In my cooking classes, I am often asked for advice on handling fish. So, I thought I would share here my 10 tips on buying and storing fresh fish:

1. Pick the right market. Choose a fish market with knowledgeable sales people and high turnover. Makes your job a lot easier if they know what they are doing; and high turnover means fresher fish.

Now, I break my purchasing tips down for whole fish vs. fish fillets and steaks.

When purchasing a fish whole:

2. Look at the eyes. They should be clear and bright/shiny, not cloudy.

3. Check the scales. You want them to be shiny and firm, not dry and flaky.

 

tips-on-buying-fish-filletsWhen purchasing either fish fillets, steaks or whole fish:

4. Examine the consistency. It should be firm (spring back when touched), with no cracks, and should look damp but not be sticky.

5. Look at the color. You want the flesh to not be discolored or brown, and white fish should be fairly translucent. Tuna should be pink to dark red but not brown.

6. Smell it. You want fish with a mild scent that is fresh – like the ocean, not fishy or sour smelling.

7. If wrapped in plastic, make sure there is little to no liquid in the bottom of the packaging.

Once you get your fish home:

8. Eat it the same day – or up to one day after purchasing.
9. Store it in the refrigerator, on top of a ziplock baggie of ice – or one of those frozen ice blocks you put in a cooler.
10. Keep it refrigerated until just before cooking, especially if grilling.

Now that you have some fresh fish ready to go, here are a few of my favorite recipes to try:

Roasted Salmon Steaks    roasted-salmon-steaks-recipe

Baked Fish on Lettuce

baked-fish-on-lettuce-recipe

Grilled Tuna with Puttanesca Sauce

Grilled-Tuna-Putanesca-Sauce

tips on buying and storing fresh fish

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About the author

Hi, I'm Lee.

I am inspired by my mother, Sally’s, love of cooking and entertaining to gather friends and family together over great meals and conversation. In fact, I held my first dinner party at the age of 16. Throughout the years, I’ve provided recipes, menu advice and cooking tips to friends seeking uncomplicated and delicious ideas for home entertaining.


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Comments

  1. Love the salmon recipe. I really enjoyed all the comments of how terrific my salmon was. Thank you greatly for the delicious recipes. Looking forward to many more gatherings. Well with you and your recipes
    I believe all will be successful.
    Respectfully,
    Kellie