Beef prices have skyrocketed lately! Here are a few ways to save on beef costs:

Choose Types and Cuts of Meat
When beef prices are high, it's better to choose relatively cheaper cuts rather than popular ones. For example, opting for brisket or shank instead of tenderloin can be more affordable and still tasty. Depending on the market, the price difference for cheaper cuts can be significant, so try different cuts when shopping.

Buy in Bulk and Freeze
Buying in bulk at once and freezing portions can help you purchase meat at a lower price. In the long run, bulk buying can be economical. Buying cheap in bulk and dividing it for multiple meals significantly reduces the cost per meal. Nowadays, there are many types of plastic bags suitable for portioning and freezing, and products that allow vacuum sealing at home are also available.

Utilize Discounts and Special Offers
Check for sales or discount events at supermarkets or online, and buying 'near expiration' products or discounted meat is a good strategy. Near-expiration meat can be consumed immediately or frozen for later use, and discounted items often maintain good quality, helping you save on your budget.

Buy Ground Beef for Easy Portioning and Savings

Ground beef can be used in various dishes, and by portioning and storing it, you can easily use it whenever you need beef.

Portion and Freeze: It's important to portion and freeze ground beef when you can't use it all at once. When freezing, portion it into amounts you will use at once and place it in sealed plastic bags or freezer containers. Try to remove as much air as possible before sealing, and label with the 'date' and 'contents' for easy identification later. Portioning into 1 or 2 servings for freezing makes it very convenient to take out and use when needed.

Refrigeration: When refrigerating, it should be used within 1-2 days, making it suitable for immediate cooking. Store it in the coldest part of the refrigerator, and if possible, keep it in its original packaging, but additionally wrap it or store it in a sealed container. It's best to freeze ground beef that is near its expiration date, and the temperature must be strictly managed when refrigerating.

Portion and Store After Cooking: Cooking ground beef in advance and then portioning and freezing it allows for easy reheating later. For example, making hamburger patties or meatballs and freezing them is very convenient.

Points to Note

Thawing Methods: The safest method is to thaw slowly in the refrigerator. It may take about 24 hours, but it prevents bacteria from growing, making it the most recommended method.

Microwave Thawing: If you need to thaw quickly, you can use the microwave, but be cautious as the meat may not thaw evenly, and some parts may start cooking or warming up.

Refrigeration: Ground beef should ideally be used within 1-2 days when refrigerated.

Freezing: When frozen, it can maintain quality for about 3 months. However, over time, the taste or texture may deteriorate, so it's best to use it as soon as possible.

Ground beef is affordable and versatile, and if stored properly in portions, it can lead to significant savings.