How Long Does Smoked Meat Last? Revealing The Ideal Duration

Smoked Meat – A Quick Overview

Smoked meat refers to the meat that you prepare through an old and traditional cooking method called smoking.

People used this technique in times when there were no refrigerators because one of its major advantages is to extend the meat’s shelf life.

Smoking mainly uses smoke and heat from burning wood and charcoal to cook your meat thoroughly and infuse a unique flavor into it.

There are different smoking methods that you can use, like hot smoking, cold smoking, and smoke roasting. Each technique requires different steps, and it offers different outcomes.

Lastly, two of the most noticeable benefits you get from food smoking are imparting a delightful smoke flavor to your meal and preserving them for a longer time.

Therefore, a popular question among BBQ enthusiasts is how long does smoked meat last. So, let’s find out without any further ado.

How Long Does Smoked Meat Last In The Fridge Or Freezer?

Smoked meat stays in good condition for about four days, but putting it inside the fridge within two hours after you’ve finished smoking it is necessary. 

But the preservation does not end here because if you find a proper way to store your meat, like wrapping it and placing it inside the freezer after smoking, your smoked meat can last for around three months without compromising on its quality.

But it is essential to mention here that the meat’s shelf life after smoking that I have shared with you depends on some important factors. Let’s have a look at these factors. 

• Smoking Method: The way you smoke your meat, whether through hot or cold smoking, directly impacts how long you can store it in good condition.
• Internal Temperature: Cooking the meat to the right temperature, like 145°F for beef and lamb, ensures the destruction of harmful bacteria, ensuring that your meat remains safe to eat for a longer time.
• Meat Type & Its Quality: The quality and type of the meat you are smoking play a role in determining its shelf life after smoking. For example, ribs usually stay in good condition for longer than chicken or its parts.
• Storage Conditions: Lastly, the storing condition for smoked meat also affects how long you can keep it safe and in good condition.

How Can You Store Your Smoked Meat?

To store your smoked meat properly while ensuring its safety and maintaining its flavor, follow the steps I have highlighted below.

Wrap Your Meat 

Once you’ve completely smoked your meat, wrap it tightly, for which I prefer using plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use vacuum-sealed bags for the wrapping process.

Make sure you wrap them tightly and ensure that the moisture or air can’t find its way to enter your plastic or foil-made bag. 

Place The Wrapped Meat Inside The Fridge

Before placing the meat inside the fridge or freezer, make sure that its internal temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Once done, set your wrapped meat packages in the fridge and choose a spot where there is a noticeable difference between them and other foods.

By doing this, you can ensure that your smoked meat stays safe and doesn’t contaminate other items.

Most importantly, keep your fridge’s temperature (40 degrees Fahrenheit) constant for as long as you are going to store your meat in there.

Put Date Over Meat’s Package

I recommend putting a label with the date on the meat’s package when you smoked it and stored it inside the fridge. 

This tracking process helps you know when you stored it so that you can use the oldest ones first. It’s like having a little reminder to keep your food fresh and safe to eat.

So, you have a complete idea of how to store your smoked meat successfully, but how do you extend its life from 4 days to 3 months? 

Well, there is not pretty much difference as you just need to wrap the smoked meat tightly, like with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then put it in the freezer instead of the fridge. This freezing process keeps it fresh and safe for a much longer time.