How Long Can You Keep Fish In A Fridge

As we know fish is best served fresh. So, the question that comes up often is – How long can you keep fresh raw fish in a fridge?  Simply put, one to two days is recommended. If you don’t think you will eat it within two days freeze it from the start and don’t leave it out for more than 90 minutes.

What About Cooked Fish?

You can keep cooked fish for about 3-4 days in the fridge before you want to eat it. Just eat it when cooked.

How Can You Tell If Fish Is Fresh?

Here are some pointers to tell if fish is fresh.

  1. It sounds funny, but the first test is – Does it smell fishy? If it has a strong fishy smell put it down and don’t buy fish from that supplier again. The fish should smell clean with maybe the slightest smell to it.
  2. Do the eyes look clear? If they look mercy it’s also a no in my book.
  3. No slime. Unfresh fish can also look slimy. Not good…stay away.
  4. Touch it. Does the fish feel firm? If it does that’s a good sign. You don’t want it to be soft and to disintegrate when you rub it…push on it with your fingers.
  5.  How does it look? You also want it to look translucent and to be shiny in appearance.

How To Store Fish In The Fridge

First, you want to mildly wash the fish with cold water and then pat it down with a paper towel to absorb the moisture. You can put it on ice and then place it in the fridge. I recommend keeping your refrigerator around 38 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (3.33 – 4.44 Celsius)

How Long Can You Freeze Fish?

Let me first say I’m never really happy when you have to freeze fish or anything really. It’s one of those things…fresher the better and freezing it doesn’t count in my book. But, hey sometimes it needs to be done… great fishing trip, etc. I don’t care what people say…when fish or meat is stored in a fridge its taste and texture will lessen over time. Per the USDA they say fresh raw fish can last up to 3 – 8 months and shellfish 3 – 12 months. A bit of a range there.

If you are going to freeze your fish take a little extra time to wrap it well (very well) and push the air out. You can also use an air-tight freezer bag. If you are able to vacuum seal it that would be best. Nobody wants freezer burn.

Can You Refreeze Defrosted Fish?

Can you freeze defrosted fish? The short answer is yes you can refreeze fish. But try not to. It just spoils the taste of your catch even more. Freezing and refreezing fish or meat, in general, can dry it out, resulting in losing its natural moisture and not tasting very good.

Wrap Up

Well, the short of it is try to eat your fresh-caught or bought fish as soon as possible. If you caught it, put it on ice as soon as possible or keep it in the cool water. You don’t want it in the sun for long…cover it up!

It’s best to keep raw fish for a maximum of two days in the fridge. You can freeze your fish to keep it longer but it’s not recommended in my book.

You can’t beat fresh fish, so eat it ASAP! Enjoy!