How to Store and Thaw Halal Meat Safely
Buying in bulk saves money and trips to the store, but only if the meat stays fresh. Here is a simple guide to storing and thawing halal meat and chicken safely at home.
Right temperatures
- Fridge: 4°C (40°F) or colder.
- Freezer: -18°C (0°F) or colder.
Put meat away as soon as your delivery arrives, and keep raw meat on the bottom shelf so juices cannot drip onto other food.
How long does it keep?
| Meat | In the fridge | In the freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Mince (beef, lamb, chicken) | 1 to 2 days | About 3 months |
| Chicken pieces or whole chicken | 1 to 2 days | About 6 to 12 months |
| Beef, lamb or goat steaks, chops and stew cubes | 3 to 5 days | About 6 to 12 months |
| Liver, kidney and other organ meats | 1 to 2 days | About 3 to 4 months |
| Cooked meat dishes (curry, biryani) | 3 to 4 days | About 2 to 3 months |
Frozen meat stays safe for longer than this, but quality (taste and texture) slowly drops.
Freezing tips
- Split big packs into meal-size portions before freezing, so you only thaw what you need.
- Squeeze out the air and use freezer bags or wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
- Write the date and the cut on each bag.
Safe ways to thaw
- In the fridge (best): allow about a day for every 2 kg (4 to 5 lb). Small packs thaw overnight.
- In cold water: keep the meat sealed in a bag, cover with cold water and change the water every 30 minutes. Cook straight away.
- In the microwave: use the defrost setting and cook straight away.
Never thaw meat on the kitchen counter, because the outside warms up while the inside is still frozen. Meat thawed in the fridge can be refrozen; meat thawed in water or the microwave should be cooked first.
Fresh or frozen?
Many of our products come in both fresh and frozen options. Fresh is great for cooking this week, while frozen is perfect for stocking up. Browse all halal meat and frozen and chilled foods.
Order everything you need from WeDoHalal. We bring fresh halal meat from trusted Edmonton butchers plus the spices and pantry items you need, with same-day or next-day delivery across Edmonton and nearby towns. Delivery is free on orders over $100. See our delivery areas.
Cooking, storage and thawing tips are general guidance only and some content is written with the help of AI, so please use your own judgement. Always follow safe food handling and cook meat to a safe internal temperature. See our Terms and Conditions.