Can I Cook Slightly Frozen Meat?

Last Updated on November 13, 2022 by Lauren Beck

If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to thaw your meat, you can cook it while it’s still frozen. It’s not ideal, but it’ll get the job done. The best way to cook frozen meat is to:

Preheat your oven to the highest setting possible. This will help the outside of the meat cook faster, so the inside has a chance to cook all the way through.
Place the frozen meat on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Make sure there’s room around it so hot air can circulate and cook it evenly.
Cook for 50% longer than you would if the meat were thawed. So, if a recipe says to cook a steak for 10 minutes, cook it for 15 minutes if it’s frozen.
Let the meat rest before cutting into it or serving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat so it’s not all cooked out.

Table of Contents

Why Frozen Steaks Cook Better?

One of the benefits of cooking a frozen steak is that it can actually cook more evenly. When you put a frozen piece of meat in a hot pan, the outermost layer of meat sears while the inside thaws and cooks more slowly. This means that by the time the inside is cooked through, the outside can be overcooked and dry.

How to Sear a Frozen Steak?

If you want to sear a frozen steak, it’s best to do it in two steps. First, Sear the steak for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side in a hot pan. Then transfer the steak to a preheated oven and cook until it reaches the desired doneness. This method will help you get a nice sear on the outside without overcooking the inside.

How Long Does Steak Take to Cook From Frozen?

It depends on the size and thickness of your steak, but it should take about 50% longer to cook a steak from frozen than it would if it were thawed. So, if you’re used to cooking a 10-minute steak, cook a frozen steak for 15 minutes.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Steak

Preheat your oven to the highest setting before cooking. This will help the meat cook evenly.
Cook for 50% longer than you would if the meat were thawed.
Let the steak rest before cutting into it or serving. This will help redistribute the juices.
Sear the steak in a hot pan before transferring it to the oven. This will help you get a nice sear without overcooking the meat.

Can Frozen Steaks Be Grilled?

It’s best to thaw your steak before grilling, but you can grill a frozen steak if you’re in a hurry. Cook for 50% longer than you would if the meat were thawed, and make sure to sear it in a hot pan before grilling.

How Long Does Frozen Meat Last?

You can keep frozen meat for up to six months, but it’s best to use it within one to two months for the best quality. After that, the quality of the meat will start to decline.

How to Defrost Meat?

Here are a few ways to thaw meat:

In the refrigerator: This is the best way to thaw meat, but it can take a while. For example, a 1-pound steak can take up to 24 hours to thaw in the fridge.
In cold water: This method is faster than using the fridge, but it can be tricky to get the meat thawed evenly. Make sure to change the water every 30 minutes so it stays cold.
In the microwave: This is the fastest way to thaw meat, but it can be tricky to get the meat cooked evenly. We recommend searing the meat in a pan after it’s thawed in the microwave.

Ways to Quickly Thaw Frozen Meat

If you’re in a hurry and need to cook frozen meat, there are a few ways to quick thaw it [1]. The microwave is the quickest method, followed by using hot water. If you have time, you can also let the meat thaw slowly in the fridge.

Is It Bad to Cook Frozen Meat Without Thawing It?

It’s not ideal to cook frozen meat without thawing it first, but it is possible. The biggest risk is that the outside of the meat will cook faster than the inside, which can result in uneven cooking. If you’re pressed for time, make sure to cook the meat on a lower heat so that it can cook through properly.

Simple Recipe for Cooking Frozen Steak

Ingredients:

1 frozen steak
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper

Instructions:

Place the frozen steak on a plate and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Season the steak with salt and pepper, then place it in the skillet.
Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the steak is cooked to your liking.
Let the steak rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. Enjoy!

Conclusion

It’s possible to cook slightly frozen meat, but it’s not ideal. The biggest risk is that the outside of the meat will cook faster than the inside, which can result in uneven cooking. If you’re pressed for time, make sure to cook the meat on a lower heat so that it can cook through properly. With a little care and attention, you can still cook up a delicious and juicy steak even if it’s not perfectly thawed.

Reference:

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/cooking/a31928899/how-to-defrost-meat/

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Lauren Beck

Lauren Beck is a Food Science & Technology graduate, born and raised in NYC, but lived in Japan for more than eight years. Her love forAmerican food and Japanese culture led her to create Kitsune Restaurant. She loves taking walks with her dog - an American Akita she aptly named Hachiko. Learn more about us here or you can email us contact@kitsunerestaurant.com.