If you don't have access to freezer paper, wax paper will substitute. However, wax paper is less water-resistant than bona fide freezer paper. Much depends on how long you intend to store the meat. If it's just for a few weeks, wax paper doesn't present a problem.
If you do not have access to freezer paper, wax paper will work in a pinch. Just know that wax paper is not as resistant to to moisture or water vapor. Freezer paper is generally rated to keep food items for up to a year in the freezer.
The trick to freezing meat, according to the Food and Drug Administration and the Meat Sciences department at Texas A&M University, is to wrap it twice, preferably in heavy duty aluminum foil, plastic wrap or freezer paper, or put the whole package inside a plastic bag.
Wax paper can be used to wrap and freeze meat, can tape and label it up with freezer tape. Freezer paper uses a little bit less plastic than a plastic bag, but protects better than wax paper. A more expensive option would be some sort of stainless steel container.
11. Wax Paper Protects Contertop When Breading Meats Wax paper can be used for breading fish, meats, chicken, or vegetables. After I have done with breading meats and vegetables I throw away my wax tray with the breading mix and my countertop is clean. However, wax paper is not my favorite for this task.
Alternatives to freezer paper in the kitchen include aluminum foil, butcher paper, freezer bags and plastic wrap. For a better option with no waste, use plastic containers that you can wash and reuse for years to come. Any option that keeps the dry air of the freezer away from your food will work as an alternative.
Why is freezer paper the best option for storing meat? Premium freezer paper, unlike any other kind of wrap mentioned above, accomplishes everything you need to keep meat fresh, colorful, and flavorful for up to 12 months in the freezer.
The big difference is that freezer paper is only coated on one side with plastic, while wax paper is coated on both sides with wax. Because of the plastic coating, freezer paper is typically much more durable than wax and protects better in the freezer.
Wrap Your Meat When Freezing
While a vacuum-sealer is ideal for ensuring that meats are packaged correctly, you can get by just fine with double wrapping cuts of meat with freezer paper, aluminum foil or airtight zip-loc bags. The plastic wrapping from the store is designed for quick access, not freezing.
For longer-term storage, definitely go with freezer paper. Start by removing the meat from its original packaging. If there are any parts of the meat you don't want, such as fat or bones, trim it and get rid of it.
Yes. You can use regular zip-top storage bags in the freezer. However, foods stored in these bags in the freezer might not hold up as well over long periods of time, and can be more prone to punctures and rips.
Butcher paper is plain unlined paper and works well for wrapping up your brisket when you smoke it or to take meat home. Freezer paper has a lining to create a moisture barrier between your meat and the outside. This protects your meat from freezer burn and keeps it fresher.
Wrap meat securely to maintain quality and to prevent meat juices from getting onto other foods. Cover food to keep it from drying out. To maintain quality when freezing meat and poultry in its original package, wrap the package again with foil or plastic wrap that is recommended for the freezer.
Can You Substitute One for the Other? If the use is both cool and dry, the parchment paper and wax paper can be used interchangeably, such as in your freezer or fridge or at room temperature, for rolling out dough or helping with food prep. If the application involves any kind of heat, use parchment paper.
Freezer paper is thick paper with a plastic or wax coating on one side. It differs from parchment, which has no wax coating, and wax paper, which has a wax coating on both sides.
While both are kitchen must-haves, parchment paper is better for high heat cooking like baking, while wax paper is better for storing meat and desserts in the freezer.
Wax Paper vs Parchment Paper for Freezing
While cool temperatures do not affect either of these papers' coatings, some professionals prefer to use wax paper in the freezer because it is more economical than parchment paper, and they choose to reserve parchment paper for heating only.
The most effective way for freezing meat is to use quality freezer paper that is waxed or poly-coated on one side. The coated side of the paper should go against the meat. To optimize the protection, you can fold a freezer sheets around the meat and then properly freezer wrap.
How can you tell if frozen meat is bad? Frozen meat remains safe to eat as long as it has been frozen, however the quality and taste may not be the same. Frozen meat may no longer be fresh if it is discolored or has freezer burn on it or if it has developed a strong odor.
Simply place off to the side in refrigerator in wrap. Again, better, unwrap and place in Pyrex or a similar covered dish. If paper wrapped beef starts to bleed, it won't develop off flavors, but it will make a mess in your refrigerator. Be sure to place paper wrapped beef on a dish with a rim.
Sep 9, 2024. Knowledge
Aluminum foil, freezer paper, plastic containers, and plastic freezer bags will help food maintain optimum quality in the freezer. Plastic wrap alone will not provide enough protection by itself, but can be used to separate foods within another package.
Use Wax Freezer Paper
Wax freezer paper and butcher paper are more effective than conventional plastic wrap.
Heavy duty aluminum foil can be used as a freezer wrap. Because it can be torn or punctured easily it is wise to use an overwrap.