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Freeze/Unfreeze Butts


 
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Wade G

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Just joined Costco on Saturday. Got 2 excellent looking butts. Roughly 8 pounds a piece. I am cooking them Wednesday evening into Thursday afternoon to take to my father for a Christmas surprise.

However, I didn't think the butts (purchased in cryovac out of the meat case on Sat) would be good to leave just sitting in the refrig til Wed. So, I shoved them in the freezer.

When should I take them out?, and how should I defrost them? for the Wed cook?

Thanks for the help!
 
I think that they probably would have stayed good in thr cryovac till Wed. I would take them out of the freezer and put them in the fridge now.
 
At Sam's, I find the butts in cryo have sell-by dates averaging 7-10 days out. They won't be frozen at Sam's, so I figure that means 7-10 days in my refigerator is fine.
 
Ok. I got them into the fridge as of Monday evening. I gotta put them on Wednesday afternoon, roughly 36 hours from now.

Let's just say they don't thaw very well, or completely. What should I do then?
 
Wade, I'm not certain they will fully thaw in the fridge in less than 48 hours. I think it would be more like 3 - 4 days for 8lb butts. Perhaps you wish to trim them and rub them tomorrow night as well?

You might consider setting them out in the sink overnight tonight and put a towel on them, then stick them back in the fridge first thing tomorrow morning (thinking <= 8 hrs out of fridge).

I think it would be OK but I'm not real knowledgeable in thawing food safety. Perhaps someone else can explain any potential risks associated with my suggestion, then you can judge for yourself.

You are going to cook them likely for 14+ hours so if they are a little frozen in the center still when you start I don't think it's a big deal, but I think they will still be frozen enough with only 36 hours to defrost in the fridge to be a problem. Maybe you could throw these guys back in the freezer and pick up some fresh ones tomorrow or Wednesday?

Edit: 4 frozen solid 9 - 10 lb pork shoulder picnics in a cooler with ice packs thawed very little over 18 hours for me, perhaps your butts will do better in the fridge though. Check them in the morning I guess and see what you think. I wonder if 48 hours in the freezer was enough time to freeze them solid in the first place?
 
Throw them into your kitchen sink filled with cold water. Change the water every hour or so and the butts should be thawed out in plenty of time for your cook.

Al
 
Shawn
looks like you were on point. Thanks!

Al--
When should I start that process of the sink and the cold water? How long should it take?

Thanks
 
Wade, fill sink with water to 'just' cover the meat. Then let the faucet just barely drip. The movement of the water causes a convection affect and helps defrost the meat faster. Alton Brown did a segment on it during one of his shows.
When they feel thawed, put them in the fridge until you need them.
 
Houston, we have a problem!

I came home tonight, to find that my wife had done as I asked while at work, the two butts were in the sink, in cool water, with the water dripping. They seem to be defrosting nicely.

However, one of the butt's cryo package tore a little in the corner! Now I have bloody juice mixed with the water. The other butt seems to be fine. Is the one that has been exposed to water ruined? What should I do?

Help! Thanks.
 
You don't have a problem. You are, after all, cooking them tomorrow. The water won't hurt the meat. Just keep on defrosting until you are ready to put them back in the refrigerator. And give the sink a good anti-bacterial cleaning.
 
You should be fine. As I am writing this Wednesday moring, you may already be started. Good luck, but you won't need it.
The weather should have warmed up for you today also. Nice and comfy to do your cook.
 
Thanks Chris. One small little problem. RAIN! Looks cloudy and it is supposd to open up later. I am headed to Target to get the 10X10 Sunshade- -for rain protection of course. guess that water heater blanket wrap will get returned in a trade!
 
Yeah. You are correct about the returning.

Good thing I got the cover! It is has been raining steadily since about the time I got the tarp up. It seems to be working nicely, keeping the Guru, smoker, and a chair dry. Fortunately, it is not that windy--for now.

3 hours into the cook. Looking forward to actually sleeping tonight, with the Guru manning the pit!
 
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