Pangasius is a great-tasting fish. The white meat is mild and sweet. It can be pan-seared or cooked in a variety of other dishes. Whether you cooked the pangasius or have fresh ones on hand, you may wonder if you can freeze them.
So, can you freeze pangasius? Yes, you can freeze pangasius. It can either be frozen cooked or uncooked. Properly stored, the fish can last for up to 12 months in the freezer.
What Is Pangasius?
Pangasius is a type of fish that can be found in Southeast Asia, specifically in China, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia. They are typically found in the Mekong Delta.
These Pangasius are typically farm-raised and are known for their firm texture and mild flavor. While pangasius is commonly used as an ingredient in many dishes, it may also be eaten raw or roasted with salt and pepper.
Pangasius can be found in two forms: whole fish and fillets. The meat of the whole fish is white, firm, and has a mild flavor. It can be prepared in many ways such as being grilled or fried.
The popularity of this fish has increased over the past few years because of its low-fat levels which make it healthy to consume.
Does Pangasius Freeze Well?
Pangasius freezes well if the fish is frozen at a temperature of -40 degrees Celsius or below.
If you plan on cooking the Pangasius after freezing, then you should cook it right away once it thaws. If you have any leftovers from this preparation, then they can be stored in the freezer for future use.
How To Freeze Pangasius
When it comes to freezing pangasius, the process is straightforward and doesn’t require a lot of time.
To freeze pangasius, it is necessary to completely immerse the fish in a solution of salt and ice. Because the fish’s cells are already full of water, they cannot store more fluid.
Freezing Fresh Pangasius
First, it is necessary to blanch the pangasius with boiling water for 2 minutes. This will help lock in the flavor, nutrition, and texture when it’s frozen.
Afterward, you should dip the fish pieces into ice water for 5 minutes before putting them in your freezer bag. This can be done by using a large-sized freezer bag and placing the fish inside with about 2-inches of water. After 10 minutes, take out the bag and place them in a dryer with cold air blowing over it for another hour. You can also use an ice bath to help your work.
After that, you should seal the bag and freeze it at your desired temperature (from 0ºF up to -5ºF).
How Long Can You Freeze Pangasius?
Properly stored, pangasius can last in the freezer for up to 12 months. The fish can last much longer but the quality of it will deteriorate as each month passes.
Pangasius will still be safe to eat after 12 months, but you may not enjoy the taste of it very much.
How Do You Defrost Pangasius?
The best way to defrost pangasius is to leave it in the fridge overnight. This will ensure the texture and taste of the fish don’t change.
If you need to use pangasius sooner, you can let it thaw in a bowl of cold water.
Can You Refreeze Pangasius?
When it comes to refreezing pangasius, it’s highly not recommended that you do so. Repeated freezing will cause the texture and taste of the fish to deteriorate.
To avoid having to freeze pangasius again, it’s a good idea to freeze the fish in portions. That way, you won’t end up with leftovers and have to refreeze the fish.
However, if the pangasius has not thawed yet, you can safely refreeze them. This means that you’ve just removed the fish from the freezer and it has not been longer than 5 minutes. You can place them back in the freezer without the quality being affected.
Other Questions about Pangasius
How does pangasius taste?
Pangasius is a type of fish that has a unique taste compared to other types of fish. It tastes like meat but it is not heavily greasy.