Fish is a popular food because of its high nutritional value, deliciousness, suitability for all age groups, and texture. Fish, on the other hand, has a relatively short shelf life since it rots quickly. You may also be wondering how long fried fish may be kept outside.
We’d like to address several frequently asked questions in this post, in addition to offering information on how to properly store fried fish and how to spot spoilage.
Two hours is the maximum time fried fish can be left out at room temperature, and one hour in temperatures near 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Refrigerate them as soon as possible or cook them fully if you need to store them for a longer time.
As a protein option, fried fish goes well with a wide variety of sides, but it’s important to keep it covered when it’s not being eaten to avoid contamination from dust and bacteria.
Why Shouldn’t Fried Fish Be Kept Out for So Long?
It’s not a good idea to leave fried fish out for too long because of the dust and bacteria in the air.
To add insult to injury, fish that has been out for more than two hours at room temperature or one hour at a higher temperature will develop germs that makes it poisonous to eat.
The Best Way to Store Your Fried Fish
The USDA recommends against keeping any leftover fish for longer than 4 days in the fridge, as refrigeration does not kill bacteria but rather inhibits its growth.
- Wrap the fish tightly in aluminium foil or a Ziploc bag to keep it fresh.
- Store it in the fridge for up to four days after that, having first made sure it is dry and airtight.
- Be sure to reheat it before eating on the day you plan to eat it.
How to Detect Spoilt Fish
Since fish spoils quickly, it’s easy to tell when your supply has gone bad. Toss the fish if you notice any of these problems:
1. A slimy texture
Even though certain fish are inherently slimy, both raw and cooked spoiled fish are unusually slimy. After noticing that the fish has an unusual sliminess, it needs to be thrown away.
2. Fishy smell
Perhaps you’re thinking if a fish should have a fishy odour. Well, a fish shouldn’t have a strong fishy odour, and if you notice that it does, it’s probably bad and you shouldn’t eat it.
3. Unusually soft flesh
The texture of the fish flesh, whether raw or cooked, should be smooth and not excessively beefy.
Check for spoilage when it crumbles easily and is softer than usual. Although this is not a foolproof method, when combined with the other considerations above, you should be able to tell if your fish has gone bad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Eat Leftover Fried Fish That Has Stayed Out?
Yes. Fish that has been left out for no more than two hours is safe to eat; however, reheating is recommended to both reduce the risk of food poisoning and enhance the dining experience.
How Long Can Fried Fish Stay Out?
Two hours is the maximum time you can leave raw or fried fish out without spoiling. A high of 90 degrees Fahrenheit is expected to last for at least an hour on those days. Fish that has been left out for too long may spoil, so it’s best to either cook it thoroughly before eating it or store it in the fridge.
Can I Reheat Fried Fish?
Fish that has been fried can and should be reheated before being eaten. You may reheat it in the microwave for about 10 to 15 minutes in a microwave-safe container. If you have a food thermometer, wait until the fish reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit before serving. After that, it’s good to go and ready for consumption.
How Do You Tell If Fried Fish Has Gone Bad?
Fried fish that has gone bad is slimy, milky, and stinks of fish. If you see this, it’s time to throw it out because it’s no longer fit for consumption.
Can I Get Food Poisoning from Eating Fried Fish?
No. Fried fish itself does not cause food poisoning, but eating infected or spoiled fried fish can. If you buy fish, it’s important to know how to properly store it and how to spot signs of spoilage before diving in.
Summary
If you need to keep fried fish for longer than two hours, you should store it in the refrigerator as soon as possible so that it will thaw and cook evenly before serving.
Don’t leave the fried fish out in the open where it can collect dust and germs; instead, cover it while it rests.
Remember all of the things we’ve said here so that you can enjoy your fried fish without worrying about its quality or safety.