Frozen Fish Might Be Better Than Fresh Fish—Here’s Why
Updated: Mar. 20, 2019Home cooks tend to reach for fresh meats and poultry. But when seafood is on the menu, go for the frozen fish.
With over 85 percent of all seafood consumed in the U.S. being imported, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that most fish will be frozen before it hits the shelves. In some cases, the fish that’s labeled “fresh” isn’t fresh at all – it’s actually been frozen and thawed. And that’s only one reason buying frozen fish might be a smarter choice than fresh fish. Pick one of our top-rated fish recipes and get the lowdown on buying frozen below.
What is Flash-Frozen Fish?
Today, many fish are flash-frozen on the boat soon after being caught, thanks to modern boats outfitted with freezers. Farm-raised fish are often frozen on the spot as well. This ensures that your fish is preserved at peak freshness. To get the best-tasting fish, there are a few things to look out for at the grocery store. Be sure to choose a vacuum-sealed fish that has a thick protective layer of ice on it. Avoid freezer burn or crystallization, which indicates thawing and re-freezing.
Flash-frozen fish ensures that all of its nutritional value, flavor and texture are sealed in, versus a fresh piece that has been sitting out exposed for an unknown amount of time. Freezing fish can also extend the season of the fish, so when delicious summer fish like bass and catfish are caught, they can be sold and enjoyed into the winter. (Make this outstanding and super-fresh Lime Broiled Catfish any time of year.
Where You Live Matters
While you can purchase fresh or frozen fish just about anywhere, think about your location before you buy. Does it make sense to pick up fresh Maine lobster tails in California or fresh California clams in Maine? The fresh fish carries a risk you might not want to take, especially with something as delicious as Grilled Lobster Tails on the line.
Go for flash-frozen instead. The fresh fish may have been frozen and re-thawed or even stored improperly, and chances of that are much greater when you live in a land-locked area. Frozen fish will likely be less expensive too, particularly when purchasing a regional variety out of the region.
Thaw It Out
It couldn’t be easier to thaw frozen fish when the filets are in tight vacuum-sealed packaging. Just fill a bowl with hot water, place the fish in a Ziploc or other plastic re-sealable bag, and allow to sit in the water until the filet has some elasticity. Leaner fish, like tilapia and cod, don’t need to be thawed and can go straight from the freezer to the oven or stove. From there, it’s a snap to prep your favorite fish dish like brown sugar-glazed salmon or baja fish tacos!
Ready to start shopping? Don’t forget these other smart moves at the grocery store. Then get dinner started with our super-quick fish recipes below.
Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce
There's nothing like fresh salmon, and my mom bakes it just right so it nearly melts in your mouth. The sour cream dill sauce is subtly seasoned with horseradish so that it doesn't overpower the delicate salmon flavor. —Susan Emery, Everett, Washington
Tilapia with Corn Salsa
My family loves fish, and this super fast dish is very popular at my house. Though it tastes as if it takes a long time, it cooks in minutes under the broiler. We like it garnished with lemon wedges and served with couscous on the side. —Brenda Coffey, Singer Island, Florida
Blackened Catfish with Mango Avocado Salsa
A delightful and tasty rub makes this quick recipe fantastic. While the fish is sitting to allow the flavors to blend, you can easily assemble the salsa. My family loves this! —Laura Fisher, Westfield, Massachusetts
Baked Tilapia
I've decided to cook healthier for my family, and that includes having more fish at home. After looking at easy tilapia recipes I decided to try baked tilapia. I love that it's fast, too! —Hope Stewart, Raleigh, North Carolina
Brown Sugar-Glazed Salmon
Pop these protein-packed salmon fillets in the oven before whipping up a sweet basting sauce. This tangy entree cooks up in minutes making it a perfect meal for busy families and unexpected weekend guests. —Debra Martin, Belleville, Michigan
Fantastic Fish Tacos
Searching for a lighter alternative to traditional fried fish tacos, I came up with this crispy, crunchy entree. It's a hit with friends and family. —Jennifer Palmer, Rancho Cucamonga, California
Tuna Crescent Ring
This is really easy to throw together, and I often use it when I am too tired to fix anything else. —Julia Bivens, Martinsburg, West Virginia
Easy Glazed Salmon
It only takes four ingredients and a few moments of time to make this delightful main dish. —Tara Ernspiker, Falling Waters, West Virginia
Garlic Tilapia with Spicy Kale
We make this main dish and side together, and adjust the heat from the red pepper flakes depending on who's at the table. —Tara Cruz, Kersey, Colorado
Speedy Salmon Stir-Fry
Salmon is a staple where I live, so I tried it in a stir-fry. My recipe has an orange glaze, but I like it with lime, too. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Crispy Fish & Chips
A British pub classic turns crown jewel when you add horseradish, panko and Worcestershire. You can also try it with white fish like cod or haddock. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles
I love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you'd think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas
Citrus Salmon Fillets with Salsa
Take lemony salmon fillets to the next level with a fresh, colorful homemade salsa. Just add a simple side of rice for a complete dinner. —Tiffany Hartpence, Lander, WY
Jamaican Salmon with Coconut Cream Sauce
We try to eat salmon a lot because it's so healthy, and I love thinking of new ways to make it different and delicious. This dazzler is easy and is my go-to meal for company. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Peppered Tuna Kabobs
