How Long Can Fresh Fish Last in Your Fridge?

Love enjoying fresh, delicious fish? So do we! It’s packed with amazing protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. But to truly savor it at its best, knowing how to handle and store it correctly is super important. One of the most common questions we hear is: “How long can fresh fish last in the fridge?”

Whether you’re an avid angler or just love cooking up a tasty seafood dinner, this guide is for you! We’ll help you understand exactly how long fresh fish stays good in your refrigerator and, crucially, how to tell if it’s still safe to eat.

The Golden Rule: 1-2 Days for Fresh Fish

Generally, fresh fish is best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days of purchase or catch when stored properly in the fridge. Cooked fish, on the other hand, can last a little longer, typically 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Key Factors That Influence Fish Freshness

The lifespan of your fresh catch in the fridge isn’t just a simple number; it depends on several things:

• Type of Fish: Leaner fish like cod, tilapia, flounder, and sole tend to last slightly longer (up to 2 days) than fattier fish such as salmon and tuna (which are best consumed within 1-1.5 days). Shellfish like shrimp and scallops also have a shorter fridge life, around 1-2 days.
• Initial Freshness: The moment you get your fish, its clock starts ticking. The sooner it’s refrigerated after being caught or bought, the longer it will last. Cleaning and gutting it promptly also helps immensely.
• Storage Temperature: Your fridge should ideally be set between 32-40°F (0-4°C). Temperatures above 40°F allow bacteria to multiply rapidly, drastically shortening shelf life.
• Packaging Method: Proper wrapping is key! Fish needs to be tightly sealed to prevent it from drying out and to minimize air exposure, which can lead to spoilage or freezer burn if freezing.

Pro Tips for Keeping Your Fish Fresher, Longer

Want to squeeze every bit of freshness out of your fish? Follow these simple handling methods:

• Rinse It Well: After catching or buying, quickly rinse your fish under cold water. This helps remove bacteria, blood, and slime.
• Gut and Clean Promptly: If you’ve caught a whole fish, clean and gut it as soon as possible. The internal organs contain enzymes that accelerate spoilage.
• Ice, Ice, Baby: Surround your fish with ice or ice packs. This keeps it colder than the general fridge temperature. Place it in a container with a drain or elevate it to allow melted ice to escape, preventing the fish from sitting in water.
• Bottom Shelf is Best: Store raw fish on the lowest shelf of your fridge. This prevents any potential drips from contaminating other foods below it. Always use a tray or pan underneath for extra protection.
• Wrap It Tight: Tightly wrap fish in plastic wrap, freezer paper, or place it in an airtight container. The goal is to limit its exposure to air.
• Clean Your Fridge: Regularly clean your refrigerator to keep bacterial growth at bay and ensure it maintains optimal coldness.

How to Tell When Fish Has Gone Bad

Your senses are your best tool! Trust them to determine if your fish is still good. Discard fish if you notice any of these signs:

• Smell: A strong, fishy, sour, or ammonia-like odor. Fresh fish should have a mild, clean smell.
• Texture: A slimy or sticky feel with visible mucus on the surface. Fresh fish should be firm and moist.
• Appearance: Dull, discolored, or grayish flesh. Fresh fish should have a bright, vibrant color. If it’s a whole fish, its eyes might be sunken and cloudy instead of clear and bulging.

Remember: When in doubt, throw it out! It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to seafood.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fish Storage

Let’s tackle some common queries to help you become a fish storage expert!

Can I store fish on the same shelf as other food?

To avoid cross-contamination, it’s best to dedicate the bottom shelf or a specific bin for raw proteins like fish, away from ready-to-eat foods.

Does rinsing fresh fish before refrigerating help preserve it?

Yes! Rinsing away blood, slime, and bacteria after catching or buying helps keep the fish fresher for longer.

Can I eat fish that’s been in the fridge longer than recommended?

It’s risky. Fish older than the recommended 1-2 days for fresh catch may harbor harmful bacteria, even if it doesn’t show obvious signs of spoilage. Play it safe and discard it.

How long does cooked fish last in the fridge?

Cooked fish will typically last for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Always reheat leftovers thoroughly.

Can I refreeze fish after thawing it?

Yes, fish can be safely refrozen after thawing, especially if it was thawed in the refrigerator and kept cold. However, the texture and flavor might decline slightly. It’s generally best to cook thawed fish promptly.

How long can I freeze fresh fish?

When properly wrapped and stored in a freezer bag with all air pushed out, fresh fish can keep well in the freezer for up to 8 months. Fatty fish might have a slightly shorter freezer life (e.g., 2-3 months) compared to lean fish due to fat oxidation.

The Bottom Line

We hope these tips give you the confidence to maximize the freshness and shelf life of your fish. While how long can fresh fish last in fridge is generally 1-2 days, proper handling, like immediate icing, maintaining cold fridge temperatures, and wrapping tightly, can help you enjoy your delicious seafood safely. Always pay close attention to any signs of spoilage, and when in doubt, remember that it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Now, go enjoy the bounty of the waters!