Freezing crayfish in brine - possible?

[OzzyR1]

Trip to Billingsgate this morning and after buying a decent amount of fish for the fridge and freezer, I spotted a tub of crayfish tails in brine (£9.50!) on the way out and bought them without paying much attention.




Looked at the label when I got home and unsurprisingly they state that they have to be eaten within 3 days of opening. Now I like these things, (the reason I bought them is I'm a big fan of Pret's crayfish and rocket sandwich), but I'm not sure that I'm a 900g drained weight in 3 days level of fan.

I'm guessing the answer will be no, but do you think I could freeze say half of the pack, either drained and in a bag or perhaps drained and then freezing in water so they are in an ice-block? I'm guessing that the answer is probably no and that it may well poison me and even if not it will destroy any texture.

Anyone know for definite or has tried this themselves?

[bobbo89]

They'll last longer than 3 days and they'll be fine in the freezer, I wouldn't freeze them in the brine though

[Mobile Chicane]

Once cooked, they're ok to freeze.

I'd portion into three and freeze in the brine to prevent freezer burn. A few crushed dill seeds in this will lift the flavour of the crayfish no end.

[Goughie]

If you're going to freeze them be aware that the tails will have been bought frozen from China and subsequently defrosted and brined (in Sweden in this instance). You can freeze them again, but do it without the brine and accept that the quality will not be as good as it is in the tub. Next time go to Bennetts and buy the smaller tubs!

[Mobile Chicane]

Or, get trapping and catch your own. The bought ones are always rubbery, but caught live and boiled they have a delicate texture and flavour

[OzzyR1]

Thanks all for the input, not been around a computer for a couple of days so only just seen your responses.

[Burwood]

ozzy, can you buy skinned and boned fish- Is there a decent saving?