Smoking Frozed Fish

fishbait · 11-17-2002, 07:24 PM

Didn't have time to properly take care of a fish in Oct, so I just cut it up and vac packed it in one BIG bag, then froze it. My intention was to smoke it all. Plan on running a few smokers soon and will include this fish. Any advice from those of you that do this often? I use a wet brine on my fish, should it be completly thawed before being brinded? What is the quality like if I freeze the fish after smoking (second time being frozen)? Thanks in advance for the words of wisdome........ FB

Full Freezer · 11-17-2002, 07:31 PM

We used to load up the freezer with filets in a garbage bag until ready to smoke a large batch. Never had any issue as long as they didn't become freezer burnt. If you had vacuum sealed yours i don't think your gonna have any problems. You'll find out though! Good luck!

STEELHEADHOUND1357 · 11-17-2002, 07:35 PM

full freezer is right when you vac pak fish it doesnt freezer bur for like a year.

brshooter · 11-17-2002, 07:41 PM

It should be fine, especially since you vacuum packed it. I do that all the time.

STGRule · 11-17-2002, 08:04 PM

SOP at my house. It turns out just fine. I always thaw it first.

Dipnet · 11-17-2002, 08:34 PM

If you don't thaw it completely, you should brine it longer. It turns out fine after freezing and then smoking. :smile:

11-17-2002, 08:36 PM

When fish freezes the cell walls burst, this allows brine and smoke to enter the meat easier. Cut back a bit on your brining time and use less smoke.

Huntar · 11-17-2002, 08:47 PM

Keta is correct.

KingFisher85 · 11-17-2002, 08:51 PM

You should have no problem smoking your fish.
Just make sure its thawed. DO NOT put it in warm water to thaw quicker, thats a big no no.

11-17-2002, 09:02 PM

KF85 is right, let it thaw in your refrigerator.

Sliderite · 11-17-2002, 09:06 PM

fishbait,
You are doing it correctly by first freezing the fish. By freezing the fish it allows the brine to more easily penetrate the cell membranes as I have been told. I only smoke frozen fish but think it best that you thaw it in the fridge first before the brine. My fish turns out great smoked after freezing the fish whether it be whole or filleted.
Frozen smoked fish is good for a few months in the freezer. Last night I had some smoked Albacore I defrosted from smoking in July. It is great but not as good before freezing. This was vacuum packed.
You may want to try a dry brine especially if you find your fish salty. Dry brine is great! Fishisabonus has a dry brine recipe but it is best to rinse the fish.

[ 11-18-2002, 10:49 AM: Message edited by: Sliderite ]

CATCH AND EAT · 11-18-2002, 06:59 AM

Yep, freeze first smoke second. Better quality fish in my opinion. Keta, I can't believe I am saying this but......YOU"RE RIGHT!!!! :grin:

11-18-2002, 07:19 AM

C&E,
Some people think that I'm extremely right (wing). :grin:

crabbait · 11-18-2002, 09:42 AM

I always cut the salt by 50% on frozen fish for the smoker. The broken cells make the fish absorb the salt much better.

fishbait · 11-18-2002, 11:52 PM

Thanks guys................ The wisdome of the ages, right here in our community.........

Hey and thanks for not giving me greif about the typo/spelling in the thread header... I might be able to catch fish, but I cant spell worth beens................. :grin: