Do I have to freeze my meat, or can I just put it in the refrigerator?

Question

i don't wanna put my meat in the freezer, because i don't wanna have to go through the motions or thawing it. i'd rather just put it in the refrigerator until I get ready to use it. that way it will already be thawed.

Answer 1

If your going to use it within 2 or 3 days it is not necessary to freeze it. Keep it in the coldest part of the refrigerator, that could be toward the back or if yours has a special meat drawer. If your going to hold it more than 3 days, it's better that you put it in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use the thawing instructions on your microwave.

Answer 2

It is perfectly okay to refrigerate meat instead of freezing it. You just need to be sure to cook before the "freeze by" date on the meat package (normally a few after purchase). If you see you meet is getting close to the "freeze by" date either cook it and leave it in the fridge cooked or throw it in the freezer. I always like to have cooked chicken or steak in the fridge for quick salads or sandwich's

Answer 3

You can refrigerate but I've wasted hundreds of dollars on spoiled meat that way. If you don't have one great refrigerator of if the package isn't vacuum sealed then I would freeze it. Most meat is basically covered in saran wrap, so I wouldn't trust their freeze by dates either.

Answer 4

Generally, you can safely store in the refrigerator, the following, if fresh:

Chicken (whole or cut up)...up to 3 days

Beef (steak, roasts, stew meat, etc.) ... up to 5 days,

        (ground beef) ... a day or 2  (vac. packed roll)....check pkg. date

Pork (ground, sausage, chops, roast)... up to 3 days

        (smoked, sausage, ham slice, roast)... a week or more

Veal, Lamb, Venison ... similar to beef

Fish & Sea food... 2 to 3 days if fresh

Answer 5

Do you know when you plan on using it?  Personally, I would only keep meat in the fridge for about 3 days.  If it's vacuum sealed, meat can keep in the fridge for up to a month, sometimes 2.

Answer 6

Depends on how long you intend to keep it in the fridge.  If only for a few days, fine.  If for more than about 4 days, you may not have a good piece of meat left.

Answer 7

it all depends how quick you are going to use it  because if it is more than a  day or so most meats are required to be frozen right away unless you intend to use it or it will  spoil a lot faster then you will have to throw it all away right quick if it isnt used by the normal stamped day

Answer 8

you have to keep it in  the freezer.(unless you like eating it spoiled

IT MAY STINK UP YOUR KITCHEN! LOL