When it comes to buying halibut, there are times when buying in bulk just makes sense. It may be for a larger dinner party. It may just be the most cost-effective method if you enjoy eating halibut regularly, but you have a tight budget.
All halibut that is bought and sold online is frozen. That said, making sure that you know how to properly freeze the fish upon arrival is crucial. Doing so will not only ensure that it stays fresh, but also that you and any guests will not suffer from food poisoning. Nothing ruins a nice dinner party like bad fish.
Different Ways to Store Frozen Halibut
When you are purchasing frozen halibut for sale online, it is important to review the company’s packaging standards. It is never a good idea to try and buy unfrozen fish online. Even with expedited shipping, there is a risk. It is impossible to know with any real certainty how long the journey will take and whether the fish will spoil. Additionally, it is worth checking the company’s website to see if they offer vacuum packaged deliveries.
Once the fish arrives, there are a couple of methods for freezing it.
Layer Wrapping
If you choose to layer wrap your halibut, first make sure to wet the fish. Next, you should wrap the fish tightly in plastic wrap. After that, wrap the fish with foil and put it in your freezer. Steaks and fillets should be individually packaged. However, you can also layer them with waxed paper in between them. Once they are thawed, the separation process will be easier.
Heavy Plastic, Self-Sealing Bag
The first step when using self-sealing bags is wetting each fresh halibut portion. Next, you place the portions in a heavy plastic, self-sealing bag. Make sure that all of the air is fully removed so that your frozen halibut will not get spoiled due to freezer burn.
Glazing
It is crucial to freeze the halibut as quickly as possible. Place the portions of fish on a cookie sheet and then cover them with wax paper or foil. Once the fish is frozen solid, fully submerge all of the portions in a container of ice water so an ice-coating forms. Next, place the uncovered fish in the freezer for another 10 to 20 minutes. Repeat the dipping and freezing step five or six more times until there is a 1/4-inch thick glaze. Finally, wrap the frozen halibut in heavy plastic, freezer wrap, or seal in a self-sealing bag and return the fish to the freezer.
As long as you properly store halibut, it will keep its quality for six to eight months. However, halibut can stay in the freezer for longer and will still remain safe. In fact, if it is kept constantly at 0 degrees Fahrenheit, there is no need to worry about the safety of eating it. If you are still hesitant, the tell-tale signs of bad halibut are a dull color, slimy texture, and/or a sour smell.
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