Freezing fish is a common practice. But can you refreeze fish after thawing?
Yes, you can refreeze fish if it is thawed in the refrigerator. But it is previously thawed at room temperature or on the countertop, you should not refreeze it. In this case, my recommendation is to cooked the fish first before placing it back in the freezer.
The reason for this is that the fish that is previous thawed at room temperature will not be safe anymore because of the potential bacterial contamination.
But if the fish was previous thawed in the refrigerator, then it is safe to put it back in the freezer.
This means that the thawing process determines whether or not the fish can be refrozen or not after it is thawed.
How to refreeze fish thawed in the refrigerator?
If the thawed fish has been in the refrigerator and if its internal temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, then it can be refrozen with no problems.
Make sure that the fish is sealed tightly in a waterproof bag and place it back in the freezer.
Doing this will help prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of the fish.
If you want to refreeze the fish without cooking it first, make sure that it is not thawed for more than 24 hours.
Once you cook it, make sure that its internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit or higher before consuming it.
Can you refreeze fish thawed at room temperature?
As mentioned, I do not recommend refreezing fish thawed at room temperature.
Refreezing the fish is not safe because it will introduce bacteria in the freezer.
Bacteria can multiply quickly at room temperature and if they are present in the thawed fish, you will not be able to kill all of them by cooking.
Refreeze fish thawed on the countertop at your own discretion.
What do I do with leftover cooked fish?
If you have leftover cooked fish, freeze it right away to ensure its quality.
Refreeze the leftovers within 3 months for best results.
To maximize the shelf life of your meal, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag before placing it back in the freezer.
What do I do with leftover raw fish?
If you have leftover raw fish, freeze it right away to ensure its safety.
However, it is important to remember that refreezing the raw fish is not safe because it will introduce bacteria in the freezer and cause potential health problems.
I recommend cooking the raw fish first before refreezing it. Then, place the cooked fish in a freezer bag and seal it tightly before placing it in the freezer.
How long can thawed fish be left out?
It is not safe to leave thawed fish at room temperature for more than 2 hours because bacteria grow quickly in the thawed state.
If the fish is left on the countertop for more than two hours, it is better to discard it than refreezing or cooking it.
Freezing will not kill bacteria. It can only slow down the bacterial growth but will not totally kill them.
Cooking, on the other hand, can kill some bacteria but sometimes not all of them.
This is because some bacteria are difficult to kill in heat. So you need to be really careful.
Can you refreeze salmon after thawing?
Yes, you can refreeze salmon if it is thawed in the refrigerator.
But it is previously thawed at room temperature or on the countertop, you should not refreeze it.
Refreezing raw fish without cooking it first is not safe because it will introduce bacteria in the freezer and cause potential health problems.
Always freeze cooked or raw fish immediately after it is thawed.
Refreezing the leftover cooked fish will maximize its shelf life while refreezing the leftover raw fish will help ensure its safety.
However, occasionally, you can also freeze soups and stews with seafood.
Just make sure that the internal temperature of the food reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit or higher before consuming it.
On the other hand, if you want to save more freezer space, cook the fish completely and only refreeze the leftover cooked fish.
Refreezing cooked fish will not introduce bacteria in the freezer because cooking kills most types of bacteria.
How can you tell if thawed fish is bad?
You can tell if thawed fish is bad by its appearance and odor.
Discard the fish right away if it has any of the following signs:
- Eyes are cloudy or sunken in
- Gills are slimy
- It smells terrible or has an off odor
If your fish has some of these signs, do not refreeze it. It is better to throw it immediately.
Always remember to go on a safer route.
Can you refreeze smoked salmon?
I do not recommend refreezing smoked salmon. Refreezing the smoked salmon is not safe because it will introduce bacteria in the freezer.
However, if you are planning to refreeze it, cook the salmon first then place it in a freezer bag before placing it back in the freezer.
Cooking eliminates bacteria which can cause potential health problems.
If you have any leftover cooked smoked salmon, refrigerate it immediately and consume it within 5 days.
Can you refreeze shrimp after thawing?
Yes, you can refreeze seafood like shrimp after thawed in the refrigerator.
But if it was previously thawed at room temperature, it will not be safe to refreeze it.
The best thing you can do instead is to cook the shrimp first before putting it back into the freezer.
Note that it is ideal to freeze raw shrimp right away after buying them.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, you can safely refreeze fish after thawing if it was thawed in the refrigerator and not on the countertop.
Refreezing thawed fish will help maximize its shelf life while refreezing the leftover cooked fish will help ensure its safety.
Always remember that cooking, on the other hand, can kill some bacteria but sometimes not all of them.
This is because some bacteria are difficult to kill in a cooking temperature.
To be on a safer side, it is best to avoid refreezing thawed fish and only refreeze the leftover cooked fish instead.
I hope this helps. If you want to learn more about freezing raw foods, feel free to visit my guide.
