Goat meat is a favorite ingredient for many due to its distinctive flavor and versatility in creating various delicious dishes, from gulai to sate. However, if not stored properly, meat that was once fresh can spoil quickly, develop an unpleasant odor, or even invite harmful bacteria. Such issues are common, especially if we simply toss the meat into the fridge without knowing the proper way to store it. To keep the meat fresh when you’re ready to cook, it’s important to know how to store goat meat in the refrigerator properly. Curious about the steps? Let’s check out the complete tips here so that your goat meat stays fresh, lasts longer, and is ready to be cooked at any time! 

How to Store Goat Meat in the Refrigerator 

Before storing in the fridge, there are some important things to consider. Here are the steps how to store goat meat in the refrigerator that you can follow: 

1. Use a Container or Plastic Wrap 

Store goat meat in an airtight container or food-grade plastic, such as a ziplock bag. This helps prevent air from entering, which can speed up spoilage. Avoid using thin plastic bags or leaving the meat uncovered on the fridge shelves. Besides making the meat dry out quickly, the strong aroma of goat meat can spread to other food items. 

2. Store in the Right Part of the Fridge 

Storing meat in the fridge isn’t as simple as it sounds. If you plan to cook the meat within 1-2 days, it’s best to store it in the chiller section with a temperature of 0–4°C. However, if you intend to use it later, store it in the freezer at -18°C. This way, the meat can last longer without losing its quality. 

3. Label and Date 

Don’t forget to label the storage container or plastic with the date the meat was stored. This will help you keep track of how long the meat has been in the fridge. This method is especially useful if you’re storing more than one type of meat or in large quantities. Additionally, it makes it easier to implement the first in first out system when taking stock from the fridge. 

4. Maximum Storage Duration 

Even when stored in the fridge, goat meat has a shelf life. Here’s the guide: 

• In the chiller for 1-2 days maximum. 
• In the freezer it can last up to 3-6 months, depending on the condition and type of storage container. 

Read More: List of Tools and Ingredients to Make Delicious Lamb Satay at Home

How to Thaw Frozen Meat 

Once the meat is frozen, the thawing process must also be carefully considered. Avoid thawing it with hot water or leaving it at room temperature for too long, as this can encourage bacterial growth. The safest method is to move the meat to the chiller overnight before cooking. If you’re in a hurry, you can soak the meat in its closed plastic bag in cold running water.  

Things to Avoid 

When storing goat meat, there are a few things you should avoid: 

• Refreezing meat that has already been thawed. This can lower the meat’s quality and increase the risk of bacterial contamination. 
• Storing meat uncovered or without proper wrapping. This can cause a strong odor and cross-contamination. 
• Washing the meat before storing it. Leftover water can speed up spoilage. It’s better to wash it just before cooking. 

Additional Tips for Longer Freshness 

Here are a few extra tips to keep your goat meat fresh for longer in the fridge: 

• Use a vacuum sealer if possible, as it removes air from the packaging and helps the meat last longer. 
• Cut the meat into smaller portions according to your needs, so you don’t have to thaw everything at once. 
• Don’t mix goat meat with other types of meat in one container to avoid cross-contamination of flavors and smells. 

Make Your Goat Meat Dishes More Practical and Safer for Healthy Diet with FiberCreme! 

Now that you know how to store goat meat properly in the fridge, ensuring it stays fresh until you’re ready to cook, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen. Once the meat is ready to be cooked, you can try various delicious dishes like tongseng kambing, gulai, or curry. 

To make it healthier while still delicious, you can use FiberCreme in any recipe you want to try. This multi-purpose powder is a high fiber, low sugar, and 0mg cholesterol alternative for coconut milk. It’s also very easy to use, making it perfect for those who want quick and easy meals while maintaining a healthy diet. 

Get creative with your goat meat dishes using FiberCreme! Find more healthy recipe inspirations on Instagram @FiberCreme_TV or check out cooking ideas on the Ellenka YouTube channel.