Any food that we don’t finish, we store it in a container, pop it in the fridge, and warm it up the next day. That is any food but fish. Understandably so, because who actually wants to be a victim of the reek that’s been churning overnight into something much more potent than what it once was. Your breath stinks, your clothes stink, and your entire kitchen stinks.
But the truth is, fish doesn’t have to be a one-night affair. There are many ways to enjoy that leftover fish without having to endure the rankness.
Before you scurry onto the list of dishes to help salvage your leftover fish, there is one very important step that you cannot mess up, the step after you take it out of the fridge: reheating.
The trick to reheating is to, well, not reheat–at least not directly and immediately. This means that nuking it in the microwave, pan-searing it, or dropping it in the fryer are all sure-fire ways to render your humble abode uninhabitable.
When you reheat, do it slowly with low heat or combine it with other ingredients to make a new dish. Still not sure what that means? We have some delectable recipe ideas that’ll make you glad that you have leftover fish.
1. Chowder or Stew
Anything that resembles a soup can easily give your overnight fish a makeover. Flavourful soups with spices can help mask the fishiness and help restore some moisture into the meat. I recommend adding your fish to a tomato-based soup like this Baked Spaghetti Squash Tomato Soup. The tartness will complement the fish in a way that you’d never guess it was leftovers.
2. Tacos
I don’t know about you, but fish tacos are my favourite kind of tacos. Though you might be put off by the thought of an overnight fish taco, don’t be. The trick is to heat the fish slowly over low heat, then saute it with some cumin, chilli powder, and garlic. Perhaps even cabbage to make it a nice and warm taco. Then top it off with the buttery elements of an avocado like these Fish Tacos with Avocado. You’ve got your perfect lunch.
3. Tostadas
What goes well with fish? Lime, fresh herbs, and some salsa. Fresh ingredients are the key ingredients to revitalizing your leftover fish. Think of these Black Bean and Salmon Tostadas the next time you’re deciding whether or not to take the remaining fish to-go. You won’t be disappointed.
4. Paella
If tweaking recipes around just to use up some leftovers isn’t your thing, then pick a dish that was traditionally meant for seafood–like paella. Paella is a great choice because it’s so flavourful and filled with so many ingredients that will blend in will with your fish. Don’t be put off by its complexity, though. We have a nice Easy Seafood Paella recipe for you to try.
5. Burgers
Make a pâté, a cake, or pattie, whatever you want to call it. Just pack it down together and throw it in a burger. Sounds like a lazy way to cook, but it works, and it’s delicious. Incorporate some breadcrumbs like this Toasted Sesame Tuna Burger so that it can get nice and crispy. The sesame oil is very aromatic and potent and will help with the fishiness. But don’t forget, heat up your fish slowly.
6. Pasta
And if all else fails, you know what they say–when it doubt, make it a pasta. Okay, they don’t say that, but they should. Pick a cheesy, creamy or pesto-y sauce recipe and throw your leftover fish in it. This pesto-based pasta recipe can just about save your life.
And those are your ways to use up your leftover fish and still make it delicious. Food waste is a huge issue, and we need to do our part by using up every bit of food–even if it can get a bit stinky–as long as it’s still safe to eat.
So did we miss any of your favourite recipes and ways to cook your overnight fish? If you have any tips and tricks, we’d love to hear them!
Daniel Huang
Daniel is a Digital Marketing and Content Strategist at SPUD. He graduated from UBC with a degree in English and International Relations with a focus on environmental topics. A wordsmith by day and a bookman by night, he's a self-proclaimed gastronomic snob, a buck-a-shuck addict, a sub-par skier, and a devoted kingsguard of the oxford comma. He also frequents the dog park with a schnauzer named Duke. | Instagram: @dannnyellow
FAQs
Chilled Leftover Fish Dishes
Pair flaked leftover fish with grains, such as quinoa, wheat berries, or even grain-sized pasta such as couscous or orzo for a base to a healthful, satisfying grain bowl. Add some greens and/or chopped vegetables and drizzle with your favorite dressing or simply a bit of vinegar and oil.
What can be done so that a fish dish can still be eaten the next day? ›
You don't have to throw out leftover fish fillets or shellfish after dinner. You can safely reheat seafood for up to 4 days after it has been cooked. Seafood dishes with garlic or onions can taste even better the second time around. The only challenge to reheating seafood is that it can dry out or get a fishy smell.
