Frequently Asked Questions
Purchasing Seafood
Preparing And Cooking Seafood
Purchasing Sauces
About Simply West Coast Sauces
PREPARING AND COOKING SEAFOOD
How long can I keep seafood in the refrigerator before serving it?
Refrigerate seafood as soon as possible in the coldest part of the fridge wrapped in plastic. It should last for one to two days. However, if you cannot use the fish within a day or two, freeze it immediately, provided it has not been previously frozen.
Cooked fish will keep for 3-4 days in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. Raw shellfish keeps 1 day in the refrigerator, cooked shellfish lasts 3-4 days.
Before cooking fresh seafood, rinse under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Do not leave raw or cooked seafood unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours, including preparation time and time on the table.
What is the best way to thaw fish that is frozen?
Frozen seafood maintains its flavor and texture best when allowed to thaw slowly.
Thaw seafood overnight in the coldest part of the fridge. Place the wrapped package on a plate or shallow pan to catch any liquid that drips out. Allow 8-10 hours of thawing time. Check the fish occasionally, and pour out any liquid that accumulates.
To defrost seafood quickly, leave the seafood in its original wrapper and place it in a plastic bag. Submerge the bag in a basin of cold water and change the cold water periodically. Check the seafood often and cook or refrigerate the fish as soon as it is thawed.
Never defrost seafood at room temperature or in warm water.
What's the proper technique to marinate seafood?
In a shallow glass, baking dish, cover fish or shellfish with marinade. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours, according to how strong a flavor you prefer.
Another popular technique is to simply brush over the fish fillets or shellfish with the sauce, vinaigrette or marinade for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
Instead of marinating the fish, you can also dress fresh greens that act as a bed for cooked fish fillets or shellfish. Place the cooked seafood on top.
How can I tell when fish is cooked properly?
When fish is properly cook, the centre of the fillet becomes opaque, and the fish falls easily off the skin.
Shellfish is cooked when it opens.
Prawns are ready when they turn pink or float to the top when boiling.