Tilapia is a versatile and healthy fish that is a great addition to any diet. However, like any fresh seafood, proper storage is key to ensuring tilapia stays fresh and safe to eat. So how long can you keep tilapia in the refrigerator before it goes bad?
Quick Answer
Fresh tilapia will last in the fridge for 1-2 days from the day of purchase. The exact shelf life depends on a few factors like freshness level at time of purchase and refrigerator temperature. Tilapia that was previously frozen can last slightly longer at 3-4 days in the fridge.
How to Tell if Tilapia has Gone Bad
Here are some signs that indicate your tilapia has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Fishy, ammonia-like smell
- Slimy texture
- Discoloration or graying of flesh
- Dry, flaky flesh
Trust your senses – if tilapia smells, looks or feels off, it has likely spoiled and may cause food poisoning if eaten. When in doubt, throw it out.
Maximizing Fridge Life of Tilapia
Follow these tips to help keep your tilapia fresh for as long as possible:
- Purchase fresh, sushi-grade tilapia that looks moist and firm, not dry or mushy.
- Check sell-by date and try to use within 1-2 days of purchasing.
- Keep tilapia very cold – at or below 40°F. Use ice packs if needed.
- Store in an airtight container or sealed bag.
- Place tilapia on a plate to catch any moisture and prevent sogginess.
- Avoid overcrowding fridge shelves which reduces air circulation.
Frozen Tilapia Shelf Life
Properly frozen tilapia can last much longer than fresh. Here is how long frozen tilapia lasts at 0°F:
| State | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Raw | 9-12 months |
| Cooked | 3-6 months |
For best quality, use frozen tilapia within 3 months. Portion the fish into usable amounts and avoid repeated thaws and refreezes.
Thawing Tilapia
Always thaw frozen tilapia in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. Here are some thawing guidelines:
- Fridge: Thaw overnight in the fridge on a plate or in a bowl. This is the safest method.
- Cold Water: Submerge sealed tilapia in cold water. Change water every 30 minutes. Thaws in 1-2 hours.
- Microwave: Defrost tilapia in the microwave on the “defrost” setting. Takes around 5 minutes.
Cook tilapia immediately after thawing. Do not refreeze thawed tilapia.
How to Store Cooked Tilapia
Cooked tilapia won’t last as long as raw. Here are some tips for storing leftovers:
- Allow tilapia to cool completely, then refrigerate within 2 hours in airtight, shallow containers.
- Use cooked tilapia within 3-4 days.
- Freeze for longer storage. Cooked tilapia keeps 3-6 months in the freezer.
- Reheat fully until steaming hot, at least 165°F internal temperature.
Can You Eat Leftover Tilapia?
It’s generally safe to eat properly stored leftover tilapia for 3-4 days after cooking. Reheat tilapia to 165°F minimum before eating. Discard any tilapia that smells, looks or tastes bad.
Here are some signs leftover tilapia has gone bad and should be thrown out:
- Sour, rancid odor
- Dry, tough texture
- Mold growth
- Discoloration or graying
When reheating tilapia, cook it thoroughly until hot, steaming and flaky. This kills any bacteria that may cause food poisoning.
Other Ways to Use Up Leftover Tilapia
Besides enjoying leftover tilapia in meals, here are some other creative ways to use it up before it spoils:
- Make fish tacos or tilapia salad.
- Toss into pasta dishes, risottos or chowders.
- Make fish sandwiches or wraps.
- Top salads or bowls with flaked tilapia.
- Blend into dips, spreads or appetizers.
How to Store Tilapia for the Long Term
For long term storage beyond 3-4 months, tilapia needs to be frozen. Here are some tips for freezing tilapia:
- Clean, dry and portion fish into usable amounts.
- Seal fish tightly in freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label with date and contents.
- Freeze at 0°F or below.
With proper freezing methods, tilapia can keep for 9-12 months in the freezer before quality declines. Use within 3-6 months for best flavor and texture.
Can You Freeze Previously Frozen Tilapia?
It’s not recommended to refreeze tilapia more than once. Each freeze/thaw cycle degrades the quality and texture. However, if thawed tilapia displays no signs of spoilage, it can be safely refrozen, though the texture may become mushier.
For best results, cook tilapia immediately after thawing and use within 3-4 days. Only refreeze if absolutely necessary.
Conclusion
To summarize:
- Fresh tilapia lasts 1-2 days in the fridge.
- Properly frozen, tilapia keeps 9-12 months.
- Cook tilapia to 165°F and refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
- Cooked tilapia stays good for 3-4 days refrigerated.
- Reheat leftovers fully until hot before eating.
- Avoid refreezing tilapia more than once for best quality.
Follow these tips to safely maximize the shelf life of fresh and frozen tilapia. Use smell, color and texture as indicators of freshness. When in doubt if tilapia has gone bad, remember it’s better to be safe than sorry – if it seems spoiled, throw it out.