Our Test Kitchen will coach you through every step to go from frozen Pisces to 5 - adept eating place - worthy dishes .

Carson Downing

Before we dive into how to thaw frozen salmon quickly and what to make with your freezer full of Pisces the Fishes , we ’re happy to bust a myth : induct in frozen salmon is not necessarily a sacrifice compared to fresh salmon . In fact , theWild Alaskan Companyadmits that , “ unless you ’re savour a fish filet of salmon straight off the boat , high - quality frozen salmon beats " sweet " Pisces the Fishes any day . That ’s because flashbulb - freeze conserve the grain , tasting , and freshness of just - entrance Salmon River , ” they explain

Salmon thawing

Credit:Carson Downing

You know that “ unfermented ” salmon that you could take for at the protein counter at the supermarket ? Chances are very high that it has been block already , then defrosted to display . By opting for frozen salmon and keep it on ice-skating rink , you’re able to bask a delicious fish recipe on your own timeline — rather than in a rush to apply it before the thawed Salmon River go bad . ( P.S. If you endeavor to freeze Salmon River that ’s already been freeze down then defrosted , it ’s a recipe for lower quality , funnily - textured seafood . )

Now that you recognise why the freezer gangway is probably the best position to whirl some in , it ’s the unadulterated time to review how to thaw frozen salmon cursorily and how to expend defrost ( or even still - quick-frozen ) filets .

Sarah Brekke , M.S.,Better Homes & GardensTest Kitchen brand manager

Salmon thawing

Credit:Larisa Niedle

Larisa Niedle

How to Thaw Salmon the Test Kitchen Way

Here ’s the Test Kitchen ’s preferent way to thaw Salmon River :

examination Kitchen Tip : If your fixed Salmon River come vacuum cleaner - sealed , remove the frozen fish from the packaging and transfer to a energy - top plastic bag before thawing . While this might seem like an unnecessary and wasteful extra step , “ the anaerobic [ without oxygen ] conditions in the vacuum - seal package can advertize the growth of botulism toxin in the food which can have deadly outcome if consume , ” say Sarah Brekke , M.S.,Better Homes & GardensTest Kitchen brand managing director . In a pinch , use a tongue to slice a few slits in the vacuum - seal package , then transfer it to a cup of tea or genus Pan ( to pick up any juices as the fish thaws ) and place it in the refrigerator to thaw overnight .

How to Thaw Frozen Salmon Quickly

If you ’re run inadequate on time , Brekke as well as the pros at theWild Alaskan CompanyandFulton Pisces Marketagree that this is the good option for how to thaw frozen salmon quickly . It occupy about 1 hr .

“ Keep in judgment that for food safety ’s rice beer , you ’ll only want to do a quick thawing if you ’re planning on cooking your seafood quick after thawing , ” Brekke says . “ Do n’t use this method to defrost your seafood if dinner party is still seven hr by . ”

Test Kitchen Tip : Although salmon can technically be thawed in the microwave , “ we do n’t urge this method acting due to the impact on the overall quality of the fish , ” Brekke total .

Salmon in frying pan

Credit:Larisa Niedle

Can You Cook Frozen Salmon Without Thawing it First?

Do n’t want to fret with defrosting ? We have great word : “ Straight - from - the - freezer frosty salmon filets can work well in many recipes , ” Brekke support .

For simple seared Salmon River filets ready from frozen :

run Kitchen Tip : We do not recommend trying to cook larger pieces of salmon , such asOrange Salmon and Green Onions , Salmon with Lemon and Herbs , orSalmon with Roasted Tomatoes and Shallotsfrom frozen . apply fresh or full unthaw salmon in any recipes that call for a side of salmon or 1 - pound or more salmon fish filet to insure even cooking .

How to Store Salmon in the Freezer

After assume yoursustainably - caughtfrozen salmon or buy fresh and never - frozen fish , to annul freezer burn or noteworthy degradation in tone , “ verify the fish is properly wrapped , ” enunciate Brekke .

The original vacuum - varnish packaging is idealistic if your Pisces came that fashion , as it might if you postal service - ordered your Pisces the Fishes or buy it at certain retailers . If the fish is wrap in butcher paper , remove the paper and use a paper towel to blot off any excess wet from the surface of the Pisces . Next , wrap the filet(s ) tightly with plastic wrap before transferring to a with child nil - top freezer bag . iron out as much atmosphere as potential from the bags , then seal and utilise a lasting marking to label and date the salmon .

How Long Frozen Salmon Lasts

Although flash-frozen will stay “ good ” indefinitely under the right freezer conditions , the quality will decline over meter , Brekke acknowledge . consort to theUSDA , frozenraw fishshould be used within 3 to 8 months .

This is a very wide mountain range , so to help clear things up , after repeated trial , the Test Kitchen has come to a consensus :