When we barbecue, we like to wow our guests, so dogs and burgers are out! We make tuna skewers topped with salsa—the perfect easy recipe. My five kids like to help me put them together. —Jennifer Ingersoll, Herndon, Virginia
Crunchy Oven-Baked Tilapia
This baked tilapia is perfectly crunchy. Dip it in the fresh lime mayo for a burst of bright citrus flavor. —Leslie Palmer, Swampscott, Massachusetts
Southwestern Fish Tacos
These bright tacos take me on an instant trip to sunny Southern California. The recipe has been on my family's most requested list for years. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Savory Tomato-Braised Tilapia
I shared this recipe with my bunco group and now one of my friends makes it all the time. I think that's the perfect testament to just how good this dish is. —Nancy Shively, Shorewood, Illinois
Salmon with Mango-Citrus Salsa
My mother would make this for us on weeknights in summer—this was the only way we would eat fish. You can make the salsa a day ahead of time. Just keep it in the refrigerator in a covered container until ready to use. —Najmussahar Ahmed, Canton, Michigan
Lime-Cilantro Tilapia
I have so much fun serving this Mexican-inspired tilapia at summer parties. Finish it off with a side of rice and a salad loaded with sliced avocadoes and tomatoes. —Nadine Mesch, Mount Healthy, Ohio
Cajun Boil on the Grill
I came up with these everything-in-one seafood packets for a family reunion, since the recipe can be increased to feed a bunch. The foil steams up inside, so open carefully. —Allison Brooks, Fort Collins, Colorado
Creamy Salmon Linguine
Extra Pesto Grilled Salmon gives this creamy pasta toss a luxurious taste and texture. We love it as is, but you could easily sub in any veggies you have on hand for the broccoli. —Jacob Kitzman, Seattle, Washington
Spiced Salmon
This delicious, moist fish is very quick and easy to prepare. It gets a little sweetness from brown sugar, but overall the seasonings are mild and give this dish broad appeal. It's a wonderful way to enjoy healthy salmon.—Donna Reynolds, Innisfail, Alberta
Baked Cod Piccata with Asparagus
It takes longer for the oven to preheat than it does to prepare this delicious, good-for-you dish. While it’s baking, I throw together a quick salad. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
Salmon with Spinach & White Beans
My husband, Oscar, is a Southerner at heart. This salmon with garlicky beans and spinach won him over at first bite. —Mary Ellen Hofstetter, Brentwood, Tennessee
Salmon Veggie Packets
I feel the spirit of Julia Child when I make lemon-pepper salmon en papillote (in parchment). It’s the first French recipe I learned, and the delightful little packages are family-friendly. —Renee Greene, New York, NY
Tuna Steak on Fettuccine
For something new to do with tuna, I suggest this tangy dish. Although I prefer the marinade on tuna or mahi mahi, it's scrumptious on any fish, grilled, baked or broiled. —Caren Stearns, Austin, Texas
Salmon with Root Vegetables
This cozy hash is loaded with protein and healthy fats that keep you going on busy days. We've been known to devour it at breakfast, lunch and dinner! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Grilled Chipotle Salmon Tacos
When fresh fish is available, I pull out my salmon taco recipe and fire up the grill. Try it with whitefish or mahi mahi, too. —Brenda Washnocok, Negaunee, Michigan
Ginger Halibut with Brussels Sprouts
I moved to the United States from Russia and love cooking Russian food for family and friends. Halibut with soy sauce, ginger and pepper is a favorite. —Margarita Parker, New Bern, North Carolina
Smoked Salmon Quesadillas with Creamy Chipotle Sauce
These extra-special quesadillas take just minutes to make, but you'll want to savor them for as long as possible. Sprinkle the cheesy wedges with chopped fresh cilantro. —Daniel Shemtob, Irvine, California
Mahi Mahi & Veggie Skillet
Cooking mahi mahi with a mix of vegetables may seem complex, but I developed this skillet recipe to bring out the wow factor without the hassle and fuss. —Solomon Wang, Arlington, Texas
Parmesan Fish Sticks
I wanted a healthier approach to fish sticks and developed a baked tilapia with a slightly peppery bite. My husband and sons love the crispy coating. —Candy Summerhill, Alexander, Arkansas
Lemony Parsley Baked Cod
The trick to avoid overcooking a good piece of fish is to cook it at a high temperature for a short amount of time. Do that and the fish stays moist and tender. —Sherry Day, Pinckney, Michigan
Haddock with Lime-Cilantro Butter
Here in Louisiana, the good times roll when we broil fish and serve it with lots of lime juice, cilantro and butter. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana
Pretzel-Crusted Catfish Bites
I'm not a big fish lover, so any concoction that has me loving fish is a keeper in my book. This combination of flavors just works for me. It's wonderful served with a nice buttery herb rice pilaf and corn muffins with honey! —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Lemon Basil Salmon
It was my husband, Steve, who came up with this easy, foil-packet recipe for flaky, fork-tender Lemon Basil Salmon. We eat a lot of salmon and Steve likes trying out different herbs and spices on our food. This recipe's a winner! —Marianne Bauman, Modesto, California
Secret Ingredient Fried Catfish
Pancake mix and carbonated water are the surprising secrets to these beautifully browned catfish fillets. Serve with coleslaw or sweet potato fries, and get ready for smiles. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Tomato-Poached Halibut
My halibut with a burst of lemon comes together in one pan and stays super moist. Try it with polenta, angel hair pasta or crusty bread. —Danna Rogers, Westport, Connecticut
Walnut-Crusted Ginger Salmon
For those who aren’t wild about fish, this gingery salmon is a game-changer. Baking on foil makes for extra-easy cleanup. —Becky Walch, Orland, California
