Where Should You Store Raw Fish in a Refrigerator? Expert Tips

Have you ever bought fresh fish and wondered where exactly to put it in your fridge so it stays fresh and safe? It’s a good question because raw fish can go bad quickly if not stored right. Did you know that even small mistakes in storing fish can make it unsafe to eat?

In this article, I’ll share simple and helpful tips on how to store raw fish in your refrigerator. We’ll talk about the best spots, how to keep it cold, and ways to make sure it stays fresh for as long as possible. Let’s dive in and make your fish last!

Best Places in the Fridge to Store Raw Fish

Why Choosing the Right Spot in Your Fridge Matters

When you bring raw fish home, you want it to stay fresh and safe to eat. The place where you put the fish in the fridge can make a big difference. Fish is very delicate and can spoil quickly if it’s not kept cold enough.

The wrong spot might make it warm or expose it to air, which speeds up spoilage. The best spot is usually the coldest part of your fridge because cold slows down bacteria and keeps the fish fresher longer.

Most refrigerators have different temperature zones. For example, the door is often warmer because it opens a lot. The back of the fridge is usually colder. If you want your fish to last, avoid the fridge door and look for the coldest shelf, often near the bottom or the back.

Using a Container or Tray for Safety and Cleanliness

It’s smart to store raw fish in a container or on a tray. This stops any fish juices from dripping onto other foods, which can cause contamination. You can use a shallow dish or a plastic container with a lid. If you don’t have a container, put the fish on a plate and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This keeps the smell from spreading and keeps the fish moist.

If you want to be extra safe, place some ice packs or crushed ice in the container under or around the fish. This helps keep the temperature really low, which is great for fresh fish. Remember to change the ice every day so it doesn’t melt and make the fish wet.

How to Set the Fridge Temperature for Raw Fish

Keeping your fridge at the right temperature is super important. The best temperature for storing raw fish is between 32°F and 38°F (0°C and 3°C). Most fridges are set around 37°F (3°C), which is good, but it’s a good idea to check your fridge’s temperature with a thermometer to be sure.

If the fridge is too warm, bacteria grow faster and the fish will spoil quicker. Too cold, and the fish might freeze and lose its texture. So, having a thermometer helps you get it just right. Put the thermometer where you store the fish so you can monitor the exact temperature there.

Why You Should Store Raw Fish Away From Ready-to-Eat Foods

To keep your food safe, never store raw fish near ready-to-eat foods like salads, bread, or cooked meals. Raw fish can carry bacteria that can spread to other foods if they touch or if juices drip. This can cause food poisoning.

Make sure to keep raw fish on the bottom shelf of the fridge. This way, if any juices drip, they won’t fall onto other foods. Also, keep fish in sealed containers or tightly wrapped so smells don’t spread and other foods don’t get contaminated.

How to Prepare Raw Fish Before Storing It

Cleaning Raw Fish Properly Before Putting It in the Fridge

Before storing raw fish, you want to make sure it’s clean. Rinse the fish gently under cold running water to wash off any dirt or scales. Be careful not to soak the fish because too much water can damage it and make it spoil faster.

After rinsing, pat the fish dry with clean paper towels. This helps remove moisture on the surface and keeps the fish from becoming slimy. Dry fish stores better and lasts longer.

Removing Bones and Skin Before Storage: When and Why

Sometimes you want to remove bones or skin before storing fish, but it depends on how you plan to use it. If you will cook the fish soon, you can store it whole or in pieces with skin on. Skin helps protect the fish and keeps moisture in.

If you plan to store fish for several days, removing bones and skin might make it easier to use later, but remember to wrap it well to avoid drying out. If you leave bones in, the fish might last a little longer because the bones help keep the flesh together and protect it.

Using Salt or Lemon Juice to Help Keep Fish Fresh

Some people like to use a bit of salt or lemon juice on raw fish before storing it. Salt can help slow down bacteria and lemon juice adds acidity that can keep fish fresh longer. However, don’t add too much because it can change the taste or texture of the fish.

If you want to try this, sprinkle a small amount of salt or lemon juice on the fish, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or put it in a sealed container. This method can be good for short storage, like one day or two.

Wrapping Fish Correctly for the Best Storage

How you wrap fish is very important. You want to keep air out because air dries out fish and causes freezer burn if you freeze it. Wrap the fish tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you have a vacuum sealer, that works even better to keep the fish fresh.

After wrapping, put the fish in a container or sealable plastic bag. This double protection keeps the fish moist and safe. If you plan to freeze the fish, wrap it well to avoid ice crystals forming on the surface.

How Long Can Raw Fish Stay Fresh in the Fridge?

Understanding Fish Freshness and Shelf Life

Raw fish doesn’t last long. Usually, fresh fish lasts about 1 to 2 days in the fridge. Some types of fish may last a little longer, but it’s best to eat it quickly for the best taste and safety.

