Cooking beef cubes straight from the freezer is absolutely possible, but there are some tips and techniques to follow for the best results. With the right preparation and cooking methods, frozen beef can turn out tasty, tender and juicy.
Can you cook frozen beef cubes?
Yes, you can cook beef cubes directly from the freezer. When frozen beef is exposed to heat, the ice crystals melt, leaving moisture within the meat. This prevents the beef from drying out during cooking. However, frozen meat takes longer to cook than fresh or thawed meat since it needs to thaw during the cooking process.
What happens if you cook frozen beef cubes?
Cooking frozen beef cubes can lead to varied results depending on the cooking method. Here is what happens when frozen beef cubes are cooked:
- Searing or pan-frying may cause the exterior to burn or cook unevenly before the inside thaws.
- Slow cooking, braising or stewing allows time for even thawing and tenderizing the meat.
- Grilling or broiling can result in dry, tough meat if the thick frozen cubes do not defrost and cook through.
- Roasting in the oven at a high temperature often dries out the outside before the inner meat thaws.
The key is using gentler cooking methods or additional liquids to allow the frozen beef time to gently thaw, tenderize and cook through.
How to cook frozen beef cubes in different ways
On the stovetop
To cook frozen beef cubes on the stovetop, choose cooking methods that use moisture and low, indirect heat:
- Braise or stew: Brown the frozen cubes first, then cook gently in a small amount of liquid like broth, wine or sauce until fork tender.
- Steam: Place in a steamer basket or perforated pan set over a saucepan of simmering water, cover and steam until thawed and cooked through.
- Poach: Simmer the frozen cubes in lightly simmering broth, sauce or other flavorful poaching liquid until tender.
In the oven
To cook frozen beef in the oven, low heat is best:
- Roast: Roast at 300-325°F, allowing extra time for the meat to gently thaw and cook through without drying out.
- Braise: Brown first, then cook covered in a small amount of liquid in a Dutch oven or casserole dish at 300-325°F until tender.
On the grill
Take steps to prevent frozen beef from drying out on the grill:
- Defrost beef partially to remove some ice crystals.
- Grill over indirect heat, away from direct flames.
- Grill on skewers so cubes are held together by metal, not by frozen surfaces touching.
- Brush with oil or marinade so the meat does not stick while thawing.
In a slow cooker
Using a slow cooker is an easy hands-off way to cook frozen beef cubes tender:
- Place frozen beef cubes into the slow cooker insert.
- Add your choice of seasonings and liquid such as broth, tomatoes or sauce.
- Cook on low setting for 8-10 hours.
- The extended cooking allows the beef time to gently thaw and become perfectly tender.
Tips for cooking frozen beef cubes
Follow these tips for the best results when cooking beef cubes straight from frozen:
- Use gentler, moist cooking methods like braising, stewing or slow cooking.
- Allow 50% more cooking time than fresh or thawed beef cubes.
- Cook at lower temperatures, around 300°F if oven roasting or braising.
- Cut beef into uniform cubes so they thaw and cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- If pan searing, brown frozen cubes first on all sides, then finish cooking through.
How can you tell when frozen beef cubes are cooked?
Check these signs to know when frozen beef cubes are fully cooked:
- Center of cubes reach 160°F on a meat thermometer.
- Exterior is browned throughout.
- A fork or knife inserted meets little resistance.
- Beef slices apart easily and looks cooked throughout when cut into.
The meat should appear moist throughout and be fork tender when fully cooked.
What’s the best cut of beef for cooking from frozen?
The most suitable beef cuts to cook from frozen include:
- Chuck cubes – Well-marbled for tenderness.
- Short rib cubes – Contain connective tissue that breaks down into gelatin.
- Sirloin or round cubes – Lean yet tender when braised slowly.
- Osso buco slices – Cross-cut shanksideal for braising.
Fattier cuts with good marbling or connective tissue work well since the long, moist cooking helps break down the meat.
How long does it take to cook frozen beef cubes?
Frozen beef cubes take roughly 50% longer to cook than fresh or thawed beef. Here are estimated cooking times:
| Cooking Method | Fresh Cubes | Frozen Cubes |
|---|---|---|
| Pan frying or searing | 3-5 minutes | 6-8 minutes |
| Braising | 1 1/2 – 2 hours | 2 1/2 – 3 hours |
| Stewing | 1 1/2 – 2 hours | 2 1/2 – 3 hours |
| Roasting at 325°F | 45-60 minutes | 1-1 1/2 hours |
| Slow cooker on low | 6-8 hours | 8-10 hours |
Check beef frequently and use a meat thermometer for doneness. Increase cooking time if needed until beef reaches desired tenderness.
Conclusion
Cooking beef cubes straight from the frozen state is very doable with the right techniques. Allow extra cooking time for the meat to gently thaw and cook through. Low, moist methods like braising, stewing and slow cooking yield the best results. With the proper preparation and cooking, frozen beef cubes can turn out just as delicious as fresh.