What can you do with fish scraps? ›
Fish scrap can be used for animal food and more commonly as liquid fish fertilizer. On a smaller scale, fish scraps are great to use in compost piles. When composting fish scraps, it is beneficial to mix it with plant waste such as wood chips, leaves, bark, branches, peat, or sawdust.
How else can I cook fish? ›
Cooking Fish
- Poaching. Most kinds of fish can be cooked in this way. ...
- Steaming. Small whole fish or fillets are good cooked in this way. ...
- Grilling. Grilling is cooking under a radiant heat and is a fast and convenient method of cooking. ...
- Barbecuing. ...
- Baking. ...
- Braising. ...
- Frying. ...
- Microwave Cooking.
Cooked fish and other seafood can be safely stored in the refrigerator 3 to 4 days. Refrigeration slows but does not prevent bacterial growth. Therefore, it's important to use food within recommended time before it spoils or becomes dangerous.
When should I eat leftover fish? ›
Bottom Line. Fresh fish can last in the fridge for up to two days, while cooked fish can be refrigerated for up to four days. If the fresh fish smells fishy or sour, or has any discoloration around the edges, it's best to throw it out.
Is it bad to eat fish that was left out overnight? ›
The Two-Hour Rule
Havern explains: "The maximum amount of time perishable foods can [spend] in the danger zone is two hours. At two hours, the food must be consumed, stored correctly, or thrown away. This includes all cooked leftovers, [chopped] fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products."
Why can't you reheat seafood? ›
The most stringent recommendation is only to reheat fish once to avoid bacteria growth, which can lead to food illness. However, some experts claim that fish reheated multiple times can retain its taste. Reheating seafood often is safe if the meal is reheated at a suitable temperature for the appropriate time.
Is it safe to eat cooked fish left out overnight? ›
Seafood should never be left out over two hours.
How do you make fish meal from fish waste? ›
Fishmeal is made by either cooking, pressing, drying and grinding of fish or fish waste to which no other matter has been added. It is a solid product from which most of the water is removed and some or all of the oil is removed. Four or five tones of fish are needed to manufacture one tonne of dry fish meal.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh fish fillets or scraps with water. ...
- Blend the mixture until it becomes a smooth, hom*ogenous liquid.
- Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any solids.
- Dilute the fish emulsion before using it on your plants.
Leftover fish should be safe for you to eat for an absolute maximum of up to 3 days after it has been cooked, according to the USDA.
What is the most popular fish dish? ›
Key takeaway: Many countries around the world have seafood dishes in their national cuisine. The most popular seafood specialties are sushi, sashimi, fish and chips, and grilled seafood.
What is the tastiest way to cook fish? ›
Baking or Roasting
Baking is done at a more moderate temperature (350) and roasting at a much higher temperature (400 to 500). Roasting is best for whole fish or very large fillets or steaks.
How can I make my fish more flavorful? ›
In either case you can dry marinate the fish briefly with a light blend of spices, you can brush it with a marinade of mirin, soy, and ginger if you're going to steam it (yummy with salmon or tuna), or if it's a fish that can stand up to more intense flavor you can use a blackening spice.
How long does leftover fish last in the fridge? ›
It's always best to eat fish on the day it's cooked, but that doesn't mean you should toss the leftovers just yet. According to the FDA, cooked fish remains good for three to four days, when stored properly in the refrigerator.
How do you save over cooked fish? ›
Seafood, especially shellfish, gets tough when overcooked. Shrimp, scallops and the like are revived a little if you simmer them in a mixture of butter and lemon juice. Salmon and hearty fish like that will be alright if you add a creamy sauce or brush with butter.
How do you eat leftover fried fish? ›
Place the fried fish on an oven-safe baking sheet or oven-safe dish lined with aluminum foil. Place the fried fish in the oven on the center rack for about 10 to 15 minutes. Your leftover fried fish will be ready to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
What to do with leftover fish from fish and chips? ›
Put your leftover fish and chips in a blender and mix until you reach a fine consistency. Mix an egg into the fish and chips, and season to taste. Form small patties with the mixture and coat in breadcrumbs. Fry in a shallow pan for around 5 minutes, or until the patties reach a slightly golden colour.
