How Long Do Cooked Fish Cakes Keep in the Fridge?
Cooked fish cakes are a popular and affordable seafood dish enjoyed by many. They’re easy to make and can be cooked using a range of recipes that incorporate various types of fish and ingredients, including spices, potatoes and vegetables.
However, despite being a tasty and convenient meal option, cooked fish cakes do have a shelf life, and it’s important to know how long they can last in the fridge before becoming unsafe for consumption.
Factors Affecting the Shelf Life of Cooked Fish Cakes
The shelf life of cooked fish cakes can depend on several factors:
Type of Fish Used
The type of fish used in the recipe can influence how long the cooked fish cakes will last in the fridge. Some types of fish may have longer shelf lives than others due to their natural preservative properties.
Ingredients in the Recipe
The ingredients used to prepare the fish cakes can also have an impact on their shelf life. For example, adding more spices or acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar may extend the shelf life, while high-fat ingredients like mayonnaise can shorten it.
Storage Conditions
The way you store cooked fish cakes can affect their shelf life. For instance, if stored at room temperature, they can spoil quickly and become unsafe for consumption. Therefore, proper storage guidelines should always be followed to ensure food safety.
How to Properly Store Cooked Fish Cakes in the Fridge
If you want your cooked fish cakes to last longer in the fridge without losing their taste or nutritional value, there are several storage tips you can follow:
Container Selection
Use airtight containers made of glass or plastic to store your cooked fish cakes in the fridge. Airtight containers help to preserve the flavor and texture of the fish cakes by preventing air, moisture, or odors from getting inside.
Proper Temperature for Storage
The ideal temperature for storing cooked fish cakes is between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping your fridge at this temperature will help prevent bacterial growth, which can lead to spoilage and foodborne illness.
Tips for Ensuring Proper Storage
- Store your cooked fish cakes as soon as they have cooled down after cooking.
- Label the container with the date of storage to monitor its shelf life.
- Avoid overcrowding the fridge to allow proper air circulation around the container and prevent temperature fluctuations.
- Place the container at the back of the fridge where it’s coldest and avoid storing it in the fridge door where temperature changes are more frequent..
How Long Do Cooked Fish Cakes Last in the Fridge?
The shelf life of cooked fish cakes in the fridge can vary depending on several factors mentioned above. However, here are some general guidelines:
General Shelf Life Guidelines
Cooked fish cakes usually stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge when stored correctly using airtight containers and at an optimal temperature. After that, they start losing their texture, taste, and nutritional value- despite still being safe to eat within five days.
Shelf Life with Different Types of Fish and Ingredients
- Fishcakes that contain seafood like salmon or trout tend to have shorter shelf lives than those made with sturdy white-fleshed fish like cod or haddock. This is because seafood-based fish cakes have more water content that can cause spoilage when not stored well.
- Fishcakes made with high oxalic-content vegetables like spinach or chard tend to spoil quickly due to the natural enzymes found in these veggies.
- Fishcakes that contain hard-boiled eggs or dairy products, such as cream cheese or sour cream, may shorten the shelf life of the fishcakes because they are susceptible to bacterial growth.
- Cooked fishcakes made with breadcrumbs have a longer shelf life compared to those without. This is because breadcrumbs offer bulk and absorb any excess moisture present thus reducing spoilage.
Signs That Indicate That the Fish Cakes Have Gone Bad
The smell, taste, texture, and appearance of cooked fish cakes can tell whether they are still good or bad for consumption:
- Smell: If the fish cakes smell sour, rancid or putrid, it’s a sign that bacteria have started growing on them and they’re no longer safe for consuming.
- Taste: If the flavor has changed significantly such as an overly sour or bitter taste indicates that the fish cake has gone bad and should not be eaten.
- Texture: If the texture is slimy or mushy, then it has become spoiled and should be discarded immediately to avoid any contamination.
- Appearance: If there are green or gray spots on your cooked fish cakes, they have gone bad and should be thrown away to prevent food poisoning.
Tips For Maximizing The Shelf Life of Cooked Fish Cakes
To maximize the shelf life of your cooked fish cakes, you can:
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients, especially the fish.
- Refrigerate your cooked fish cakes as soon as they have cooled down, ideally within two hours of cooking.
- Avoid storing them in the door of the fridge since temperatures in that compartment fluctuate
- Avoid any cross-contamination when handling seafood by using different working spaces, tools, or utensils for different ingredients.
Can You Freeze Cooked Fish Cakes?
Cooked fish cakes can easily be stored in the freezer by placing them inside a freezer-safe container or Ziplock bag. Freezing fish cakes can extend their shelf life by up to 6 months..
Freezing Guidelines & Hands-on Tips
- Cooling: The cooked fish cakes should be allowed to cool down first before storage in the freezer. Ideally, store immediately after cooling or refrigerating before freezing.
- Labeling: Store in a labeled container, ensuring you state the date of freezing. This helps to monitor its shelf life and avoid keeping it for too long coming back to haunt you later on!
- Maintaining Quality: Prevent freezer burn by packing them tightly in containers , or double wrap with plastic wrap paper or aluminum foil paper
Does Freezing Affect the Flavor and Texture of Cooked Fish Cakes?
Unfortunately frozen fish cakes tend to lose some of their texture and flavor. However, you can minimize these effects by reheating them well from frozen (never thaw first) or adding spices during preparation to enhance their taste.
How to Safely Reheat Leftover Fish Cakes
The reheating process is crucial in guaranteeing the safety of your cooked fish cakes after storage and freezing:
Essential Steps When Reheating Cooked Fish Cakes
- Defrosting: Defrost your frozen fishcakes in the fridge or using a microwave with a defrost setting.
- Oven or Pan Heating: Cooked fish cakes can be reheated either in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or fried them in a hot pan with a drop of oil.
- Thermometer Check: Verify their inner temperature before serving once more to ensure they’re well heated >165°F, Avoid overheating since it reduces their flavor, texture, and nutritional value.
Recipes to Try!
Here are the top three cooked fish cake recipes you can try:
- Cod Fish Cakes – Made with cod fillets mixed with potatoes. Simply seasoned with salt, pepper, and onion.
- Sweet Potato Salmon Cakes – These baked contents contain salmon, sweet potatoes, and spices such as garlic and ginger, making a perfectly healthy nutritious meal.
- Tuna Fish Cakes – Consumes canned tuna combined with eggs, breadcrumbs, parsley and then shaped into patties and fried or baked until crispy brown.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s important to correctly store cooked fish cakes inside an airtight container at the right temperature in the fridge or freezer to avoid premature spoilage and food waste. With proper handling and storage guidelines explained above, left-over fish cakes will still remain safe for consumption even after several days inside a chilled fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I refrigerate fish cakes after cooking?
Absolutely! Cooked fish cakes can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent any air from getting in.
How do I reheat leftover fish cakes?
To reheat fish cakes, simply place them on a baking sheet and heat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them on high for 1-2 minutes, but be sure to cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
What is the best way to freeze cooked fish cakes?
If you want to freeze your cooked fish cakes, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, let the fish cakes thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I use frozen fish to make fish cakes?
Yes, you can use frozen fish fillets to make fish cakes. Just make sure to thaw the fish completely before using it and pat it dry with paper towels. You can also add breadcrumbs or other ingredients as needed to help bind the mixture together.
