Due to its high nutritional content and deliciousness, ideal for all age groups, and texture, fish is a food that many people adore. Fish, however, has a very limited shelf life because they can rot very fast. You might also be curious about how long fried fish can be left outside.
In addition to providing information on how to correctly store fried fish, and how to identify spoilage, we would also like to address some frequently asked questions in this post.
Fried fish can be left out at room temperature for about two hours, and it can stay out for an hour when it’s hotter outside and the temperature is around 90°F. If you have to keep them for a longer period of time, make sure to put them back in the refrigerator as soon as you can or cook them thoroughly before eating.
You may eat fried fish as a protein with any side dish of your choice, but you should always cover your fish when you leave it out to prevent dust and bacteria from settling on it and giving you food poisoning if you eat it.
Why Shouldn’t Fried Fish Be Kept Out for So Long?
Fried fish shouldn’t be left out for too long since the air includes dust and microorganisms that, if consumed, can be poisonous.
Additionally, if left out for more than two hours at room temperature or one hour at a higher temperature, the fish will develop bacteria that render it dangerous to eat.
The Best Way to Store Your Fried Fish
If you have leftovers from your tasty fish and a desire to store them, you can put them in the refrigerator, but they should not be kept for more than 4 days, according to the USDA, as the refrigerator merely slows down the bacterial growth, rather than prevents it.
- To store fried fish, you can use an aluminum foil or Ziploc bag and wrap it tightly.
- Next, keep it in a dry and airtight container, and place it in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- On the day you wish to eat it, be sure to reheat it before consuming it.
How to Detect Spoilt Fish
Fish have a very short shelf life, so it is quite easy to detect when your fish has gone bad. When you see any of the following signs, it is best to discard the fish:
1. A slimy texture
Although some fish are naturally slimy when the fish has gone bad, it becomes unusually slimy, both fresh and cooked. Once you notice that the fish is oddly slimy, you should dispose of it.
2. Fishy smell
You may be wondering whether or not a fish should smell “fishy”. Well, a fish should not smell prominently fishy, and when you notice that it has a foul fishy smell, do not bother consuming it; it has gone bad.
3. Unusually soft flesh
The flesh of the fish, whether cooked or fresh, should not be very meaty but should be of a consistent feel.
When it breaks into pieces on its own and is softer than usual, you should check for spoilage. Although this is not a conclusive way to check, when you accompany this method with the previously stated points, you should be able to detect whether or not your fish has gone bad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Eat Leftover Fried Fish That Has Stayed Out?
Yes. You can eat leftover fish that has stayed out no longer than two hours, but it is best if you reheat before eating, just to prevent food poisoning and also to have maximum enjoyment when eating.
How Long Can Fried Fish Stay Out?
Your fish can stay out at room temperature for up to two hours, whether fried or fresh. On days where the temperature is above 90°F, it should stay for about one hour. When it stays out for longer hours, it may be unsafe for the shelf life of the fish, and you should consider cooking thoroughly before eating or refrigerating properly.
Can I Reheat Fried Fish?
Yes, you can reheat fried fish, and you should reheat leftover fried fish before consuming it. Simply place it in a microwave-safe container, and reheat for about 10-15 minutes. Using your food thermometer, check when the fish reaches a temperature of 145°F. Once that is done, it is ready to be eaten.
How Do You Tell If Fried Fish Has Gone Bad?
When your fried fish goes bad, it becomes slimy, milky, and has a foul fishy odor. When you notice this, it is not safe for eating and should be discarded.
Can I Get Food Poisoning from Eating Fried Fish?
No. You cannot get food poisoning from eating fried fish, but you can get it from eating infected or spoiled fried fish. You should always store your fish properly and also check for spoilage before eating.
Summary
Fried fish can be left out at room temperature for two hours, but if you need to keep it for longer, make sure to put it in the refrigerator as soon as you can so that it may be properly cooked when it’s time to eat.
When the fried fish is out, cover it to keep dust and microorganisms off of it rather than leaving it exposed.
Take note of everything we mentioned here if you want to consume your fried fish in a fresh and safe manner.
