The container is the first thing you should consider when storing or freezing ground beef. You can use any type of freezer-safe plastic bag, but it must have a good lid. If you do not have one, some freezers come with sealing features.
There are two ways to freeze food: before you cook it or after you cook it. Pre-freezing allows for more control over the quality of the meat. That way you can let frozen foods sit at room temperature for longer than once before eating them.
There are mainly 3 ways to defrost meat before cooking it.
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1 THE FRIDGE
The first way to thaw meat or food is to place it in the refrigerator. However, you need to plan as this is a slow process. So be sure to put your food in the refrigerator about 24 hours in advance.
We recommend that you leave the meat in the vacuum packaging, if present, or in its packaging. If you take the meat out and put it on a plate or other dish, be sure to sanitize the dish in question and set it aside somewhat to avoid cross-contamination.
Never thaw meat at room temperature, especially if it is outside its vacuum packaging. Thus, bacteria form more easily and more quickly.
This is a best way to defrost ground beef
2 MICROWAVE
How To Defrost Ground Beef In The Microwave?
Defrost ground beef in the microwave is the preferred method when you want to prepare your meat very quickly. However, the quality of the meat may be slightly altered (both in appearance and taste). In addition, the meat may appear cooked even though it is only on the surface. It is therefore preferable to opt for this method for small pieces of meat.
Thaw it just before cooking it. Place the piece of meat on a plate, removing its packaging. Set the microwave to the defrost function. You will need to adapt the defrosting time to the weight of the piece of meat. Do not hesitate to check the meat regularly to prevent it from cooking. All you have to do is prepare your meat according to the recipe of your choice.
This method is the fastest way to defrost ground beef
How Long To Defrost Ground Beef In The Microwave?
If you don’t have a defrost function, set your four microwaves to cook at 20-30% capacity. Set the cooking timer. Remember that most meats, such as chicken, beef, or pork, should defrost for 8 to 10 minutes per pound.
Thawing times for fish or shellfish may vary, so check the package for more information. If your microwave has the option to defrost by weight or specific foods, you can use that and get the best results.
Do not leave food to thaw unattended in the microwave oven. Instead, stop the timer every few minutes to turn or move the meat. This helps ensure even thawing.
3 COLD WATER
The third method of thawing food is by immersing the piece in cold water. You can place your piece of meat in the sink – sanitized – or in a basin or large bowl of cold water.
The water must be cold because if it is hot, you will cook your meat too quickly and inadequately. This way the outside stays cool and the inside defrosts quickly.
If you take the meat out of the vacuum packaging, seal it in a 100% airtight bag before immersing.
Can You Cook From Frozen?
Nothing prevents you from cooking your piece of meat from the frozen state. On the other hand, the cooking will be very long and be warned that the result will not be the same. The texture and taste of the meat will likely be altered. Also, the outside will cook much faster than the center, resulting in a charred coating, and a still cold middle.
Can You Refreeze Meat That Has Been Thawed?
You should never refreeze food that has already been thawed, as this further increases the number of bacteria on the product.
It’s better to thaw your meat, cook it – which kills bacteria – and refreeze it afterward.
Healthy Ground Beef Meals
- Ingredients for 4 persons
700g ground beef
Humus
1 pot of hummus
Onion
1 onion
Egg
1 egg
1 clove of garlic peeled and grated
Cumin powder
A little cumin powder
Coriander powder or ground coriander
A little coriander powder or ground coriander
Fine salt
Coriander
½ bunch of cilantro
¼ tablespoon cayenne pepper
Oil
To serve
Lettuce
4 pita bread or Lebanese bread
Vinaigrette
- Preparation
In a bowl, mix the meat, grated garlic, onion, spices, lightly beaten egg, and salt.
Form 16 slightly elongated balls and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium to high heat.
Add the meatballs and brown them for 1 minute on each side to brown them.
Lower the heat, cover, and continue cooking until the meatballs are cooked through about 8 minutes.
Serve with hummus, pita bread, and seasoned lettuce.
- Ingredients for 4 persons
500 g of minced steaks
10 shells
1 red pepper
3 new onions or spring onions
Soya sauce
Water
Pepper
½ bunch of cilantro
Oil
- Preparation
1 Remove the end of the pepper, cut it in half, remove the seeds and the white parts then cut the flesh into small dice.
2 Slice the new onions and 3/4 of the green stems.
3 Chop the cilantro.
4 Heat a wok over medium heat with a tablespoon of oil. Add the diced peppers and spring onions and sauté for 5 minutes. Pour into a bowl.
5 Add a tablespoon of oil to the wok, heat over high heat, add the meat and cook for 1 minute, without touching it.
6 Mix, add the soy sauce, water, and chili, mix, and continue cooking for 1 minute.
7 Add the vegetables, stir and remove from the heat
8 Remove from the heat, add the coriander, and mix.
9 Fill the lettuce shells with the meat.
10 Serve and eat with your fingers.
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