How to store fresh fish and seafood
From fish, to squid and prawns, learn how to buy, store and cook seafood.
Fresh fish and seafood is a sure-fire way to make any meal a special one, whether entertaining guests, celebrating a festive occasion, or making dinner for the family. To make the most of your fish and seafood, it’s important to ensure it’s stored safely – here are a few tips to help you select your fresh catch, keep it at its best and prepare it safely once you’ve picked it up from your local Woolies.
How to choose and store fresh fish
When choosing fish you should look for:
- Look for fish with a firm, shiny flesh.
- The fish should have a fresh, mild ocean-like scent.
- Seafood is best added to your trolley at the end of your shopping trip as it can perish easily.
How to store fresh fish
- For the car trip home, carry fish in a cooler bag or esky with an ice brick – the cooler it is kept, the longer it will last.
- To maintain freshness, pat excess moisture from raw fish fillets with a paper towel then store in the fridge, covered with a clean damp paper towel, in an airtight container.
- You can freeze pieces of fish for up to 3 months at -18°C or less (check the temperature of your freezer) - just place them in freezer storage bags, push out as much air as possible and seal well. Write the type of fish and the date of purchase on the bag so you remember when it needs to be used by.
How long can you keep fresh fish in the fridge?
You should use any fresh fish you buy within 1-2 days of purchasing or defrosting. Always defrost frozen fish in the fridge and store in the coldest part of your fridge, as close to 0°C as possible.
Cooking tips
- Remove fish from the fridge 15 minutes before cooking to allow for even heat distribution when cooking.
- When marinating fish with citrus such as lemon juice, only marinate for up to 30 minutes. Any longer and the acidic ingredients will start to “cook” the fish.
How to choose and store fresh prawns
- Choose prawns with their shell on for maximum freshness.
- Buy prawns as close as possible to the day you plan to serve or cook them. If you want to plan and prep ahead, buy frozen prawns and thaw them as needed.
How to store fresh prawns
- Store fresh and cooked prawns in an airtight container in the coldest part of the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Store whole, uncooked prawns in their shell. and prep ahead, buy frozen prawns and thaw them as needed.
- You can freeze prawns for up to 3 months at -18°C or less (check the temperature of your freezer).
- To freeze prawns, place unpeeled prawns in an airtight container then cover with water, seal and freeze. This forms a large ice block, which insulates the prawns. Do not add salt as it will draw out the moisture. Label, date and freeze as above.
- Defrost your container of prawns in the fridge and leave overnight. Rinse with cold water before using.
Cooking tips
- Only peel prawns up to a few hours ahead of cooking for ultimate freshness.
- Always thaw frozen prawns in the refrigerator before cooking. Cooking prawns from frozen will dry them out and cause them to become tough.
- Cook prawns for 5 minutes on each side. Keep in mind that prawns will continue to cook slightly once removed from the heat.
- Tiger prawns are perfect for grilling and stir-frying, these larger prawns have firm flesh, medium flavour, develop pinkish-red bands when cooked and earn their name from the distinctive stripes on their shell.
- Banana prawns have a mild flavour and firm texture, and hold their shape when cooked.
How to choose and store fresh squid
When buying squid, look for glossy white and firm flesh, and avoid slimy or dull-looking squid.
How to store squid
Meat from molluscs, such as squid and mussels, can be frozen for up to 3 months at -18°C or less. Clean squid, place it in a freezer bag, extracting as much air as possible, then label and date.
Cooking tips
- Generally sold frozen or thawed for convenience, cleaned squid tubes and rings are ready to cook.
- To create restaurant-quality squid, cut open the squid tube and score the inside surface using the tip of a sharp knife, then cut into large pieces, around 3 x 6cm, so the squid will curl and the cuts open up when cooked.
How to choose and store oysters
When purchasing oysters you should look for:
- Oysters are sold already opened (shucked) and ready to eat. The muscle that attaches the oyster to the shell has been severed so they are ready to serve. Look for firm oysters that aren’t too dry.
How to store oysters
Oysters are best eaten on the day they’re bought. Keep them refrigerated until ready to eat.
How to serve oysters
Enjoy oysters fresh from their shell with a squeeze of lemon or mignonette sauce.
Tips for marinara mix
When purchasing oysters you should look for:
For when you want all your favourite seafood in one hit, a marinara mix is a conveniently prepared combination of white fish (basa), mussels, fish, shelled prawns and squid rings.
How to store marinara mix
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Marinara mix cooking tips
A quick and tasty hero, add marinara mix to pastas, soups, risottos or pizzas for a special seafood dinner.