Can You Freeze Jerky?: Wondering how you can store your leftover jerky fresh for a longer time? You’ve landed on the right page. Freezing is the best way to preserve the jerky fresh. But the most commonly asked query on the same is can you freeze jerky?
The answer is discussed below along with some other details on the beef jerky freezing. Thus, continue reading this guide and figure out how to freeze beef jerky properly, how to thaw frozen jerky, ways to use frozen jerky, refreezing jerky process, etc.
- Can You Freeze Beef Jerky?
- How To Freeze Beef Jerky
- How To Defrost Beef Jerky
- Can You Refreeze Jerky? – Refreezing Beef Jerky
- How Long Does Beef Jerky Last in the Freezer?
- FAQs on How To Store Your Jerky Fresh For Peak Flavor?
Can You Freeze Beef Jerky?
Yes, you can freeze beef jerky but for its shelf life. After that, it will lose quality and impact your health. The original product of jerky may change after freezing and defrosting them. Additionally, the jerky freezes very well but not that much with the thin layers of beef jerky. So it is recommended to complete the frozen thin strips of beef within a few months after opening.
If the jerky is fresh and produced without any preservatives then it may last fresh after thawing too. The freezing process of jerky is so simple all you need is a freezer bag and within a short span of time, it gets done. Below we have explained a lot about beef jerky freezing methods, defrosting jerky, and refreezing jerky. So take some time and complete gain knowledge about freezing jerky.
How To Freeze Beef Jerky
The steps that you need to follow and gain knowledge on how you freeze your beef jerky is as follows:
- Package the Jerky Strips: If you haven’t opened the strips of jerky or you have stored them in resealable bags then you can directly store them in the freezer for freezing. Remove all the air from the bag before sealing it.
- Put the freezer bag in the freezer: After sealing the bag, mark the date on the bag and keep it in the freezer for a year.
Finally, you are good to go with jerky for a whole year in various dishes. Sometimes the strips can’t freeze well since the jerky is dehydrated. So, prepare beef jerky preserving in thin layers. You can grab enough amount of strips from the bag and let the rest of them refreeze in the freezer.
Freezing Homemade Beef Jerky
The freezing process of homemade jerky is similar to the process of freezing store-bought jerky. This way is the safest and easiest one to preserve jerky for an extended period of time.
If you didn’t get clarity on freezing homemade jerky strips then leave them for leaving some of the strips in the freezer for minimal time and see how they turn out and what’s the quality of the homemade frozen jerky after thawed.
How To Defrost Beef Jerky
The best way to thaw beef jerky when it got frozen is to transfer it into the fridge for a particular time or until it gets thawed. It may take between 20 minutes and even 6-8 hours as per the quantity (like strips or whole piece size). If you freeze small strips then you can directly saute or cook them on the pan without defrosting.
If you wanna eat directly can also go with frozen tiny strips because they actually don’t freeze solid so you can eat straight away from the freezer. Larger strips should thaw first and enjoy them later. The time you need to defrost them is completely based on the setup you choose to thaw jerky.
If you want them for immediate use then portioning the pieces into different bags can save time when defrosting. In other words, you can actually manage how much time your jerky requires to thaw by changing the setup as per your need. Sometimes you may see moisture in the bag. To remove that moisture, use a paper towel either before or after thawing.
Can You Refreeze Jerky? – Refreezing Beef Jerky
Yes, you can refreeze jerky but on one condition. That is it should be thawed in the fridge. As we all know that defrosted food items can’t be refrozen because the quality may degrade. The more times you do the more poisonous it may turn. So, we always avoid refreezing but in this case, you can refreeze jerky. You can refreeze only a block of beef jerky ut strips can’t freeze together so make sure to thaw the needed amount of strips while cooking a meal.
How Long Does Beef Jerky Last in the Freezer?
Beef jerky can last in the freezer for about one year with the best quality. Jerky holds freezing temperatures very well like other meats. So, you can eat after freezing. Also, you are allowed to enjoy frozen for one or two after shelf life when it doesn’t show any spoilage signs after thawing. But our suggestion is to complete the frozen jerky within one year or as soon as possible to avoid the wastage of food.
For more information on its shelf life check out this ultimate guide ie., How Long Does Beef Jerky Last
FAQs on How To Store Your Jerky Fresh For Peak Flavor?
1. How do you store jerky long-term?
Vacuum sealing the jerky strips or whole in the vacuum bags is the best option to store it in the long run. By this, it holds the moisture in and removes excess air. If you can add an oxygen absorber, it can really hold the freshness and consistency of your jerky and stop spoilage.
2. Can you freeze-dried jerky?
If you keep the dried jerky properly at room temperature it will last for two weeks. To prolong its shelf life and give the best quality after a couple of weeks, freezing dried jerky works well.
3. How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Beef Jerky?
See the list of ideas that will help you at the time of using extra beef jerky below:
- Use it as a quick Mexican-style snack.
- Add them to your next salad and gain extra protein.
- Make a fine powder and add it to sauces or dips.
- Do you love rolls? Use jerky leftover as stuffing for chicken or pork rolls.
- Even use them as a crust on pizza.
Key Takeaways
We think the details shared above on Can you freeze Jerky sounds enough to clear your doubts. If not, let us know via the comment box below and our team will work on your queries and answer them as soon as possible. Meanwhile, follow the guidelines mentioned on how you can freeze beef jerky, and how to defrost & refreeze jerky. Keep in contact with us to know more about freezing methods of meats and consume protein foods safely.