How to Freeze Beef Tenderloin to Lock In Freshness and Flavor

Beef tenderloin is a luxurious, tender cut that deserves to be enjoyed fresh. But if you can’t consume it all right away, freezing is a great option to preserve beef tenderloin without sacrificing quality or taste.

With proper freezing and thawing methods, you can keep your tenderloin tasting newly-cooked for months. Follow this simple guide to freeze beef tenderloin like a professional chef.

Can You Freeze Beef Tenderloin?

Absolutely! Beef tenderloin is well-suited for freezing This premium cut comes from a muscle that doesn’t get much use, so the meat has minimal connective tissue This makes it incredibly tender, but also more prone to drying out.

As long as you freeze beef tenderloin correctly, it will retain moisture and flavor for 2-3 months frozen. Here are some key tips:

Freeze tenderloin as soon as it is purchased or cooked, Leaving it in the fridge can lead to moisture loss
Portion into meal-sized servings before freezing. This prevents thawing and refreezing only part of the meat
Use airtight packaging to protect from freezer burn, which can cause dry, stringy meat.
Label packages with contents and freeze date to track how long it’s been frozen.
Defrost slowly in the refrigerator, never at room temperature, to prevent moisture loss.

Follow these guidelines and your frozen beef tenderloin will taste like it was just freshly cooked when thawed!

How to Freeze a Whole Raw Tenderloin

Freezing a whole raw tenderloin is simple:

Trim excess fat and silver skin from the tenderloin using a sharp knife. This prevents freezing odd flavors into the meat.
Rinse the tenderloin and pat very dry with paper towels. Moisture encourages ice crystal formation.
Wrap the entire tenderloin very tightly in two layers of plastic wrap, squeezing out all air.
Place wrapped meat in a freezer bag, press out any remaining air, and seal.
Label bag with cut, weight, and freeze date. Freeze immediately at 0°F or below.

Thaw the whole tenderloin overnight in the fridge still wrapped. Unwrap, trim any discolored portions, and cook as desired.

How to Freeze Cooked Tenderloin Portions

For easier use, slice and freeze cooked tenderloin in meal-sized portions:

After cooking, let tenderloin cool completely then slice into 1/2-inch medallions.
Place 2-3 medallions in each section of freezer-safe container or bag.
Press out all air and seal bags tightly. Label with contents, quantity, and freeze date.
Freeze flat to allow portions to freeze evenly. Stack after frozen solid.

Thaw only needed portions overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently in the microwave or skillet.

How Long Does Frozen Tenderloin Last?

For best quality and food safety, use frozen beef tenderloin within 2-3 months. After that, texture may become stringy or dry when thawed due to moisture loss over time.

Freeze tenderloin as soon as possible after purchasing or cooking. Portioning into meal sizes you’ll actually use prevents waste from refreezing.

Properly stored and packaged, frozen cooked tenderloin will retain its juicy tenderness for a few months.

Can You Refreeze Thawed Beef Tenderloin?

Previously frozen tenderloin should not be refrozen after thawing. Refreezing often causes meat to become dry and tough in texture.

Only thaw as much cooked tenderloin as you will use within a few days. Cook thawed meat immediately or refrigerate 1-2 days max before eating.

Do not refreeze any raw tenderloin that was thawed but not used. Cook it immediately instead.

Always thaw frozen beef slowly in the refrigerator, never at room temperature. This helps keep it moist and tender.

Tips for Freezing Beef Tenderloin

Follow these tips for successfully freezing beef tenderloin:

Chill meat thoroughly before freezing. Freezing when still warm causes tough, dry meat.
Wrap first in plastic wrap, then foil, then a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Portion tenderloin based on planned use. Freeze thin steaks or medallions separately.
Flatten bags of frozen meat to freeze evenly. Stack after fully frozen.
Avoid freezing with wet marinades or rubs. Freeze seasoning separately.
Label packages clearly with cut, quantity, and freeze date.
Defrost for 24-36 hours in the refrigerator, never at room temperature.
Cook thawed tenderloin within 3-4 days for food safety and quality.

How to Use Frozen Beef Tenderloin

Thawed beef tenderloin retains its tenderness and juiciness, making it easy to use:

Roast low and slow in the oven for tender, juicy medallions.
Sear thawed steaks or medallions in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side.
Skewer and quickly grill thawed cubes or thin steaks.
Bread sliced medallions and pan-fry into cutlets.
Dice frozen pieces to add to stews, soups, stir fries or kabobs.

With proper freezing and thawing, frozen beef tenderloin performs just like fresh for any recipe. Get creative with this versatile premium cut!

Enjoy Tenderloin Any Time with Perfect Freezing

With the right freezing and thawing techniques, you can enjoy incredibly tender, juicy beef tenderloin for months after purchasing. Never let a good steak go to waste!

Carefully freezing cooked or raw tenderloin locks in moisture and flavor so you can enjoy top steakhouse quality beef on demand. Your perfectly frozen tenderloin is as good as fresh anytime.

Prepping whole beef tenderloin for the freezer

FAQ

Can you freeze uncooked beef tenderloin?

A 0° setting should be the warmest you use. Steaks, Lamb and Beef Roasts — 6 months for maximum flavor, but can be stored for 12 months or even more. Hamburger, Steakburgers, Tenderloin Tips and Strips — 3 to 4 months.

Does freezing beef tenderloin affect the taste?

“While fresh, never-frozen beef of varying aging times resulted in a juicier product, the previously frozen product was more tender,” Beyer said. “Ultimately, freezing beef does not positively or negatively impact the (consumer’s) overall liking of a steak.”

Is frozen beef tenderloin as good as fresh?

There is an age-old debate among meat scientists that asks the question, “Which is better: fresh or frozen?” Our experience has been that there is no difference in quality. In fact, our frozen beef may be more tender because fresh, conventionally marketed beef goes through its aging process during trans-port.

Can you cut a beef tenderloin in half and freeze it?

If you are looking to serve fewer guests, you can also cut them in half for a roast, and then either freeze the second half whole for a roast or cut into filet mignon steaks and freeze those for the grill. To break down a tenderloin, start by removing the chateaubriand.

Can you freeze beef tenderloin?

When it comes to freezing beef tenderloin, having the right cut is key. Look for one with a thick layer of fat, as this helps keep the meat juicy when it’s defrosted later. It should also look bright red and feel firm but not hard. If there’s any sign of discoloration or off-smelling odors, avoid it and find another option instead.

What temperature should beef tenderloin be frozen?

Ideally, the temperature of the freezer should be at 0°F (-18°C) or lower, as this temperature will help to keep the beef tenderloin frozen and fresh for an extended period of time. It is important to note that the longer you keep the beef tenderloin in the freezer, the greater the risk of freezer burn and loss of quality.

Can You defrost Beef Tenderloin at room temperature?

Do not defrost beef tenderloin at room temperature, as this can increase the risk of bacteria growth and compromise the quality of your meat. For a faster thawing method, you can place the frozen beef tenderloin in a sealed plastic bag and place it in a bowl of cold water. Replace the water every 30 minutes until the meat is thawed.

Does beef tenderloin need to be refrigerated?

Store in the freezer for up to 6 months for optimal freshness. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking as desired. Beef tenderloin is one of the more expensive cuts of beef, so it is important to prepare and store it properly.