Fish is a healthy part of the human diet and provides many benefits for our bodies. It is low in calories and high in protein which makes it an essential element of a healthy diet. Knowing how much a fish fillet weighs is essential if you want to accurately assess its nutritional value. This article will teach you the correct way to compute the weight of a fish fillet so you can make the right choice when planning your next fish fry.
Table of Contents
Get The Correct Gear Ready
To weigh a fish, you will need the following, along with a few others:
- a balance scale
- some form of container
- a food scale (if you are frying the fish)
- a spatula
- rubber gloves
- safety goggles
- protective clothing
- a fish net
- a fish fillet
Remove The Fish From The Container
To begin, take your fish out of the packaging and place it on a baking sheet. This will help maintain the freshness of the fish and prevent it from drying out during the whole process. If you are using frozen fish, then make sure that it is thawed before using. Once you have placed the fish on the sheet, use your fingers to break it up into smaller pieces if it is a large one.
Wash The Fish
While your fish is resting on the sheet, it is a good idea to wash it first. To do this, simply pour some water into a bowl and stir in some gentle soap. Soak your fish in this solution for about 10 minutes before patting it dry with paper towels. This will help disinfect the fish and make it easier for your body to digest.
Dry The Fish
After washing your fish, you should ensure that it is completely dry before putting it in the fridge or freezer. If you have a dehydrator on hand, then use it to speed up the process. Do not put your fish in the oven as it may end up overcooking. Always check for doneness of your fish by cutting into it with a fork. The flesh of the fish should be opaque and flake easily when pulled apart with a fork. You may also use a meat cleaver to break down the backbone of the fish if you are feeling extra creative!
Cut The Fat
The next step is to remove the fat from the fish. You can do this either using a sharp knife or a strong pair of chopsticks. Use the knife to make horizontal slices through the thickest part of the fish. Once you have made these cuts, you can use the chopsticks to lift the fatty tissues away from the fish.
Weigh The Fish
When you are done removing the fat, it’s time to weigh your fish. Begin by placing the container holding your fillet on the balance scale, then add the scale to your shopping list. Next, grab a kitchen towel and lightly blot the surface of the fish to remove any excess moisture. Last, grab the food scale and place it beside the container holding your fillet. Using these three items, the process of weighing a fish is easy to follow. Begin by reading the balance beam of the food scale. Next, remove the container from the balance scale, and place it on the kitchen towel. After that, pick up the food scale and place it on top of the container. The reading on the food scale will tell you how much your fish weighs.
It is essential to use correct measurements when taking into account the weight of a fish. Otherwise, you may end up with an inaccurate result. For example, using a 3oz fish filet may seem like a good idea since it is the standard size sold at many supermarkets. However, you should actually be using a 6oz fish filet to ensure you get the correct weight. Otherwise, you will be under or overfilling your container and causing your fish to spoil before you even started cooking it. Another example worth noting is using a 10oz container for a 4oz fish filet. This is a massive overfill and will result in you wasting a lot of time and energy when preparing your meal. Always use the correct measurements for the right results!
How Do You Store And Freeze Fish?
Depending on where you buy your fish, you may be offered the option of storing it frozen or fresh. Most supermarkets and fish markets will keep their fish frozen until you as much as ask them to. That way, they can pull it out of the freezer and defrost it at the moment of consumption. If you buy your fish fresh, then you have to remember to cook it as soon as possible after you get home. This is especially important for fish that is sold whole since the bones continue to cook after it is removed from the water and so any food safety guidelines apply more strictly.
What Is The Difference In Price?
The price of a fish will largely depend on the size and the weight. The smaller the fish, the cheaper it is per unit of weight. You can buy 3oz fish for under $5, and you can buy whole fish that weigh over 10oz for over $15. The bigger the fish, the more expensive it is per unit of weight. A 3lb lobster is around $25 per unit, and a 5lb salmon is around $45 per unit.
As you can see, smaller fish are much more affordable. However, the flavor and texture can sometimes be lacking. A lot of research has gone into developing the best ways to enhance the flavor and texture in smaller fish. The easiest and most cost effective method is flash freezing. This process essentially freezes the fish as soon as it is caught so that the fresh fish flavor bursts inside your mouth when you eat it. Smaller fish are also better for you when cooked simply because they contain less calories. That being said, a lot can be accomplished with simple cooking techniques. Just be sure to keep an eye on the fish as it cooks so you can determine when it is done.
There you have it, a quick tutorial on how much does a fish weigh. Not only is it important to know how much your fish weighs, it is also important to know how much it costs so you can make the right choices when planning your next meal. Not all fish are created equal, and you should always be mindful of how much nutrition and how much money you are spending on food. Enjoy your fish, but be smart about how you eat it!