How to freeze salmon

Why Freeze Salmon?

There are many reasons why you might want to freeze salmon. Maybe you found a great deal on fresh fish and want to preserve it for later. Perhaps you’re going on vacation and want to ensure that you have plenty of fish waiting for you when you get back. Or maybe you just want to avoid the hassle of visiting the grocery store every time you need to make a salmon dish.

Freezing salmon is a great way to save money and time, and it’s also a useful technique if you’re trying to reduce food waste. When you freeze salmon, you can extend its shelf life and prevent it from spoiling, so you can enjoy it whenever you’re in the mood for a healthy, protein-rich meal.

How to Freeze Salmon

Now that you know why you should freeze salmon, let’s talk about how to do it. Here are the steps you need to follow to freeze salmon properly:

1. Start with fresh salmon

Before you freeze salmon, you need to make sure it’s fresh. If the fish is already showing signs of spoilage (such as a fishy smell or slimy texture), you should not freeze it. When you purchase fresh salmon, make sure it’s stored at the correct temperature (around 32°F to 38°F) and use it within a day or two of buying it.

2. Remove the bones and skin

If your salmon comes with bones and skin, you’ll want to remove them before freezing. This will help the fish freeze and thaw more evenly. Use a sharp knife to cut away the skin, then use tweezers or fish pliers to remove any remaining bones.

3. Portion the fish

Before you freeze salmon, think about how you’re going to use it in the future. Do you want to cook whole fillets, or will you be using smaller pieces for stir-frys or salads? Portion the fish accordingly, and use freezer-safe bags or containers to store each portion separately.

4. Label and date the bags or containers

To avoid confusion when you’re thawing your salmon, label each bag or container with the date and the type of fish it contains. This will help you keep track of how long you’ve had it in the freezer and prevent any mix-ups.

5. Freeze the salmon

Once you’ve portioned and labeled your salmon, it’s time to freeze it. Make sure your freezer is set to 0°F, then place the bags or containers into the freezer. For best results, use the “fast freeze” setting on your freezer, which will help the fish freeze as quickly as possible.

How Long Does Frozen Salmon Last?

Frozen salmon will typically last for up to six months in the freezer. However, this can vary depending on several factors, such as how well the fish was wrapped or whether it was frozen immediately after being caught. To ensure that your frozen salmon is still safe to eat, look for signs of freezer burn or discoloration. If the fish looks or smells off, it’s best to throw it away.

Thawing Frozen Salmon

When you’re ready to cook with your frozen salmon, you’ll need to thaw it first. The best way to thaw salmon is to transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly (this can take several hours, depending on the size of the fish). Alternatively, you can thaw salmon in cold water by placing the frozen fish in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the fish is fully thawed.

Final Thoughts

Freezing salmon is a great way to preserve this delicious fish and ensure that you always have it on hand for quick and easy meals. By following these simple steps, you can freeze salmon safely and efficiently, and enjoy its nutritional benefits all year round.