Tips For How To Freeze And Thaw Pork
Did you pick up some AdapTable Meals products without realizing that their expiration date is approaching? That’s okay! There’s a simple solution to ensure the food remains edible and fresh until you’re ready to eat it: Simply freeze the products and then thaw them when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Freezing pork products is an easy, convenient way to guarantee that you'll always have a delicious meal ready to enjoy. By freezing pork, you can stop the growth of harmful bacteria, ensuring that it's safe to eat after proper thawing. Plus, thawing pork allows for better absorption of marinades and seasonings, resulting in even more flavorful and succulent meat when cooked.
We have some helpful tips and techniques on how to freeze and thaw your pork products correctly and safely, including your AdapTable Meals pork chops and roasts.
When Freezing:
- Roasts, chops, and tenderloins can be wrapped in freezer paper, heavy-duty plastic bags, or heavy-duty aluminum foil for up to six months.
- For chops: You should put a double layer of waxed paper between each chop. The waxed paper creates a barrier between the pork chops, preventing them from sticking together as they freeze. This makes it easier to separate individual chops when you want to thaw and cook them.
- For roasts: Always freeze the pork roast whole. By freezing it whole, you preserve the flavor better compared to cutting it into smaller pieces, which can lead to loss of flavor. For products in roll stock (anything without a tray), they can go directly into the freezer without needing to be repacked, which limits any type of cross-contamination.
When Thawing:
Never thaw meat at room temperature. For example, your kitchen counter is NOT safe to use for thawing. Instead, here are some thawing techniques:- Refrigerator thawing: Place your pork product on a plate and store it on the lowest shelf of the fridge to prevent dripping (or cross-contamination). You should allow at least 24 hours for roasts or larger items to thaw, while for smaller items, you should plan to wait 2-3 hours.
- Water thawing:Place the frozen meat in a sink with cold running water, large enough to submerge the full product. It’s essential that the water be kept running during this process. This method will take a few hours, and then you must cook the meat immediately after it’s thawed.
- Microwave thawing: Use the defrost setting to thaw your meat, then cook immediately.
- Instant pot: When using an instant pot, you can cook from frozen directly to cooking. You’ll only need to add a few extra minutes to your cooking time while the instant pot comes up to pressure. After the pork is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature is 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Are Some Benefits of Pork?
Pork is high in protein and rich in vitamins such as vitamins B2, B3, B6, and B12.- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): This helps keep your skin and eyes healthy.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin): This helps digestion and keeps your skin glowing.
- Vitamin B6: Important for brain health and helps create the hormones that regulate mood.
- Vitamin B12: This is crucial for healthy blood and nerves.
Leftover Pork?... Here Are Some Ideas
- Pulled pork grilled cheese: For a twist on the classic pulled pork sandwich, try this recipe to enhance your next grilled cheese sandwich.
- Pork tenderloin with gnocchi: Feeling for some gnocchi but don’t know what to pair it with? Try pork loin filet. This recipe will show you how to create a delicious dish featuring both.
- Pork tacos: If you’re craving tacos and have a chipotle pork tenderloin, try this recipe to experience tenderness with a pop of crunch.
- Pork chops with mushrooms and green beans: Do you have pork chops but no ideas for side dishes? Try this recipe for delicious pork chops with mushrooms and green beans.
- Grilled BBQ boneless pork ribs with peach pico de gallo: Sweet vs. savory, why not have both? This recipe features tangy BBQ pork chops, pica de gallo, and cabbage slaw.