Steak Preparation Techniques

Show us a grill and we'll show you at least one person near it who swears they grill the best steak. At Heartland Steaks we recognize the chef's ability, but we also know the way to prepare the "best steak" is to start with the best quality meat

Everything else is pretty simple. We've got some technique tips for you that will ensure a perfect steak every time.

Storing Your Heartland Steaks Products

Every Heartland Steaks product is individually vacuum-sealed and frozen. When you receive your Heartland Steaks order, place all products into your freezer immediately. Our freezer-safe packaging will ensure that your steaks maintain their freshness and flavor

For best storage, maintain our products in their freezer-safe packaging within your freezer. Your freezer should be set at 0° F or lower. Following are general guidelines for the storage of your Heartland Steaks products:

• Beef steaks and roasts: up to 12 months
• Lamb chops and racks: up to 9 months
• Chicken breasts: up to 9 months
• Lobster tails: up to 6 months
• Pork chops: up to 6 months
• Veal chops: up to 6 months
• Steak Burgers: up to 6 months

Defrosting Instructions

Every Heartland Steaks product is individually vacuum-sealed and delivered frozen. To get the best steak experience possible, please follow these guidelines for properly thawing your Heartland Steaks products.

Frozen meat should be completely thawed before cooking. The preferred method for thawing meat is in the refrigerator, as this will best maintain the texture and flavor of the meat. Remove the steaks from your Heartland Steaks box, but maintain in the vacuum-packed wrapping. Place the meat in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray. (There may be small puncture holes in the plastic and the tray will prevent any leakage in your refrigerator.

You can also defrost meat safely and quickly in cold water. This method is faster than letting your Heartland Steaks products thaw in the refrigerator and better than using the microwave. Do not remove the meat from the vacuum-packed seal. Place steaks, lobster or chops in a container of cold water. The water temperature should remain below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you're really short on time, your Heartland Steaks may also be thawed using a microwave oven, however this is the least recommended method. Meat thawed in a microwave will lose their natural juices, making your product dry and tough. Like the other methods of thawing, keep the meat in the vacuum sealed package. Do not puncture the packaging. The outer portion of the meat will that first. Be sure to monitor the meat closely.

Refrigerator Defrost Times:

• Steaks, Chops, Steak Burgers: 12-24 hours
• Chateaubriand, Roasts, Rack of Lamb: 4-7 hours per pound
• Lobster: 2-3 hours per pound