Making Beef Stock from FROZEN BONES, Must I thaw first?

Question

I have frozen beef bones from an organic farmer that I would like to make beef stock from. I know how to make the stock but don't know if I must thaw the bones before I roast them. I would like to cook them straight from the freezer but don't know if that would be detrimental.

More info: I first roast my bones in the oven before simmering on top of the stove for many hours. I do not use microwaves. When giving answers please explain your answers by telling me (why or why not)... why I can put them in the oven while still frozen or why I must defrost the bones first. Thank you!

Answer 1

Thre is a reason that it does not matter. The roasting is to brown whatever meat is on the bones for flavor. The meat will brown in a hot oven almost as quickly on frozen bones as thawed because the meat on the outside will recive the heat and the bone is a poor conductor of heat so the meat browns. I also brown bones before making stock. I ahve used frozen bones many times as it takes awhile to save up enough.

Answer 2

making beef stock frozen bones thaw

Answer 3

Roasting Soup Bones

Answer 4

If you are making your own stock, you know enough to not have to follow "exact" times in a recipe, so, you can certainly roast your soup bones straight from the freezer. If they are frozen in a big bunch, you may have to move them apart a bit as they roast. They will take a few minutes longer to roast since they are starting from frozen, however. Since bones are hard and tend not to be susceptible to freezer burn, it shouldn't create any problems.

Organic bones, well-roasted, ...it certainly sounds great!

Happy stock-making!

Answer 5

No need to thaw. Just stick 'em in the oven. There really is no "why" or "why not;" it just isn't necessary. I'm a professionally trained chef and have made many of my own stocks. Restaurants frequently use frozen bones.

Answer 6

I don't think it matters if you defrost the bones. What you want is some crusty browned bits on the boned so that when you boil them up, the stock will be brown and tasty. I don't think it matters if the bones cook inside, or if they even thaw completely.

Answer 7

Yes, your roasting will take less time and avoid problems with partially frozen bones.

Answer 8

what do you want to do first roast the bones or boil the stock>????
you can thaw the bones in the stock than bake..
!!!

Answer 9

I say do a little microwaving first if you can maybe for about 5 minutes and then continue on with what you normally do...