How to Store Fresh Fish and Seafood: A Complete Guide
Fresh seafood tastes best when it is handled and stored correctly. Whether you buy fresh fish, prawns, crabs, lobster or squid, proper storage helps maintain quality, flavour and food safety.
At Seafood Spot, we believe that great seafood starts with freshness and continues with proper handling. Here is how to store your seafood at home.
1. Refrigerate Seafood Immediately
Fresh seafood is highly perishable. Place it in the refrigerator as soon as possible after purchase.
- Keep your refrigerator at 4°C (40°F) or below.
- Store seafood in a clean, covered, leak-proof container.
- Keep it separate from ready-to-eat foods.
- Place the container on the lowest shelf to prevent liquid from dripping onto other foods.
2. How to Store Fresh Fish
For the best quality, keep fresh fish properly chilled and use it as soon as possible.
- Clean and prepare the fish if needed.
- Pat it dry with clean paper towels.
- Place it in a covered container.
- Keep it in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
For best quality, use refrigerated fresh fish within 1–2 days.
3. How to Store Prawns and Shrimps
Prawns and shrimps need careful handling because they can spoil quickly.
- Keep them refrigerated at 4°C or below.
- Store them in a covered, leak-proof container.
- Avoid leaving them at room temperature.
- For best quality, use within 1–2 days.
4. How to Store Crabs and Lobster
Crabs and lobster require proper temperature control.
- Keep cooked crab and lobster meat refrigerated in a sealed container.
- Store raw seafood separately from cooked products.
- Follow supplier instructions for live seafood.
- Use refrigerated cooked crab or lobster meat within 3–4 days.
5. How to Store Squid and Cuttlefish
Squid and cuttlefish should be kept cold and protected from contamination.
- Store in a clean, covered container.
- Keep refrigerated at 4°C or below.
- Avoid repeated temperature changes.
- For best quality, use within 1–2 days.
6. Can You Freeze Fresh Seafood?
Yes. If you do not plan to use seafood within the recommended refrigerated storage period, freezing can help preserve it.
- Use freezer-safe, airtight packaging.
- Remove excess air before sealing.
- Label the package with the seafood type and freezing date.
- Thaw seafood safely in the refrigerator, not on the kitchen counter.
7. Signs That Seafood May No Longer Be Fresh
Do not consume seafood if you notice:
- A strong sour, rotten or ammonia-like smell.
- Unusual sliminess or sticky texture.
- Significant discolouration.
- Damaged packaging or signs of improper storage.
When in doubt, discard it. Do not taste seafood to check whether it is safe.
8. Why Proper Seafood Handling Matters
Freshness is not only about how seafood looks when purchased. Temperature control, hygienic handling and timely refrigeration all play an important role in maintaining seafood quality.
At Seafood Spot, we are fishers. We understand the importance of handling seafood carefully, from the catch to your kitchen.
Explore Seafood Spot for fresh fish, prawns, crabs, lobster and premium seafood selections.
Bring quality seafood to your table with confidence.