Knowing the best way to defrost fish is not only useful to avoid losing its flavour and juiciness, but it is also key to prevent this food from becoming contaminated. For these reasons, on this occasion we would like to tell you how to defrost fish safely.
How can you defrost fish?
In the fridge
This method is one of the best and safest, but it is a little more time-consuming. To put it into practice, all you need to do is take the fish out of the freezer and put it in the fridge. In this way, the food will gradually come to room temperature.
It is generally recommended to transfer the fish the night before and store it in the refrigerator in a closed container. After 12 to 24 hours, the fish is ready for cooking.
In the microwave
This is the quickest alternative to defrosting fish. To do so, you need to place the fish inside a closed (microwave-safe) container, and then press the "defrost" button. This will allow the food to maintain its juiciness.
In addition to defrosting the fish, this technique also allows you to cook it at the same time. This way, in just a few minutes you can have a delicious dish. As a result, this cooking method will not alter the flavour and will provide a smooth texture.
However, if you only want to defrost fish in the microwave, it is important to be careful to prevent it from overcooking. For this reason, here are some recommendations for defrosting fish correctly in the microwave:
- Select a defrosting option for fish.
- The portion of fish to be defrosted must fit comfortably in the microwave, so that there is room for the fish to turn and defrost evenly. If you have a large piece of fish, it is best to cut it up and defrost it separately.
- It is important to watch how the fish thaws. In some cases it is advisable to turn it over. This will promote proper heat distribution.
- Finally, if you see that the thinner areas of the fish are starting to cook but the central part is still frozen, remove the fish from the microwave and wait for it to finish thawing at room temperature.
In cold water
Another way to defrost fish is to place it in a plastic bag properly sealed to prevent water from entering it, and leave it in a bowl of cold water. If it floats, you will need to put something on top to create pressure and keep the fish fully submerged.
In this method you will need to renew the water every half hour, and repeat this process for two to three hours.
