Is there anything better than biting into a fresh, delicious piece of salmon? It’s no wonder that salmon is one of the most popular seafood items. But what do you do if you can’t finish your salmon all at once?
If you’re like me, then you love salmon. It’s healthy, tastes great, and is easy to cook. But sometimes, I can’t finish an entire fillet in one sitting, and that’s where freezing comes in handy. Here is a guide on how to freeze salmon so you can enjoy it whenever possible.
Also read: The Life Cycle of Wild Atlantic Salmon
Start With Fresh Salmon
Start with fresh salmon. Whether you buy it whole or cut it into fillets, make sure the fish is as fresh as possible. You can also use previously frozen salmon, but it may not have the same texture once it’s thawed and refrozen.
Place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, then put it in the freezer. Freeze for 2-3 hours or until solid. Once frozen, transfer the salmon to a zip-top freezer bag and return it to the freezer.
When ready to cook salmon, remove it from the freezer and thaw. Then, cook it according to your recipe instructions.
Also read: Coho Salmon vs Sockeye: What’s The Difference?
Prepare The Salmon
Start by prepping your salmon. If you’re using a whole fish, clean and gut it. If you’re using salmon fillets, make sure they’re skin-on and cut them into even portions.
Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and other spices or herbs. You can also coat the salmon in a marinade if desired.
Place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, then put it in the freezer. Freeze fresh salmon for 2-3 hours or until solid. Once frozen, transfer the salmon to a zip-top freezer bag and return it to the freezer.
Wrap The Fish
Once your salmon is frozen, it’s time to wrap it up. You’ll want to use a freezer-safe wrapping material, like foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper. Wrap the salmon tightly, taking care to remove any air pockets.
Then, label the package with the date and contents. I also like to write cooking instructions on the label, so I know exactly how to prepare the salmon when I’m ready to eat salmon.
Store In The Freezer
Store your wrapped sushi-grade salmon in the freezer for up to six months. When you’re ready to cook the salmon, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and remove it from the freezer. Then, you can cook it according to any recipe instructions.
Also read: 2022 Best Salmon Festivals Around the Country
Keep Salmon Frozen
If you aren’t using your salmon right away, make sure to keep it frozen. Frozen salmon can last for up to six months in the freezer. To prevent freezer burn, ensure the salmon is tightly wrapped and stored in an airtight container. And when you’re ready to cook it, thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight.
Now that you know how to freeze salmon, you can reheat it to enjoy whenever you want. Fresh or frozen, salmon is a delicious and healthy seafood option. So go ahead and stock up on your favorite fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Freezing Salmon Ruin It?
Freezing salmon does not necessarily ruin it. While it is true that freezing can change the texture of salmon, this is not necessarily bad. Many believe that the change in texture can make salmon more tender and easier to eat.
Additionally, freezing salmon can help to preserve its flavor. This is because freezing stops the growth of bacteria, which can cause fish to spoil quickly. If you defrost salmon properly (in the refrigerator, not at room temperature), it should be just as fresh and delicious as it was when you first bought it.
Also read: How To Cook Salmon: 5 Delicious Ways To Prepare This Nutritious Fish
Can You Freeze Salmon In A Ziplock Bag?
If you’re looking for an easy way to store your salmon, you may wonder if you can freeze it in a Ziplock bag. The answer is yes, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, it’s essential to start with fresh, high-quality salmon.
If your salmon is frozen, be sure to thaw it before cooking. Second, when freezing salmon in a Ziplock bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag. Otherwise, the fish will burn freezer.
Pairing in, cooked salmon will last for up to three months in the freezer, while frozen raw salmon will last for up to six months. When thawing frozen salmon, do so in the refrigerator overnight. Never thaw salmon at room temperature or in Microwave ovens.
Doing so can promote bacterial growth and make the fish unsafe to eat. When cooked properly, frozen salmon can be a delicious and healthy addition to your diet.
How Do You Wrap Salmon For Freezing?
Cut a piece of freezer paper large enough to wrap the salmon fillet, leaving several inches of extra paper on each side. Place the salmon skin-side down on the form. If the fillet has the pin bones removed, skip to the next step.
If the pin bones are still in the fillet, use a clean pair of needle-nose pliers to remove them. Gently pull each bone straight up and out of the flesh. Be careful not to tear the meat as you remove the bones.
Next, season the salmon with salt, pepper, and other herbs or spices. Wrap the fillet tightly in the freezer paper, sealing the edges well. You can also place the wrapped salmon in a zip-top freezer bag for extra protection.
Label the bag with the contents and date before placing it in the freezer. Salmon will be safe to eat for up to six months when stored correctly in the freezer.
Also read: Health Benefits Of Eating Wild Salmon
Conclusion
How To Freeze Salmon? So there you have it. Everything you need to know about freezing salmon: it’s a quick and easy process that will help keep your fish fresh for months.
Give it a try the next time you have some salmon in stock and see how well it works for you. Have any tips or tricks of your own? Also, remember we have other means like freezing smoked salmon or salting.