1. Steak 🥩
Fridge Life (Before Cooking): 3-5 days.
Fridge Life (After Cooking): 3-4 days
Freezing: Steak can be frozen for 6-12 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Tip: Reheat steak slowly in the oven at low temperature or give it a quick sear on the stovetop to keep it tender.
2. Ground Beef 🍔
Fridge Life (Before Cooking): 1-2 days
Fridge Life (After Cooking): 3-4 days
Freezing: Ground beef can be frozen for 3-4 months. Portion before freezing for convenience.
Reheating Tip: Reheat in a skillet with a little water or broth to keep it juicy.
3. Pork 🥩
Fridge Life (Before Cooking): 3-5 days
Fridge Life (After Cooking): 3-4 days
Freezing: Pork can be frozen for 4-6 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Tip: Slow reheating in the oven or microwave works great to keep pork moist.
4. Chicken🍗
Fridge Life (Before Cooking): 1-2 days
Fridge Life (After Cooking): 3-4 days
Freezing: Raw chicken can be frozen for up to 9 months; cooked chicken lasts 2-6 months.
Reheating Tip: Reheat with a little broth to keep it moist. Use the oven for crispy skin, and the microwave for a quick fix.
5. Fish (Cod and Salmon)🎣
Cod:
Fridge Life (Before Cooking): 1-2 days
Freezing: Cod freezes well for 4-6 months. Wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating Tip: Cod reheats well in the oven at low heat. Be gentle to avoid drying it out.
Salmon:
Fridge Life (Before Cooking): 1-2 days
Freezing: Salmon can be frozen for up to 3 months. Vacuum-seal for the best results.
Reheating Tip: Reheat salmon slowly in the oven with a little bit of butter or oil to keep it moist and flaky.
General Fish Tips:
- Freshness Check: Always check for freshness when buying fish; it should smell like the ocean, not fishy!
- Storage: Keep fish on ice in the fridge for maximum freshness, and use within a day or two if possible.
6. Lunch Meat (Deli Slices)🥓
Ham:
Fridge Life (Unopened): 2 weeks
Fridge Life (After Opening): 3-5 days
Freezing: Ham can be frozen for 1-2 months, though it might lose some texture.
Reheating Tip: If reheating ham slices, use the microwave briefly or warm them in a skillet.
Turkey:
Fridge Life (Unopened): 2 weeks
Fridge Life (After Opening): 3-5 days
Freezing: Turkey deli meat can be frozen for 1-2 months, though it may get a bit watery when thawed.
Reheating Tip: Turkey deli meat is best eaten cold, but if you reheat, do so gently in the microwave or in a skillet.
General Deli Meat Tips:
- Storage: Keep deli meats tightly wrapped to maintain freshness. If you buy in bulk, consider freezing portions to avoid waste.
- Shelf Life: Always check the sell-by date and consume within a few days of opening for the best quality.
7. Sausage🌭
Fridge Life (Before Cooking): 1-2 days for fresh sausage, up to 7 days for cooked varieties like smoked sausage.
Fridge Life (After Cooking): 3-4 days
Freezing: Fresh sausage can be frozen for up to 2 months; cooked sausage can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Tip: Reheat slowly in the oven or in a skillet to maintain its flavor and texture.
8. Salami/Pepperoni🍕
Fridge Life (Unopened): Up to 6 weeks (check the packaging for specifics)
Fridge Life (After Opening): 3 weeks
Freezing: Salami and pepperoni can be frozen for 1-2 months.
Reheating Tip: Typically eaten cold, but can be added directly to dishes like pizza.
General Freezing Tips for Meats
- Wrap it right. Airtight containers or tightly wrapped freezer bags are key to preventing freezer burn and keeping your meat fresh longer.
- Label and date. Always label your meats before freezing so you know how long they’ve been stored.
- Defrost in the fridge. It’s safer to thaw meats in the fridge rather than leaving them on the counter. If you’re in a rush, use cold water, but cook the meat immediately after.
- Reheat carefully. Slow, low-heat reheating is the best way to preserve texture and keep your meats from drying out.
Knowing how to properly store, freeze, and reheat meats can help you minimize waste and make the most of your food budget while keeping your loved ones safe. By following these tips, you can ensure that your steaks, chicken, fish, and deli meats remain safe and tasty for your meals.