Having a freezer full of ButcherBox’s delicious meat ready to go whenever you want a great meal is one of life’s simple pleasures.
But we understand that knowing exactly what to do with your frozen meat can be a little confusing. ButcherBox is lucky to have meat industry experts and experienced chefs on staff who can answer all of our most important questions about how to store and defrost frozen meat. We put together this guide, to share that wisdom.
At the end of this post, we also have some tips on how to organize your meat and make the most of the space in your freezer once your frozen meat arrives.
Pork is a versatile meat that can be used in many delicious recipes. However, like any raw meat, it requires proper storage and handling to avoid foodborne illness. One key consideration is how long pork will remain safe in the fridge after thawing.
Understanding proper fridge storage times will ensure the pork stays fresh and ready to cook when you need it Follow these guidelines and you’ll keep your thawed pork in optimal condition
The Best Way to Thaw Pork
First, it’s important to thaw pork correctly to maximize its shelf life The fridge is the safest place to thaw pork. At temperatures of 40°F or below, the pork will defrost gradually without allowing bacteria growth
- Thaw pork in the fridge overnight or for 1-2 days before needing it. Place it on a plate or tray to catch any drips.
- For faster thawing, seal the pork in a plastic bag and submerge in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
- Defrost in the microwave only if cooking immediately after.
Thawing pork at room temperature or in hot water can lead to bacterial growth and should be avoided.
How Long Thawed Pork Lasts in the Fridge
Once fully thawed, here is how long pork will last refrigerated:
- Ground pork: 1-2 days
- Pork chops, roasts, steaks: 3-5 days
- Marinated pork: 1-2 days
- Cooked pork: 3-4 days
The clock starts ticking as soon as the pork is fully defrosted. TheVarieties of pork affect fridge life differently:
- Ground pork has a shorter shelf life than whole cuts due to greater surface area exposure. Use within 1-2 days.
- Boneless roasts, chops and steaks will keep for 3-5 days. The bones in bone-in cuts can shorten fridge time slightly.
- Marinades containing acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus can start to break down the pork, so marinated pork only lasts 1-2 days.
- Cooked pork has a shorter fridge life than raw. Use within 3-4 days and don’t leave it longer than that.
Keeping the refrigerator below 40°F is also key for maintaining quality and reducing bacteria growth. Monitor the temperature periodically with a fridge thermometer.
Storing Thawed Pork Properly in the Fridge
To safely maximize the shelf life be diligent about storage
- Wrap pork in plastic wrap, foil or place in airtight containers. This prevents drying out.
- Don’t crowd the fridge or overstack items. Cold air must circulate freely.
- Place pork on a plate or tray to prevent leaks.
- Store raw pork separately from other foods to avoid cross-contamination. Keep on bottom shelf.
- Cooked pork should also be stored covered on a plate or in a container.
Proper packaging and cold temperatures combine to keep thawed pork fresh as long as possible.
Signs Pork Has Spoiled
Thawed pork can show visual signs of spoilage. Discard any pork that exhibits:
- Slimy or sticky texture
- Weirdly sticky or tacky feeling
- Noticeable color changes – red pork turning gray, brown or green
- Off or sour odors
- Mold growth – fuzzy textures or white/green spots
If you see any of these, play it safe and throw the pork away. Always watch for signs of spoilage during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often have additional questions about storing thawed pork properly. Here are answers to some common queries:
Can I refreeze thawed pork? Yes, it is safe to refreeze as long as the pork was thawed in the refrigerator and has been kept at 40°F or less. Refreezing pork thawed at room temp is not recommended.
What happens if power goes out? If the refrigerator temperature rises above 40°F for over two hours, it’s best to discard thawed pork. When in doubt, throw it out.
Can I cook then refreeze pork? Preparing pork and then freezing is safe. Let it cool completely before freezing for best quality. Portion pork into meal sizes.
How do I marinate pork safely? Marinate in the fridge in a sealed bag or covered dish. Pork shouldn’t marinate for longer than 1-2 days. Discard used marinade instead of reusing.
Can I freeze raw pork longer than 6 months? For best quality, pork roasts and chops shouldn’t be frozen over 6 months. Ground pork shouldn’t exceed 3-4 months. Use frozen pork within these recommended time frames.
Following these guidelines helps keep thawed pork safe, tasty, and ready to cook. Proper fridge temperatures, storage methods, and watching for spoilage are key. With the right techniques, thawed pork can stay delicious for several days until your next meal!
Defrosting any meat outside of the refrigerator
If you dry the meat out outside of the fridge or with cold water, the rules are a little different.
Thawing Meat in Cold Water
Putting frozen meat in cold water—which can stay running or be changed every 30 minutes—is a quick way to defrost it. But make sure the packaging is tightly closed. If it isn’t, you can put the meat in a plastic bag that is also tightly closed and cool it in cold water.
Additionally, this requires active attention. You should not leave any meat in the sink indefinitely.
A one-pound cut of meat can defrost within an hour by using this cold water method.
Check out Chef Yankel’s tips for defrosting in water in the video below. (Bonus: Watch the video all the way to the end to learn an easy way to dry a steak, which will make it sear better and be more tender.) ).