Whole Mackerel in the fridge

[Merlin5]

Hi guys. I usually wrap whole mackerel and freeze them as soon as they're bought. And after defrosting one of them, if I don't gut and cook it the same day, I'll have it the next day and it still smells fine before cooking. I bought 4 whole mackerels on saturday and put them in the fridge but only just put them in the freezer tonight. So that's two days and a few hours before freezing. There is a bit of an off smell to them that I don't normally get and I've put them in the freezer now. Do you think they'll be ok? I've had chicken with a bit of an off smell and that's been fine. But don't know about fish.

 

[azazl187]

Its not worth the risk. Chuck em and next time make sure you freeze them sooner.

 

[turbot1984]

Hi guys. I usually wrap whole mackerel and freeze them as soon as they're bought. And after defrosting one of them, if I don't gut and cook it the same day, I'll have it the next day and it still smells fine before cooking. I bought 4 whole mackerels on saturday and put them in the fridge but only just put them in the freezer tonight. So that's two days and a few hours before freezing. There is a bit of an off smell to them that I don't normally get and I've put them in the freezer now. Do you think they'll be ok? I've had chicken with a bit of an off smell and that's been fine. But don't know about fish.

Bleurgh! You freezed that beautiful fish before gutting it? Gut straight away, don't freeze.

 

[Tuppy_Glossop]

Its not worth the risk. Chuck em and next time make sure you freeze them sooner.

Quoted for truth. Mackerel is a member of the scombroid family and when they spoil the food poisoning is awful. I got it from some tuna and it was explosive decompression at both ends for three days. Don't risk it.

 

[200sols]

Bleurgh! You freezed that beautiful fish before gutting it? Gut straight away, don't freeze.

Yes, and IMO Mackerel isn't worth eating unless you caught it fresh that day. It is mind blowing how quickly it deteriorates.

 

[mid_gen]

Yes, and IMO Mackerel isn't worth eating unless you caught it fresh that day. It is mind blowing how quickly it deteriorates.

Tru dat. Freshly caught mackerel, straight on the BBQ....epic. If it's not fresh out of the sea, then smoked is the only way!

You really need to gut them straight away....

 

[Merlin5]

Ok thanks guys, it was only five quids worth so I'll bin them. Aa far as gutting them, I've had no problem freezing, defrosting, and then removing head, spine and guts. Always tastes fine.

 

[turbot1984]

Yes, and IMO Mackerel isn't worth eating unless you caught it fresh that day. It is mind blowing how quickly it deteriorates.

.... or raw when its super fresh
https://www.greatbritishchefs.com/recipes/mackerel-ceviche-recipe-horseradish-cream-cucumber

 

[turbot1984]

Ok thanks guys, it was only five quids worth so I'll bin them. Aa far as gutting them, I've had no problem freezing, defrosting, and then removing head, spine and guts. Always tastes fine.

Always gut fish that size before freezing ... whitebait, sprats fine, mackrel nooooo

 

[jpaul]

post-brexit - since we have now taken over Norways previous paleagic quota - I'm waiting to see a mackerel bounty ,
not sure it's the season at the moment though. ?

soused mackerel is what I'd try again if I had some real fresh candidates - great UK holiday activity to take children on a sea-fishing trip.

 

[Merlin5]

Always gut fish that size before freezing ... whitebait, sprats fine, mackrel nooooo

There are opinions on Google in favour of gutting before freezing and not gutting.

 

[turbot1984]

There are opinions on Google in favour of gutting before freezing and not gutting.

Each to their own I guess. I go mackrel feathering in Anglesey, they get gutted, washed and cool boxed straight away just to be safe.

 

[Merlin5]

Each to their own I guess. I go mackrel feathering in Anglesey, they get gutted, washed and cool boxed straight away just to be safe.

I might gut and clean my mackerel before freezing on the next batch I buy. Takes me quite a few minutes to do which is why I find it less tiresome to debone just one after it's defrosted rather than all of them together.

 

[Anchundan]

I'm feeling pretty stupid right now, I had no idea you had to gut your own shop bought fish in UK. I never cooked fish before I left, I was a terrible cook. I just presumed they were all pre-gutted. Like "Tesco whole chicken" already has the head and feet removed...

 

[Screenbeat]

.... or raw when its super fresh
https://www.greatbritishchefs.com/recipes/mackerel-ceviche-recipe-horseradish-cream-cucumber

I never thought of just munching the mackerel straight off the line, will give it a go next time I go fishing

 

[turbot1984]

I never thought of just munching the mackerel straight off the line, will give it a go next time I go fishing

Had a go for some yesterday, nowt doing. Try again today ... its easier catching them from a boat!

 

[Maccapacca]

Mackerel deteriorates very quickly. Even blast frozen on the boat quickly they never taste great. I would say you won’t enjoy them.

Mackerel off the beach over coals with horseradish yum yum

 

[Tony Edwards]

I'm feeling pretty stupid right now, I had no idea you had to gut your own shop bought fish in UK. I never cooked fish before I left, I was a terrible cook. I just presumed they were all pre-gutted. Like "Tesco whole chicken" already has the head and feet removed...

It isnt always whole. Mostly you just buy fillets or pre gutted fish.

Merlin probably buys his fish from poachers.

 

[Merlin5]

It isnt always whole. Mostly you just buy fillets or pre gutted fish.

Merlin probably buys his fish from poachers.

How did you know.

Well I threw those away and bought 4 more and froze them straight away. Didn't bother gutting them before freezing. Defrosted one, head off and gutted, grilled, steamed some cabbage, carrots and sprouts, boiled some brown rice and mixed with petit pois, and coated everything with a few dollops of fat free greek yogurt. Was lovely. That's one of my regular meals once or twice a week.