Corned beef brisket is a tasty and versatile cut of meat that can be used in many classic dishes like corned beef and cabbage. While fresh corned beef brisket needs to be cooked within 5-7 days, freezing the raw meat allows it to be stored for much longer.
Can you freeze raw corned beef brisket?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze raw corned beef brisket. Freezing is an effective way to extend the shelf life of the raw brisket for several months.
How long does raw corned beef brisket last in the freezer?
Properly stored frozen raw corned beef brisket will maintain best quality for approximately 4-6 months, but remains safe indefinitely if kept continuously frozen at 0°F or below.
The freezer time shown is for best quality only – raw corned beef brisket that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely. Just be aware that the flavor, texture, and color can start to noticeably deteriorate after the 4-6 month mark.
Does freezing affect the quality of raw corned beef brisket?
Freezing raw corned beef brisket can slightly affect the quality compared to fresh. Here are some of the changes you may notice after defrosting frozen corned beef brisket:
- Slight moisture loss, resulting in somewhat drier meat
- Color changes to gray or brown hues
- Slight differences in flavor
- Texture becomes slightly less tender
However, if properly packaged and frozen, the changes are minimal. The frozen corned beef brisket will still be perfectly usable and taste great in any recipe.
How to freeze raw corned beef brisket
Follow these simple steps for freezing raw corned beef brisket:
- Purchase fresh, raw corned beef brisket and ensure it is cold before freezing.
- Trim off any excess fat to prevent rancidity.
- Cut the brisket into portions according to how you plan to use it later.
- Wrap each portion very tightly in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the packages with contents and freeze-by date.
- Freeze at 0°F or below for up to 6 months.
- Avoid any temperature fluctuations during storage to maintain quality.
Properly packaging the corned beef into airtight parcels prevents freezer burn which can negatively impact texture and flavor.
How to thaw frozen raw corned beef brisket
Here are some safe methods for defrosting frozen raw corned beef brisket:
- Refrigerator thawing: This is the preferred method. Place brisket in a container to catch drips and thaw in the refrigerator for 1-2 days until completely defrosted.
- Cold water thawing: Submerge sealed brisket in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes until thawed. Cook immediately.
- Microwave thawing: Use the defrost setting to thaw just until pliable enough to cook. Cook immediately.
- Do not thaw at room temperature or in hot water, as this allows bacteria to grow.
Once thawed, cook the corned beef brisket within a couple days for best quality and safety. Refreezing raw meat is not recommended.
How to cook frozen corned beef brisket
Frozen raw corned beef brisket can be cooked from frozen state without needing to defrost first. Here are some tips:
- Increase cooking time approximately 50% over the time needed for thawed brisket.
- Use a low temperature around 325°F to allow brisket time to defrost and cook through.
- Cover with foil to retain moisture as it cooks through.
- Check for doneness by internal temperature and tenderness.
An example method is:
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Season frozen brisket with spices and herbs as desired.
- Place brisket fat-side up in a roasting pan. Cover tightly with foil.
- Roast approximately 60 minutes per pound, until fork tender.
- Let rest 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
The low and slow cooking gives time for the frozen corned beef to thoroughly defrost and become tender. The foil keeps it from drying out.
How to store cooked corned beef brisket
Cooked corned beef brisket also freezes very well for longer term storage. Here are some storage guidelines once cooked:
| Storage Method | Fridge Time | Freezer Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh, whole brisket | 3-4 days | 2-3 months |
| Cooked, sliced | 3-4 days | 1-2 months |
Steps for freezing cooked corned beef brisket:
- Allow brisket to cool completely after cooking.
- Portion or slice the brisket as desired.
- Pack slices/portions into freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label with contents and date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw, place refrigerate overnight before reheating gently in the oven or microwave just until warmed through.
Can you refreeze corned beef brisket?
Previously frozen raw corned beef brisket should not be refrozen after thawing. However, cooked corned beef can be safely refrozen using the following proper precautions:
- Only refreeze if the brisket has been kept refrigerated and cooled completely after initial thawing and cooking.
- Do not refreeze any partially thawed meat.
- The brisket should be reheated thoroughly until steaming hot before serving again.
- Quality loss may be greater with each refreeze.
- When in doubt, it’s best to cook the thawed brisket immediately and use or discard any leftovers.
Conclusion
Raw corned beef brisket holds very well in the freezer for 4-6 months when properly stored at 0°F. Take care to tightly seal the meat into airtight packages to prevent freezer burn. Allow the brisket to defrost gradually in the refrigerator before cooking. Cook from frozen state by using lower heat and extra cooking time. Refreezing previously frozen raw meat is not recommended, but cooked corned beef can be refrozen safely if done properly. With some simple preparation, freezing can significantly prolong the shelf life of corned beef brisket.