How to Store Fresh or Frozen Fish

How to Store Fish
Presuming that you have some top quality fresh or frozen fish on hand the next step is to store it properly until you are ready to cook it. If you are going to cook it within a day, don't freeze it. Fish that has not been frozen has a slight edge over that which has been frozen in both taste and texture. Fresh fish should be stored in the refrigerator as soon as possible after you get it home. If you can't use it within 2 days it should be frozen right away. Don't wait a couple days and then plan to freeze it. Before you store the fish in the refrigerator or in the freezer you should wash it.
Clean it First
To clean the fish wash it under cold running water. Try not to take too long, basically a good rinsing is what you need. If whole fish are slimy put them under hot water just long enough to rinse off the slime then change to cold water.

In the Refrigerator
After washing the fish (whole, steaks or fillets), pat them dry, wrap them and refrigerate. To store fish in the refrigerator clean the fish, wrap it and place it in a covered container in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
In the Freezer
The best way to protect fish in the freezer is by coating it with ice with a thin glaze. When you buy frozen fish it is usually glazed for longer storage. This prevents the fish from freezer burn, which is basically the fish drying out. To glaze fish first freeze it on a plate unwrapped. Don't leave it in the freezer uncovered too long, just long enough for it to freeze hard. As soon as it is frozen solid, dip it quickly in a bowl of cold water. A thin sheet of ice should form on the fish. Wait about 10 seconds and dip it again. When you dip the fish don't linger in the water just a quick in and out. As soon as this is done wrap the fish well in freezer paper and put it in the freezer. Don't forget to label it and date it. For small pieces of fish you can freeze them in a block of ice. Place the fish in a plastic container and fill it with water. When the water is frozen remove it from the container and put it plastic freezer bags. If your fish is an oily type you should be able to keep it for 1 -2 months. Lean fish will hold up for 3-4 months.
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