freezing and defrosting methods for seafood

 

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How To Freeze:

Whole Fish Fish FilletsSmoked Fish Clams
Hardshell Crab Shucked Oysters Shucked Mussels
Raw ShrimpCooked ShrimpScallops

How to Freeze Fish Fillets

saltwater fish on ice
There are several methods that are very effective for freezing fish fillets. There are some fish species that don't freeze very well, and those include bluefish, herring, mackeral and sardines.

Here's a nice video showing how easy it is to freeze fish fillets.

 


How to Freeze Smoked Fish

As soon as the fish comes out the smoker you should freeze it. To prevent oxidation, brush the smoked fish with a light salad oil. Air is the enemy here – so either wrap the fish in plastic wrap and then extra layers of freezer paper or foil; or use a zip lock bag and remove as much air as possible. A second zip loc bag on top of the first one is even better – still removing as much air as possible.


How to Freeze Whole Fish

Do NOT freeze whole un-gutted fish. You must gut and scale the fish before freezing. Then simply rinse off the fish and store it in zip lock bags (removing as much air as possible), or vacuum seal it, or follow the "ice glazing" method.


How to Freeze Hardshell Crab

There are many differing opinions about freezing whole crab, starting with whether or not to even do this! Some people believe that the frozen product is so inferior to fresh crab, that it's not even worth the time to freeze them.

Others believe that sometimes a surplus of crab can't be avoided, so it's better to freeze them than to waste them. If you're of that mind, then your choice is to “freeze the whole crab live", "freeze the whole crab after cooking it", "freeze the cleaned and shelled crab bodies", or to only "freeze the crabmeat". No matter the method, there is a consensus that frozen crab, in any form, will last up to about 3 months.

 

How To Freeze Shucked Oysters

 

How To Freeze Shucked Mussels

 

How To Freeze Shrimp

You can freeze raw or cooked shrimp. To get the most of out shrimp, keep the shell on - it helps maintain the texture and the flavor of the shrimp.

All shrimp should be defrosted in the refrigerator or in ice water. Never thaw at room temperature. Do not re-freeze already frozen shrimp.

 

How To Freeze Fresh Scallops

You can put scallops in an airtight container and freeze them. However, if you would like to maintain a little more of their freshness, do this extra step. Put a metal baking pan in your freezer ahead of time and get it ice cold. Lay the scallops out on the pan in a single layer and freeze them (for no more than 1 hour), Then put them in an airtight container, or a zip lock bag and store them in the coldest part of your freezer (the back). Use them within 3 months.

If the scallops are still in their shells, remove the shells and rinse them under cool water before freezing them.

Always defrost scallops in the refrigerator. Never thaw them at room temperature. Do not re-freeze previously frozen scallops.

 

How To Freeze Clams

There are differing opinions about freezing clams. Use your own discretion about the methods below.

crawfish boil including the potatos