With turkey a lean, healthy protein that’s tasty and versatile, it makes sense to stock up when you find deals. Freezing extra fresh turkey breast lets you enjoy delicious meals for months after buying it. But can you actually freeze turkey breast?
The answer is a resounding yes! With proper storage and handling, fresh turkey breast freezes beautifully. Read on for tips on freezing, thawing and cooking turkey breast to make the most of this budget-friendly meat
Should You Freeze Turkey Breast?
Freezing turkey breast offers many benefits:
- Stock up when prices drop before holidays
- Buy large packs or whole breasts for savings
- Prep and freeze turkey for fast future meals
- Reduce food waste by preserving leftovers
- Enjoy delicious turkey any time of year
So if you come across turkey breast at a rock-bottom price or have leftovers, freezing allows enjoying it for up to a year.
Storing Raw Turkey Breast in the Freezer
To freeze raw turkey breast:
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Wrap breasts tightly in plastic wrap or sealable bags, removing air. This prevents freezer burn
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Label packages with type and date. Raw turkey breast stays fresh 9-12 months frozen.
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For portion control, cut into smaller pieces or slices before freezing.
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Freeze new purchases asap for best quality. Don’t let raw breast linger in the fridge.
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Arrange breast pieces in a single layer until frozen solid, then stack to save space.
Following these steps locks in flavor and texture beautifully.
Freezing Cooked Turkey Breast
For cooked breast meat:
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Let cool 30 minutes before freezing to prevent excess moisture.
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Portion breast into meal-sized amounts in shallow containers.
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Turkey cooked in broth or sauce may not freeze well as liquids expand.
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Remove air from packages and label with contents and date.
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Use frozen cooked turkey within 3-4 months for optimal freshness.
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Add broth or gravy when reheating to keep the lean meat juicy.
Thawing Frozen Turkey Breast
Always thaw turkey breast properly in the refrigerator, cold water or microwave. Never leave it out at room temperature.
- Refrigerator: Place breast on tray. Thaw 24-48 hours depending on size.
- Cold water: Submerge sealed breast, changing water every 30 minutes.
- Microwave: Use defrost setting, 5 minutes per pound. Cook immediately after thawing.
- As part of cooking: Add extra time to recipe to defrost inner breast as outer cooks.
Proper thawing keeps turkey breast safe, moist and tender.
How Long Does Turkey Breast Last Frozen?
For best quality, use frozen raw turkey breast within 9-12 months. Cooked frozen breast will stay tasty for 3-4 months. Discard any turkey older than these time frames.
Tips for Cooking Previously Frozen Turkey
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Defrost breast fully before cooking. Cook from partially frozen and the center may still be icy.
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Add extra cooking time, up to 50% more, for full defrosting and heat penetration. Check internal temp.
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Prevent dryness by basting, brushing with oil or broth, or cooking in sauce.
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Ground turkey may need an egg added to help bind if crumbly after thawing.
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Stuffing made with previously frozen turkey is safe. Just fully defrost breast first.
With proper handling, previously frozen turkey breast tastes delicious in any recipe.
Health Benefits of Turkey Breast
Turkey breast deserves freezer space not just for convenience but for its stellar nutrition profile. It provides:
- Lean protein with less fat and calories than beef or pork
- Essential amino acids for building muscles
- Vitamins B6, B12 and zinc for cell function
- Anti-inflammatory selenium
- Tryptophan for calming serotonin
Keep your freezer stocked with turkey breast for quick protein in sandwiches, salads, stir-fries and other healthy recipes.
Creative Ways to Use Frozen Turkey Breast
Enjoy convenient cooked turkey breast from the freezer in all kinds of easy, enticing meals:
- Turkey pesto paninis
- Chili with ground turkey
- Hearty turkey noodle soup
- Stir-fried turkey and veggies
- Turkey sliders with cranberry sauce
- Turkey salad wraps with avocado
- Turkey enchilada casserole
- Buffalo turkey sandwiches
Turkey’s versatility makes it easy to use frozen breast in place of chicken, beef or pork in any recipe.
The Takeaway
Freezing gives you access to high-quality turkey breast any time. Follow the proper methods for freezing, thawing and storage. Use frozen turkey breast within recommended timelines for safety and best flavor. Thaw completely before cooking for tender, juicy meat.
FAQ
Can you freeze uncooked turkey breast?
In both cases, you’ll want to store the turkey in the deepest part of the freezer. When properly stored, raw turkey pieces should stay good in the freezer for up to 9 months, while whole raw turkeys last for a year when frozen. Cooked turkey pieces last in the freezer for 4–6 months.
Can you freeze a fresh turkey from the grocery store?
Do not follow the ‘sell by’ date on the label. The ‘sell-by’ date is used by the store and is not a storage recommendation for consumers. For longer storage, freeze a fresh turkey within one to two days of purchase or by the ‘best by’ date on the label. It will stay safe in the freezer indefinitely.
Does freezing a fresh turkey affect taste?
Taste: Frozen turkey may have a slightly different taste due to the freezing process, which can affect flavor compounds. If not properly thawed or cooked, it can also lose some of its flavor. Texture: The freezing process can cause ice crystals to form within the meat, which may affect its texture.
How long can a fresh turkey breast stay in the refrigerator?
The safe time limit for refrigerating raw poultry is 1-2 days; 3-4 days if it’s cooked. Your turkey may have begun to spoil. Even without spoilage indicators like an off-odor or sticky surface, harmful bacteria may be present.
Can you freeze raw turkey breast?
Freezing raw turkey breast is simple Here are some tips Wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn which can dry out the meat. Label each package with the date. Raw turkey breast will maintain optimal quality frozen for 9-12 months.
How long can you keep Turkey Breast in the freezer?
If the turkey breast was fresh when you bought it, then provided you wrapped the meat well, you will have had a full 12 months to store it in your freezer without affecting the quality of the meat too much.
Can you freeze a fresh turkey?
You can successfully freeze a fresh turkey for later use. If you want to store fresh turkey in the freezer, make sure to keep it in its original wrapping or sealed freezer bags. A fresh raw turkey that is promptly frozen will last up to a year. Keep reading as I address the questions you may have about freezing a fresh turkey.
Can you freeze turkey breast lunch meat?
If you plan to use the turkey breast for a specific recipe, it’s best to season it before freezing. However, if you want more flexibility, you can freeze it plain and season it when you defrost it. 6. Can I Freeze Turkey Breast Lunch Meat? Yes, you can freeze pre-sliced turkey breast lunch meat.
Can you freeze turkey breast gravy?
Yes, you can freeze turkey breast gravy. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag and it can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. 9. Can I Freeze marinaded Turkey Breast?
How to cook frozen turkey breast?
Here are a few tips for cooking frozen turkey breast: * Cook the turkey breast until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the meat is cooked through and safe to eat. * Do not overcook the turkey breast. Overcooked turkey breast will become dry and tough.