Sometimes life moves fast, and you don’t have time to thaw before cooking. The good news? You don’t have to! With the right techniques, you can cook frozen seafood straight from the freezer while still getting that fresh, delicious flavor you love. Whether you’re baking, grilling, pan-searing, or steaming, we’ll guide you through the best methods for cooking frozen seafood to perfection.

Why Cook from Frozen?

Cooking seafood from frozen isn’t just convenient—it can also help lock in freshness. Our seafood is flash-frozen at peak quality, preserving the taste and texture until you're ready to enjoy it. Plus, skipping the thawing step means one less thing to plan ahead, making it easier to get a healthy, protein-packed meal on the table fast.

Best Methods for Cooking Frozen Seafood

Baking or Roasting

Baking is one of the easiest and most foolproof ways to cook seafood from frozen. Here’s how:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F.
2. Prepare your seafood by lightly rinsing it under cold water to remove any ice crystals, then pat it dry with a paper towel.
3. Place the seafood in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a baking dish.
4. Season generously with your favorite herbs, spices, or marinades. A drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper work wonders!
5. Cover loosely with foil for the first half of the cooking time to keep it from drying out.
6. Bake until done, typically 12-15 minutes for fillets, 20-25 minutes for thicker cuts. The seafood is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Grilling

Yes, you can grill frozen seafood! It takes a little extra time but still delivers that smoky, charred goodness.

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F).
2. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
3. Brush your seafood with oil or melted butter and season to taste.
4. Place the seafood directly on the grill (use a grill basket for smaller pieces) and cook, flipping occasionally.
5. Cook until opaque and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side for fillets.

Pan-Searing

If you love a crispy, golden crust on your fish, pan-searing is the way to go.

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil or butter.
2. Rinse off ice crystals and pat the seafood dry before placing it in the pan.
3. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. Lower the heat, cover, and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until done.

Steaming

Steaming is a gentle, moisture-locking way to cook delicate seafood like cod, halibut, or shellfish.

1. Fill a pot with a couple of inches of water and bring it to a simmer.
2. Place the seafood in a steaming basket and cover.
3. Steam until the seafood is cooked through, about 5-10 minutes depending on thickness.

Quick Tips for Success

• Avoid overcrowding the pan or grill to allow even cooking.
• Use a thermometer to check for doneness (145°F for most seafood).
• Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs, citrus, garlic, or a quick sauce.
• For even cooking, consider giving thicker cuts a quick rinse under cold water before seasoning.

Cooking frozen seafood doesn’t have to be intimidating. With these simple methods, you can enjoy high-quality, wild-caught seafood anytime—without the wait! Give it a try with Whidbey Seafoods’ frozen fish and experience just how easy and delicious it can be.

Looking for premium frozen seafood? Check out our selections here!