Pork tenderloin is a flavorful and lean cut of meat that is often used for grilling. It is also one of the most common cuts in most stores around America. Pork tenderloin can be cooked quickly as it has a low marbling content and as such does not need to be marinated before grilling or roasting.
Can you freeze pork tenderloin? Freezing pork tenderloin is the best way to preserve the flavor and texture of proteins. The best time to freeze pork tenderloin is in its raw or uncooked state. Properly stored, pork tenderloin will stay fresh for up to 6 months in the freezer.
Does Pork Tenderloin Freeze Well?
Pork tenderloin is a cut of meat with a flat bone in the center. It is commonly used to make pork tenderloin and pork chops.
Pork tenderloin freezes well because it is not full of connective tissue. The muscle fibers are only partially separated, so the meat does not break down easily when frozen.
However, if you want to freeze pork tenderloin for use in other recipes like pulled pork or pulled BBQ, then it should be cooked first to break down all its connective tissues before freezing.
Freezing pork tenderloins will result in a product that is safe to eat and does not lose any flavor or texture during thawing and cooking later on.
How To Freeze Pork Tenderloin
Frozen pork tenderloin is a great way to make sure you have something on hand for impromptu guests.
Pork tenderloin is one of the more popular cuts of meat, which makes it easy to find, especially in grocery stores. It’s also very versatile and can be used in lots of different recipes. You can freeze pork tenderloin raw or cooked.
Freezing Raw Pork Tenderloin
The process for freezing raw pork tenderloin is easy with these steps:
Step 1: Submerge the meat in cold water with ½ cup lemon juice.
Step 2: On a tray, lay a sheet of parchment paper.
Step 3: Place each pork tenderloin on the tray. Ensure that each piece doesn’t touch the other.
Step 4: Place the tray into the freezer. Let it sit for about 3-4 hours to freeze.
Step 5: Once completely frozen, remove the meat from the freezer.
Step 6: Place them into a freezer bag. Press on the bag to remove any excess air before sealing.
Step 7: Label the bag with the date of freezing and place it into the freezer.
Freezing Cooked Pork Tenderloin
Cooking pork tenderloin is a good way to cook it in advance. Here are some steps on how to freeze cooked pork tenderloin.
Step 1: Allow To Cool Down
First, you will need the meat to completely cool down. Pork tenderloin has a tendency to turn tough when frozen after cooking. To avoid this, make sure to let it cool in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before freezing it.
Step 2: Wrapping
Next, rinse off any excess salt with cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Then wrap each piece in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Step 3: Place In Freezer Bag
Place the meat into a freezer bag. Then press on the bag to remove any excess air before sealing
Step 4: Label and Freeze
With a marker, write the date of freezing on the freezer bag and place it into the freezer.
How Long Can You Freeze Pork Tenderloin?
Pork tenderloin can be frozen without any alterations, but you should make sure they are wrapped tightly in plastic wrap before freezing them, as this keeps out freezer burn.
It typically lasts for approximately six months when frozen and can last longer if they are kept in an airtight container with minimal exposure to air.
How Do You Defrost Pork Tenderloin?
The process of defrosting pork tenderloin is the same as thawing any type of meat.
The best way is to allow it to thaw in the refrigerator. It may take up to 8 hours for the whole thing.
But, if you don’t have enough time, you could defrost it in a microwave oven.
Defrosting meat in a microwave oven is not as common as the other methods mentioned above. However, if there’s no other option and you want to prepare the meat quickly, this method might be good for you.
Can You Refreeze Pork Tenderloin?
It is possible to refreeze pork tenderloin but only when the meat is not completely thawed.
When cooking the meat, it should be kept in hot or cold water for about half an hour or more depending on its size. Then take out of water and pat dry before storing it in the freezer.
Other Questions about Pork Tenderloin
Can you freeze pork tenderloin in marinade?
Some people freeze pork tenderloin in marinade before cooking it so that it would be less challenging to cook the meat.
One way in which you can freeze your pork tenderloin in marinade is by using a vacuum sealer bag and freezer bags. You can put your marinade into a vacuum pack bag and freeze it before putting it on the meat for storage purposes. This process helps preserve the flavor of your meat while keeping it fresh.
Can you freeze pork tenderloin stuffed?
You can freeze pork tenderloin stuffed. But it’s best to freeze it shortly after cooking so that the meat doesn’t lose any moisture.