Can you freeze filet mignon? Filets and juicy flank steaks can last longer if they are frozen.
Filet mignon can be frozen. Like most other types of meat, filet mignon freezes well and doesn’t change much in taste or texture when frozen.
In this blog post, we’ll find out how to freeze filet mignon in the best way.
Read on to find out more!
What Is Filet Mignon?
Filet mignon is a thick cut of meat from the eye filet or the tenderloin.
This muscle doesn’t support weight, so the connective tissue doesn’t get tougher from exercise.
This makes the meat very tender and very lean.
Filet mignon (in French, “filet” means “thick slice” and “mignon” means “delicate“) is thought to be the best steak because it melts in your mouth.
Even though tenderloin is expensive when you eat it out, it’s not too expensive to make at home.
Filet mignon, also called tenderloin, smells and tastes less like beef than other steaks.
People who like smaller portions also like filet mignon since it is usually a smaller steak.
If you want a bigger serving, you can get the “chateaubriand,” a tenderloin the size of a roast.
Can You Freeze Filet Mignon?
Yes, filet mignon is a delicious meal, but it’s also expensive.
You may freeze individual slices of beef for up to six months, but just two to three months for optimal quality to make sure you get the most out of it.
Read the instructions below on how to do this.
How To Freeze Filet Mignon – Complete Steps!
Freezing filet mignon is an easy way to keep it fresh, whether from the butcher or leftovers.
Follow the steps below to freeze both raw and cooked filet mignon without changing the taste or texture:
Step#1. Prepare the Filet Mignon Before Freezing
Filet mignon is best preserved by dividing it into separate chunks.
Once the meat has been frozen and then thawed, it cannot be securely frozen again.
You may reduce food waste and extend storage time by chopping the remaining roast into single-portioned filets.
As a result, chop up your filet mignon and set it aside to cool completely. This is critical; else, it will not correctly freeze.
Tip: If you opt to let it cool at room temperature, put it in the fridge before the two-hour mark. Otherwise, germs may develop and cause the meat to deteriorate.
Step#2. Packaging of Filet Mignon
Before placing your filet mignon in the freezer, it is important to cover it so that germs and other smells do not enter.
The methods outlined here may be used by you to conceal your filet mignon.
Vacuum Packer
A vacuum packer is the most effective technique to keep any meat. This prevents oxygen and moisture from entering.
This will preserve the texture, color, and taste of this rich and flavorful meat while preventing freezer burn.
Vacuum wrap the slices in separate bags.
After that, add a second layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. This will prevent any light from passing through, resulting in deterioration.
Finally, label the packaging with the date and freeze the filet mignon for two to six months.
Using a Plastic Wrap
Another great and safe cold storage item is freezer wrap. It should be applied immediately to the cooked filet mignon after it has cooled somewhat.
This should be followed by a tight covering of heavy-duty aluminum foil over each steak, as described before.
Finally, place your double-wrapped beef in a ziplock container that may be frozen.
Remove as much air as possible from the bag, seal it, and mark it with the freeze date.
Step#3. Flash Freeze Your Filet Mignon
Rapid freezing is the most efficient approach to preserving the filet mignon flavor and texture.
This also allows for faster thawing periods and lowers the likelihood of dangerous microorganisms.
Place your filet mignon on an empty freezer shelf to achieve this outcome. This permits the cold air to freeze both sides of the mignon slices evenly.
This should be kept at a constant temperature of zero degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the cooked filet mignon has been frozen, it may be stored more effectively in the freezer.
Finally, bear in mind that experts suggest maintaining your freezer at 80 percent full.
Overfilling your freezer might cause the vents to get clogged, preventing the food from being adequately maintained.
How Long Can You Freeze Filet Mignon?
How long you can freeze filet mignon depends on how it was cut and how big it is, but most food experts say you can keep raw filet mignon in your freezer for six months.
This is especially true for the bigger cuts, also. Small cuts of meat, like those tasty filet mignons you have, shouldn’t be frozen for more than four months.
This is because of how water is stored in meat and what happens to that water when it freezes and thaws.
Because of this, there is also a science to how you should freeze your beef cuts.
How To Defrost Frozen Filet Mignon
When it’s time to eat your frozen filet mignon, you need to take a few important steps to keep the juices inside.
Put It in The Fridge
Even though you want to defrost your filet mignon quickly, it’s best to take it out of the freezer slowly.
So, take out as many filet mignons as you need and put them in the refrigerator overnight to defrost.
Use Cold Water
But if you are in a hurry, you can also take a safe bath in cold water.
Fill a large bowl with water, but don’t stir it, and put the beef in it while it’s still in the freezer or vacuum seal bag.
Every 30 minutes, change the water until the meat is no longer frozen. Put it in the oven. Set your oven to 200 degrees.
When the oven is getting hot, take the filet mignon out of all the packaging and put them on a metal baking sheet.
Then, put a loose layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil over the tray. Check on the meat every few minutes for 15 minutes.
When the heart reaches 160 degrees inside, it should be ready to eat.
Last, filet mignon should always be cooked within 24 hours of defrosting.
Then, you have to eat or drink it within five days. If it can’t be fixed in this time frame, it’s safer to throw it away.
Tip: Even though you can reheat frozen filet mignon without letting it defrost first, keep in mind that this meat has already been cooked.
If you skip the defrost step, you will probably have to cook the outside more than it should to get the inside to a safe temperature.
Also, you shouldn’t use a microwave to defrost food. For the same reason, this is true.
FAQs About Can You Freeze Filet Mignon?
Do you have any additional questions related to the filet mignon? The following are some of the other questions that are often asked.
Is It True That Freezing Filet Mignon Changes the Taste?
As long as the Filet Mignon is not freezer scorched, freezing it does not affect its flavor. Meat that has been burned in the freezer does not taste well.
Is it Safe to Eat Filet Mignon That Has Been Frozen For Two Years?
That depends on how well the filet mignon was wrapped, how much air was in the package, and how stable the temperature was in the freezer.
The filet mignon should be fine if kept at 0 degrees for a long time. If there are a lot of ice crystals, you should probably throw them out.
Do I Salt Filet Mignon Before Freezing?
You don’t have to salt filet mignon before putting it in the freezer.
After the filet mignon is thawed, you should salt it, marinate it, or do whatever else you usually do to prepare steak before cooking it.
Final Verdict.
Can you freeze filet mignon? Yes, filet mignon can be frozen, but there are some things to think about.
The main worry about freezing meat is that it will change quality, especially how it tastes and feels.
It doesn’t change the taste much with filet mignon, but it does change the texture.
Still, you can freeze filet mignon if you want to save some money or stock up for a future meal. Just make sure you let it thaw properly before cooking it.