If fish smells bad, looks slimy, or changes color, it is probably spoiled and should be thrown away. Always trust your senses. Fresh fish should smell clean like the ocean, not fishy or sour.

Signs That Raw Fish Is No Longer Safe to Eat

Knowing when fish is spoiled is important. Look for these signs: a strong fishy smell, slimy or sticky texture, dull or faded color, and any strange spots or discoloration.

If you touch the fish and it feels mushy or sticky instead of firm, it’s a sign it’s gone bad. Also, if the fish has been in the fridge for more than 2 days, it’s safer to discard it even if it looks okay.

How to Use or Freeze Fish That You Can’t Eat Right Away

If you can’t eat the fish soon, freezing is the best option. Freeze fish as soon as possible to keep it fresh. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then put it in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn.

Frozen fish can last several months if stored correctly, but for the best taste, try to use it within 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw fish in the fridge overnight, never on the counter.

Tips to Keep Fish Fresh Longer in Your Fridge

To keep fish fresh longer, store it on ice in the fridge. Put crushed ice in a shallow pan, then place the fish on top, covering it with more ice. Keep the pan in the coldest part of the fridge and change the ice daily.

Also, keep your fridge clean and don’t open the door too often. Every time the fridge door opens, warm air gets in and can raise the temperature. Keeping a consistent cold temperature helps your fish last longer.

How to Handle Raw Fish Safely in Your Kitchen

Avoiding Cross-Contamination When Handling Raw Fish

Cross-contamination happens when harmful bacteria spread from raw fish to other foods, surfaces, or your hands. To avoid this, always wash your hands before and after handling raw fish.

Use separate cutting boards and knives for fish and other foods, especially ready-to-eat foods like vegetables or fruits. Clean all surfaces and tools with hot, soapy water after using them with fish.

Cleaning Your Refrigerator After Storing Raw Fish

After storing raw fish, it’s important to clean your fridge regularly. Spills or fish juices can make your fridge dirty and unsafe. Use a mixture of warm water and mild soap or vinegar to wipe the shelves where you store fish.

Make sure to dry the shelves well before putting food back. This cleaning helps stop bacteria from growing and keeps your fridge smelling fresh.

Safe Thawing Methods for Frozen Raw Fish

If you froze your fish, thaw it safely to keep it fresh. The best way is to thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the fish cold and safe from bacteria.

If you need to thaw it faster, put the fish in a sealed bag and place it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until it’s thawed. Avoid thawing fish at room temperature because it can grow bacteria.

Cooking Raw Fish Properly for Safety

To make sure raw fish is safe to eat, cook it to the right temperature. Fish should be cooked to at least 145°F (63°C) inside. This kills any bacteria or parasites.

Use a food thermometer to check the temperature. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Cooking fish properly keeps you and your family safe and makes the fish taste delicious.

I hope this article helps you feel confident about storing raw fish safely and keeping it fresh for your meals!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to store raw fish in the fridge for more than two days?

Generally, raw fish is safest when eaten within 1 to 2 days after buying. Storing it longer than two days can increase the risk of spoilage and food poisoning. If you need to keep fish longer, freezing is the best option. Always check the smell and appearance before using fish stored for more than two days.

Can I store raw fish in the fridge door?

It’s not a good idea to store raw fish in the fridge door because the temperature there is warmer and changes a lot when the door opens. The best place is the coldest part of the fridge, usually the back or bottom shelf, where the temperature stays steady.

Do I need to rinse raw fish before storing it?

Rinsing raw fish gently under cold water is a good idea to remove dirt or scales. But don’t soak the fish in water because it can make it spoil faster. After rinsing, pat it dry with paper towels to remove extra moisture before storing.

Is it necessary to wrap raw fish tightly before putting it in the fridge?

Yes, wrapping raw fish tightly in plastic wrap or foil helps keep air out, which keeps the fish moist and prevents it from drying out. It also helps stop smells from spreading in the fridge and protects other foods from contamination.

Can I store raw fish on ice in my fridge?

Yes, storing raw fish on ice is an excellent way to keep it very cold and fresh longer. Use crushed ice in a shallow pan and put the fish on top. Change the ice daily to keep the fish cold and dry.

Do I have to use a separate cutting board for raw fish?

It’s best to use a separate cutting board for raw fish to avoid spreading bacteria to other foods. Cleaning cutting boards and knives with hot, soapy water after use is also important to keep your kitchen safe.

Is thawing fish on the counter safe?

No, thawing fish at room temperature on the counter is not safe. It allows bacteria to grow quickly. Instead, thaw fish in the fridge overnight or in cold water in a sealed bag, changing the water every 30 minutes.

Can lemon juice help keep raw fish fresh?

Lemon juice can help keep fish fresh for a short time because its acidity slows bacterial growth. However, it should be used lightly and wrapped tightly to keep the fish moist. It’s not a replacement for proper cold storage.