Can You Refreeze Fish That Was Previously Frozen?

Have you ever defrosted fish, only to realize you’re not ready to cook it yet? Or found yourself with leftovers after cooking up a fish feast? If so, you’ve probably wondered if it’s safe to refreeze fish that was previously frozen.

As it turns out, yes you can safely refreeze fish, as long as you follow a few guidelines. Keep reading to learn the dos and don’ts of refreezing fish.

Guidelines for Refreezing Previously Frozen Fish

Here are some key tips to keep in mind

• Only refreeze fish that has been properly thawed – Fish that was thawed slowly and completely in the refrigerator can be safely refrozen. Do not attempt to refreeze fish that was thawed quickly at room temperature or in hot water.

• Refreeze fish as soon as possible – For best quality, refreeze fish within 1-2 days of thawing The sooner you refreeze it, the better it will retain moisture and flavor

• Don’t refreeze fish that sat out for over 2 hours – Fish that has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour above 90°F) should not be refrozen. At this point bacteria may have multiplied to unsafe levels. When in doubt, throw it out.

• Use refrozen fish soon after thawing again – Refrozen fish will lose some moisture and texture quality after being thawed for a second time. Use within a day or two for best results.

• Freeze fish in air-tight packaging – Wrap fish tightly in plastic freezer wrap or place in airtight freezer bags, squeezing out excess air. This protects against freezer burn.

• Label packages with type of fish and date – This helps you rotate refrozen fish into use within recommended time frames.

• Do not refreeze fish that has been previously cooked – Cooked fish should not be refrozen, as it will lose too much quality. Simply refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days.

Reasons You Might Want to Refreeze Fish

There are a few common scenarios that may lead you to want to refreeze thawed or cooked fish:

• You defrosted fish but didn’t end up cooking it within a safe timeframe
• You cooked a large batch of fish and have leftovers you want to save
• You purchased previously frozen fish at the grocery store but needed to thaw it before use
• You caught fresh fish but need to store it in the freezer until ready to use

Rather than waste perfectly good fish, refreezing can allow you to safely preserve it for another day.

How Many Times Can You Refreeze Fish?

Fish that has been continuously frozen can typically be safely refrozen once without too much issue. However, you’ll get the best quality by limiting it to just one refreeze cycle.

Each additional refreeze creates more opportunity for the moisture and texture to degrade. The ice crystals that form during freezing cause damage to the cellular structure. This leads to the fish drying out and becoming mushier over time.

While not ideal, fish that has been refrozen once or twice is still safe to eat if handled properly. But for best flavor and texture, try to limit the number of refreezes.

Signs Fish Has Been Refrozen

If you purchased previously frozen fish from the grocery store, there are a few signs that indicate it has been refrozen:

• Excess ice crystals or ice glazing on the fish
• Fish flesh feels extra soggy or soft
• Discoloration or dry, flaky patches on the surface
• Unpleasant “off” odors

While these signs don’t necessarily mean the fish is unsafe, they do mean it will likely have poorer eating quality compared to fish frozen only once.

Proper Thawing Methods for Refrozen Fish

No matter if it’s fish that was store-bought frozen or home-frozen, thawing it properly is key. Here are some recommended methods:

• Thaw in refrigerator: Place fish in a container to catch drips and thaw in the fridge. This is the safest method and preserves quality best. Allow 24 hours for every 1 inch of thickness.
• Cold water thaw: Submerge packaged fish in cold tap water, changing water every 30 minutes. About 1 hour per pound of fish.
• Microwave thaw: Use the “defrost” setting in short 2-3 minute bursts, checking often. Turn over halfway through. Watch closely to avoid cooking edges.

Do not thaw fish at room temperature or in hot water, as this puts it in the danger zone for bacterial growth.

Can You Refreeze Shellfish and Other Seafood?

The guidelines for refreezing fish generally apply to other types of seafood as well. Here are a few other common questions:

• Shrimp – Previously frozen, cooked shrimp can be safely refrozen using the same guidelines as fish. Thaw first if refreezing raw shrimp.

• Lobster, crab, and scallops – These can be refrozen either cooked or uncooked, but be sure they were kept chilled at all times first.

• Clams, mussels, and oysters – Only refreeze live shellfish if they were never opened. Once shucked, discard any that were left out over 2 hours.

• Squid and octopus – Limit refreezing to once after the initial freeze, as the texture declines significantly.

No matter what type of seafood you’re refreezing, err on the safe side if you have any concerns about potential bacterial exposure. When in doubt, throw it out.

Storing Frozen Fish Safely

To get the longest freezer life and best quality, store all frozen fish at 0°F or colder. Use a thermometer to check your freezer temp if unsure.

Ideally, eat refrozen fish within 3-6 months for best flavor and texture. Store frozen fish away from oven vents or self-defrosting coils than can cause thawing.

Rotate oldest fish to the front and check for freezer burn or texture changes before cooking refrozen fish.

Tips for Cooking Previously Frozen Fish

Refrozen fish may take on slightly less moisture during cooking. Here are some tips:

• Adjust cook times slightly longer for baking or grilling refrozen fish fillets.

• Poach, steam, or pan sear to retain moisture – avoid high dry heat methods.

• Wrap in foil or parchment when roasting refrozen fish to keep it from drying out.

• For fried fish, coat with a bit of extra breading or batter to prevent sticking.

• When microwaving, use a lower power level and cook in short bursts to gently reheat without drying out.

With proper handling techniques, refreezing can allow you to enjoy fish again later and avoid waste. Just be sure to follow safety guidelines.