Q&A for How to Thaw Frozen Fish

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  • Question
    I want to cook cod in bread crumbs, but it's frozen. Do I let it defrost, and can I re-freeze it when cooked?
    Community Answer
    You have to let it thaw completely before preparing it for cooking. It is also not recommended that you freeze the cooked fish. Instead, cut the portion of raw fish you want to eat with a sharp knife before thawing it.
  • Question
    What's the best way to cook frozen cod?
    Community Answer
    Flour the fish. Cook it on med-low heat in olive oil.
  • Question
    What is the best method to hold fish prior to breading if frying in a large quantity: cold water or the egg mixture?
    Community Answer
    The egg mixture is best -- you simply drain some of the egg mixture before putting them right in the batter, rather than drying them as you'd have to with the water.
  • Question
    When defrosting fish slowly in the fridge overnight, should I leave it in its plastic bag or just put it on a plate?
    Community Answer
    Leave it well covered in the refrigerator, as leaving it open can expose it to drying and possibly bacteria.
  • Question
    Is it dangerous to thaw fish in the fridge while the packaging is still intact?
    Community Answer
    It's safe to thaw fish in the fridge, and the original packaging should be airtight, which is even better.
  • Question
    Can I thaw haddock by leaving frozen fish out overnight in its package and no water?
    Community Answer
    Fish defrost quickly, and leaving it at room temperature for any extended time is an invitation to spoil! It's much safer to thaw fish in the refrigerator.
  • Question
    Can I bake cod that is still frozen?
    Torpi
    Top Answerer
    You can - add an extra half of the baking time (e.g., if you're baking for half an hour, add an extra 15 minutes to the cooking time for a total of 45). However, it may have a negative effect on the temperature and make it "mushy."
  • Question
    The wiki instructions say to open and remove packing of the fish when thawing it in the fridge but the answers to the q&a say it's safer to leave the packaging on. Which is it?
    Torpi
    Top Answerer
    The fish must be in some sort of container. If it is vacuum-packed (as tuna steaks in the US usually are, for instance), it must be removed from that packaging (and placed in a different container) because botulism can grow in an oxygen-free environment like a vacuum pack.
  • Question
    Do I need to season frozen fish if I cook it in the oven without defrosting it?
    Torpi
    Top Answerer
    You don't need to, but unless you like the flavour of unseasoned fish, you ought to season it either before cooking it or before eating it.
  • Question
    I have wrapped fresh hake in plastic and put it in a freezer bag. What is the best way to defrost?
    Community Answer
    The best way would be to take it out and put it on a plate or bowl (to catch the water that will come off as it thaws) and leave at room temperature. As soon as the fish is mostly or completely thawed, put it in the fridge - do not let the fish come all the way up to room temperature, just leave it out until it is no longer frozen.
  • Question
    I left frozen fish in cool water overnight and this morning I put it in the fridge. Would it be okay to eat?
    Community Answer
    Use your own judgement. Look and smell. Make sure you can’t see anything untoward growing on it etc. And give it a sniff - it shouldn’t be completely scentless but if it has gone off, then the smell will be very strong and you should not eat it.
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