Thaw fish fillets in the refrigerator overnight (FDA). For speed, seal them in a plastic bag and submerge in cold water, about an hour or less per 1-pound package, changing the water every 30 minutes; then cook right away.
- In the fridge
- Overnight Safest; plan ahead
- Cold water
- About 1 hour or less for a…Change water every 30 min
- Microwave
- YesCook right away
- Cook from frozen
- YesAbout 50% longer
Thawing times from USDA FSIS. Checked .
How to thaw fish fillets: every safe method
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Overnight (FDA); about a full day for a 1-lb package (FSIS) | Use within 1-2 days after thawing |
| Cold water | About 1 hour or less for a 1-lb package | Seal in a plastic bag, submerge in cold water, change the water every 30 minutes, and cook immediately. |
| Microwave | OK | Use the defrost setting and stop while the fish is still icy but pliable; only if cooking immediately (FDA). |
| Cook from frozen | OK | Safe to cook from frozen; FSIS says about 50% longer cooking (stated for meat and poultry). |
After it's thawed
Fridge-thawed: use within 1-2 days after thawing. Food thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking (some quality loss); food thawed in cold water or the microwave must be cooked before refreezing, and anything left out over 2 hours should not be refrozen.
Never thaw it this way
- On the counter / at room temperature: The outer layer warms into the 40-140°F (4-60°C) danger zone, where bacteria multiply rapidly, while the center is still frozen.
- In hot water: Same problem: the surface sits in the danger zone. FSIS's cold-water method uses cold tap water changed every 30 minutes.
Questions people ask
Can I cook fish from frozen?
Yes, cooking from frozen is safe; thin fillets are easiest. Allow extra cooking time.
How long does thawed fish keep in the fridge?
FSIS says thawed seafood should be cooked within 1 to 2 days.
How to defrost frozen fish quickly?
Cold water is the fastest safe method for most packages: About 1 hour or less for a 1-lb package. The microwave is faster still, but cook it immediately.
How long is fish good after thawing?
Once thawed in the refrigerator, use it within 1-2 days after thawing.
How long is fish good after defrosting?
Once thawed in the refrigerator, use it within 1-2 days after thawing.