I drowned my Tilapia!

[sattie]

I bought some really nice tilapia Wednesday and I had him pack it on ice for the ride home. I get home toss the ice/fish/bag in a bowl in the frig and well... forgot about it!!! Last night, remembering the fish, I realized that all the ice had melted and that the fish had been sitting in the water. Can it be saved or have I just ruined some nice tilapia fillets?

[Barb L.]

I wouldn't think so, as long as you blot it real good with paper towels to get most the water out - I'd eat it !!

[sattie]

Barb L. ... that is what I was thinking... like laying it on some paper towels or something for a bit to absorb all that water?

[college_cook]

Try gently running the blade and spine of your knife, in alternating strokes, along the flesh of the fish, and this may draw out moisture as well; it creates a sort of squegee effect.

[Caine]

Uh, it's fish. Fish LIVE in water. What is the problem?

[sattie]

Originally Posted by Caine

Uh, it's fish. Fish LIVE in water. What is the problem?

Do I really need to explain or ya being funny?

Thanks college_cook... that is a great idea!

[Barb L.]

They also have their skin on for protection -

[AllenOK]

I thaw tilapia under cold running water all the time, and other than just shaking the water out, don't do anything special.

[*amy*]

Hi sattie. If you haven't cooked it yet (Saturday), I would toss it. The water does not concern me, as much as the freshness of the fish - defrosting for 48 hours. You know the old saying, "When in doubt, throw it out." Not worth a trip to the ER.

Note: When it comes to seafood/fish, always use your nose.

Caine, I hope that fish is not still alive and swimming in the refrigerator.

[sattie]

I prepared it last night and you could not tell it had been sitting in water. I was thinking it was bad to have fresh fish sitting in water for long periods of time. Seems like I saw something on the subject but I may have been misinformed. I guess that is why I freaked out when it happened.

Prior to cooking, I made sure it was still good by smelling it and there was no odor.

I broiled it using a bit of lemon and butter for about 5 minutes, then topped with a mixture of mayo, parmesan, lemon, and black pepper and put it back under the broiler for enough time to brown the topping.. it was quite tasty!