SUBJECT: # 35342: Freeze now, vacuum pack later?

Submitted by Fritz from TEXAS on 7/2/01 3:40:00 PM

I've got a FoodSaver vacuum sealer, and I love how is works on fish fillets. However, I've dragged it with me on airplanes to Cabo and other places several times, and it's a hassle.

I'm going back to Cabo in two weeks and I really don't feel like bringing it this time. So, here's my question: If I freeze the fillets (not in water, just dry) while I'm in Cabo, then vacuum bag them once I get back home, will the fillets last as long and be as fresh? Will they get freezer-burned in a week? Most likely will be dorado and tuna, maybe a wahoo (I hope).

My plan is to cut the fillets into meal-sized chunks and then put them in freezer bags and freeze them in the hotel freezer. When I get home, I'll take them out of the freezer bags and vacuum pack them, still frozen.

If you experts feel that this will seriously diminish the freezer life of these fillets, I'll drag the FoodSaver with me...

Of course, my real plan is to eat as much of it while I am there, preferrably covered in Diablo Sauce at the original Trailer Park restaurant. Yum!

Thanks in advance...

1. 7/2/01 9:07:00 PM Submitted by GrinMachin (216.77.204.224) from FLORIDA says freezing
   I don't know about the freezing and refreezing thing. Anyway, whatever you do, I wouldn't freeze anything just by throwing it in a bag and then into the freezer. You can do a fairly decent job just getting all the air out of a freezer baggie by submerging it in a 5 gal bucket of water to force out all the air then squeeze out as much water as you think is neccessary then seal the freezer baggie while its still submerged. the only problem with this method is that the frozen baggies are easily damaged and thus allowing air to get to the fillets if the baggie gets the slightest hole in it. Dolphin holds up pretty well no matter what you do to it. I don't think wahoo or tuna holds up well when frozen for very long especially if not done correctly.

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2. 7/2/01 9:47:00 PM Submitted by Marshgrass (24.4.252.233) from SOUTH CAROLINA says freezing
   Say, where do you get Diablo Sauce. Used it a long time ago and can't seem to find it. Thanks

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3. 7/2/01 11:56:00 PM Submitted by Fritz (216.7.129.246) from TEXAS says Diablo
   Man, I couldn't cook my way out of a paper bag. I get my Diablo sauce from whatever restaurant happens to have it. The Trailer Park in Cabo makes a mean Diablo sauce, for sure!

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4. 7/6/01 6:45:00 PM Submitted by Gary L. Knapp (207.218.233.130) from . says Freezing filets
   Friends have used this for years:

   1. Freeze filets as quickly as possible laid out in a single layer on cookie sheets.

   2. Dip in very chilled water. They used a bucket of water filled with ice cubes.

   3. Bag glazed filets.

   4. Vacuum pack when you get home.

   Works great and the fish doesn't have a chance to get water logged.

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