwave frozen salt beef on the “defrost” setting in 30 second bursts, flipping occasionally. Thaw time is about 5 minutes per 4 oz.
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Cook without thawing: Frozen salt beef can go straight into soups, stews, and boiled dishes. Just increase the cook time.
For peak flavor and moisture, I recommend thawing in the fridge. But microwave and cold water thaw faster when you’re in a pinch.
The key is to thaw salt beef gently and slowly. Avoid letting it sit at room temp too long, which allows bacteria growth.
Once thawed, use within 3-5 days for maximum freshness.
Your Thawed Salt Beef is Ready For…
Salt beef transforms all kinds of dishes with its salty, savory flavor. Here are some of my favorite ways to eat thawed salt beef:
- Pile it onto rye bread for an amazing salt beef sandwich
- Fry it up crispy and serve with eggs for breakfast
- Toss pieces into hearty vegetable or bean soups
- Make hash by pan frying with potatoes and onions
- Layer it on nachos and finish with cheese, salsa, and sour cream
- Stuff it into omelets or frittatas along with veggies and cheese
- Mix shreds of salt beef into potato or macaroni salad
- Add to pasta sauce for a flavor boost
- Make salt beef tacos with all your favorite toppings
The uses are endless! Freezing gives you the ability to enjoy salt beef anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re new to working with salt beef, chances are you have a few questions. Here are some common FAQs:
How long does salt beef last in the fridge? Properly stored in the fridge, salt beef will last 4-5 days. Keep it tightly wrapped on the bottom shelf.
Can you refreeze thawed salt beef? It’s best not to refreeze thawed salt beef. Refreezing causes the texture to deteriorate. Use thawed salt beef within 3-5 days.
What’s the white stuff on frozen salt beef? That’s called freezer burn. It won’t make the meat unsafe, but it can cause dryness and off-flavors. Prevent it by properly sealing salt beef.
Is frozen salt beef safe to eat? Yes, freezing stops bacteria growth. Frozen salt beef is totally safe to eat as long as it’s thawed properly before cooking.
Can you freeze raw brisket to make salt beef? No, only cooked, cured salt beef can be frozen. Raw meat must be freshly seasoned and cooked.
Can I season salt beef after thawing? Absolutely! Feel free to add any extra spices, herbs, etc. after thawing to amp up the flavor.
If you have any other questions about freezing salt beef, don’t hesitate to ask! I’m happy to help make freezer storage easy and safe.
Make Dinner a Breeze with Frozen Salt Beef
As you can see, freezing is an easy way to enjoy salt beef anytime. With proper freezing, thawing, and storage, it will last for months in the freezer.
I recommend freezing salt beef in meal size portions soon after buying or cooking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to use.
From sandwiches to soups, potatoes, and more, thawed salt beef is endlessly versatile. It adds a hits of salty, savory goodness to all kinds of dishes.
The next time you enjoy some salt beef, go ahead and freeze the leftovers. You’ll be glad to have this delicious meat waiting in the freezer!