When it comes to the shelf life of fish, opinions are divided. Because of its high water and protein content, seafood is virtually doomed to spoil more quickly. But what about fish dishes that have already been cooked?? Until today the statement is in circulation that also dishes may not be warmed up and e.g. be consumed again the next day.
These statements have a basis, because in the past, the chance of food poisoning would have been high indeed. But we are talking about a time when refrigerators did not exist or did not work as they do today. Nowadays, of course, the whole thing looks different. The question is no longer whether fish can be reheated, but how must the fish be stored in order to be consumed again without any problems??
The right storage makes it
A juicy salmon fillet, anchovies or even simple fish sticks – if something is left over from dinner, questions arise. After all, fish is one of the foods known to perish quickly. The cooking process inhibits spoilage, but does not stop it. If you left your fish fillet in a bed of vegetables on the kitchen counter and tried to heat it up the next day, it would be fatal. At room temperature, germs are known to multiply more quickly. The fish is inedible the next day, because the germs have already spread due to its nutritional composition and spoiled the meat. You could have prevented this.
Here’s how to make fish dishes last for the next day, too
If you want to eat the leftovers of your fish dish the next day, you have to take care of the right storage. This process starts already when it is cooled down. Let the fish cool at room temperature without covering it. Keep a lid on the pot, condensation will form. This, in combination with the residual heat, forms a unique breeding ground for germs. Instead, simply wait until the dish has cooled down. This is crucial for the shelf life on the one hand and for the functionality of your refrigerator on the other hand.
Once the fish has cooled, it can be placed in the refrigerator either in the same container, this time with a lid, or transferred to microwave dishes. It is only important that the dish is not stored without a cover. In this case it makes itself attractive for further germs in your refrigerator. In addition, it also spreads an odor, which can be transferred to other foods. Possibly a plate is suitable, which is covered with cling film.
To reheat the fish
If you want to eat the fish from the day before, you have all sorts of options to reheat it. Whether microwave, stove or oven does not play a significant role for health. Simply reheat the dish in the way that suits you best. In the case of breaded or fried foods, reheating in the pan is worthwhile – but this is a matter of taste and does not change the quality.
Trust your senses
Despite the fact that fish can basically be reheated, in the end, trust your senses. If you notice an unpleasant odor or if the taste has changed significantly, it is safer to throw the food away. All in all, the matter of reheating fish dishes is only a matter of correct storage and a little feeling.