How Long Does It Take to Thaw Frozen Beef Tenderloin?

Beef tenderloin is a delicious, tender cut of meat perfect for special occasions and holidays But before cooking your tenderloin roast or steaks, you’ll need to safely thaw the frozen meat Follow this guide for tips on the best thawing methods and approximate timelines when defrosting whole tenderloins or tenderloin filets.

Overview of Beef Tenderloin

The tenderloin sits along the cow’s backbone and doesn’t get much exercise, which is why it’s so tender. This prized cut is the source for filet mignon steaks as well as whole tenderloin roasts.

Tenderloin roasts range from 2-4 pounds and tenderloin steaks are typically 1-2 inches thick. Since the tenderloin is small compared to other beef cuts, it usually thaws faster than larger roasts or slabs of meat

Refrigerator Thawing

For food safety, the best way to thaw beef is by placing it in the refrigerator. While this passive approach takes more time, it keeps the meat cold at around 40°F to prevent bacterial growth. Here are some guidelines:

• 1-2 pound tenderloin filets or steaks: 12-24 hours
• 3-4 pound whole tenderloin roast: 24-36 hours

The exact time depends on the thickness of the cuts as well as your refrigerator temperature. Monitor the progress occasionally and rewrap if needed to prevent surface drying.

Once thawed, use refrigerated beef within 3-5 days. For longer storage, refreeze or cook immediately.

Cold Water Thawing

If you’re short on time, submerge the frozen beef in cold water to speed thawing. Use a leak-proof bag or container and place it in a bowl of cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes so it stays cold.

Here are the approximate thawing times:

• 1 inch steaks: 30-60 minutes
• 1-2 pound filets: 1-2 hours
• 3-4 pound roast: 2-3 hours

Cook immediately after thawing. Do not refreeze beef thawed using the cold water method.

Microwave Thawing

Microwaving is the fastest way to thaw frozen beef, but it can start cooking the outer edges. Follow your microwave’s defrost setting, stopping periodically to check progress. microwave in short bursts and rearrange as needed.

Microwaved beef should also be cooked immediately and not refrozen for safety.

Don’t Thaw at Room Temperature

Never thaw beef tenderloin at room temperature or in hot water. This puts the meat in the “danger zone” between 40-140°F where bacteria multiply rapidly.

Room temperature thawing can take several hours, allowing harmful pathogen growth on the meat surfaces.

Tips for Thawing Frozen Tenderloin

• Place in a rimmed dish or tray to catch drips as it thaws.

• Once surface is thawed, rinse under cold water to remove ice crystals before cooking.

• Pat dry thoroughly before searing or grill marks won’t form properly.

• Season just before cooking as seasonings dissolve faster on thawed meat.

• For more even cooking, allow thicker cuts to sit at room temp 20-30 minutes before cooking.

Can You Cook Beef Tenderloin from Frozen?

Yes, you can cook beef tenderloin directly from frozen. The cooking time needs to be increased by about 50% compared to thawed meat.

Use an instant-read thermometer and cook to the proper internal temp, not by time. Smaller tenderloin filets can be pan seared or grilled from frozen.

For whole tenderloin roasts, it’s best to thaw first for more even cooking. The outside could overcook by the time the center thaws if starting completely frozen.

Storing and Handling Thawed Beef

Once thawed, use refrigerated tenderloin within 3-5 days. If you can’t cook it within that timeframe, you can refreeze using the refrigerator method.

When refreezing, use a freezer bag or wrap tightly in plastic to prevent freezer burn. Thawed and refrozen beef may suffer some loss of quality but will remain safe to eat.

Never refreeze tenderloin meat thawed using microwave or cold water methods. Cook these immediately after thawing.

With some planning, you can safely thaw frozen beef tenderloin for your next delicious meal using these methods. Refer to the provided timelines so your tenderloin is ready when you are.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can you put frozen meat straight in the oven?

Yes, you can cook frozen beef tenderloin straight from the freezer. Use an instant read thermometer and allow 50% more cook time.

• Is it safe to microwave thaw beef?

Microwaving to thaw is safe but will start cooking the outer areas. Cook immediately after and don’t refreeze.

• What happens if you thaw and refreeze meat?

Refreezing thawed beef can diminish quality and moisture content. Only refreeze if thawed in the refrigerator.

• Can you put frozen steak on the grill?

Yes, grilling frozen steak is safe. Use tongs, not a fork, to avoid piercing the meat. Allow extra grill time for even cooking.

• Why is thawed meat bad if left at room temperature?

Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature. Thawed meats should be cooked, refrigerated, or refrozen within 2 hours.