Can Fish Cakes Go Bad : What You MUST Know

Fish cakes are a delicious and versatile dish, often enjoyed by seafood lovers around the world. Made from a blend of fish, spices, herbs, and sometimes mashed potatoes, fish cakes can be a savory snack, appetizer, or a full meal. They’re easy to make, pack a punch of flavor, and can be served in various ways, making them a popular choice in many households. But as with any perishable food, it’s important to understand how to properly store them, how long they last, and the signs that they’ve gone bad. After all, the last thing anyone wants is to take a bite of a spoiled fish cake!

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about the shelf life of fish cakes, how to store them properly, and how to tell when they’re no longer safe to eat.

Can Fish Cakes Go Bad?

Yes, fish cakes can absolutely go bad! Like any other prepared food, they’re made with fresh ingredients that can spoil over time, especially when not stored properly. Fish, being highly perishable, is the main concern. Even though fish cakes are typically cooked before consumption, they can still be susceptible to bacteria growth and the natural breakdown of ingredients once they’ve been exposed to air, warmth, or moisture.

Factors that can affect the spoilage of fish cakes include:

• Type of Fish Used: Some fish are more prone to spoiling than others, with oily fish like salmon and mackerel having a higher risk of going bad quicker than lean fish like cod.
• Cooking Method: While frying fish cakes can help preserve them for a short time, the cooking method plays a role in how long they stay good. Baking, steaming, or boiling may slightly alter their shelf life.
• Added Ingredients: Other ingredients like herbs, spices, and particularly dairy products (like cheese or cream) can shorten the shelf life if not consumed in a timely manner.

So yes, fish cakes are not immune to spoilage, and understanding the signs, storage methods, and best practices for consumption is key to enjoying them safely.

Shelf Life For Fish Cakes

The shelf life of fish cakes can vary depending on how they are stored and whether they are homemade or store-bought. Let’s break it down:

Homemade Fish Cakes

• Refrigerated: If you’re keeping your homemade fish cakes in the fridge, they typically last 2 to 3 days after cooking. This is mainly because they are free from preservatives, and the freshness of the fish will start to deteriorate within a few days.
• Frozen: To extend their shelf life, you can freeze homemade fish cakes. When stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, they can last up to 3 months in the freezer. While they may be safe to eat beyond this time, they may lose flavor and texture.

Store-bought Fish Cakes

• Refrigerated: Store-bought fish cakes generally have preservatives, which allow them to last longer in the fridge-around 3 to 4 days. Always check the packaging for specific expiration dates.
• Frozen: If you purchase frozen fish cakes from the store, they can stay in your freezer for up to 6 months, assuming they are stored properly in the original packaging or sealed tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers.

Common Signs Of Spoilage

Spoiled fish cakes can sometimes be tricky to detect, but there are several telltale signs that can help you know when it’s time to toss them. Here’s what to look out for:

• Unpleasant Odor: Fish has a distinctive odor when it starts to spoil, and fish cakes are no different. If they begin to smell sour, fishy, or rancid, that’s a clear sign they’re no longer safe to eat. Fresh fish should have a clean, ocean-like scent, so anything off-putting is a red flag.
• Color Change: Look for any discoloration. If the fish cakes develop an unusual gray, green, or yellowish hue, it means they’re starting to break down.
• Texture: If the texture becomes slimy, mushy, or soggy, it’s a sign of bacterial growth or over-moisture. Fish cakes should retain their firmness and a slight crispness if cooked properly.
• Mold or Fungus: Any visible mold spots or fuzzy patches on the surface of the fish cakes are a definite sign of spoilage.
• Off Taste: If you’ve made it this far without noticing other signs, a strange or sour taste will be the final indication that your fish cakes are no longer fresh.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and dispose of the fish cakes immediately.

How To Store Fish Cakes?

Proper storage is crucial to ensure your fish cakes stay fresh for as long as possible. Here’s how you should go about it:

Storing Freshly Cooked Fish Cakes

• Refrigeration: Once cooked, fish cakes should be allowed to cool completely before being placed in the fridge. You can store them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge. It’s best to consume them within 2 to 3 days, as mentioned earlier.

• Freezing: To freeze fish cakes, follow these steps:

  1. Cool them down: Allow them to cool completely before freezing. This prevents condensation from forming, which could lead to freezer burn.
  2. Wrap them tightly: Wrap each fish cake in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then place them in a freezer-safe ziplock bag or airtight container. Squeeze out any excess air to prevent freezer burn.
  3. Label and Date: Don’t forget to label the package with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored.

Storing Store-bought Fish Cakes

• Before Cooking: If you’ve bought frozen fish cakes, make sure to store them in the freezer until you’re ready to cook them. Check the packaging for any specific instructions on freezing and thawing.
• After Cooking: Once cooked, follow the same steps as homemade fish cakes: cool, wrap, and store in an airtight container. They should be eaten within 3 to 4 days when stored in the fridge.

Expert Tips

To make sure your fish cakes stay fresh and safe to eat for as long as possible, consider these expert tips:

• Proper Thawing: If you freeze fish cakes, always thaw them in the fridge overnight. Avoid defrosting at room temperature, as this could encourage bacterial growth.
• Avoid Overcrowding: If you’re freezing fish cakes, avoid overcrowding them. This ensures they freeze more evenly and don’t stick together, making it easier to remove individual portions later.
• Don’t Refreeze: If you’ve already thawed and cooked fish cakes, it’s best not to refreeze them, as doing so could alter their texture and increase the risk of spoilage.
• Keep Moisture in Check: When storing fish cakes in the fridge or freezer, moisture is your enemy. Moisture can cause them to become soggy or develop freezer burn, so make sure they are wrapped tightly and protected from air exposure.

FAQs

How Long Can Fish Cakes Last In The Fridge?

Fish cakes can typically last in the fridge for 3 to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container. Beyond this, the quality and safety may degrade.

Can Fish Cakes Go Bad If Left Out Overnight?

Yes, fish cakes can go bad if left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. The growth of harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella or Listeria, increases significantly after this time.

How Can You Tell If Fish Cakes Have Gone Bad?

Fish cakes that have gone bad may develop an off-putting smell, a slimy texture, or discoloration. If they have an unusual odor or appearance, they should be discarded.

Can Frozen Fish Cakes Go Bad?

Frozen fish cakes can last up to 2 to 3 months in the freezer when stored in an airtight container or freezer bag. However, they may lose flavor and texture over time, so it’s best to consume them sooner rather than later.

Do Fish Cakes Need To Be Refrigerated?

Yes, cooked fish cakes should be refrigerated to prevent spoilage. They should be kept in an airtight container and consumed within a few days to maintain freshness.

What Is The Best Way To Store Leftover Fish Cakes?

Leftover fish cakes should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. If you need to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them, ensuring they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Can I Eat Fish Cakes After The Expiration Date?

It’s generally not recommended to eat fish cakes after the expiration date. The quality and safety may be compromised, especially if they’ve been improperly stored.

How Long Can Fish Cakes Stay In The Freezer?

Fish cakes can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months. It’s best to consume them within this time frame for optimal taste and texture.

Can Fish Cakes Make You Sick If They Are Bad?

Yes, eating spoiled fish cakes can lead to food poisoning. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. It’s important to properly store fish cakes to avoid such risks.

Can Fish Cakes Be Reheated Safely?

Yes, fish cakes can be safely reheated, but they should be heated thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any bacteria that may have developed. Reheat only once to maintain quality.