Updated: July 30, 2026
- Best Mild White Fish: Pacific Cod, Halibut, and Tilapia (firm textures that maintain flavor and structure when thawed).
- Best Meaty Fish: Swordfish and Catfish (dense flesh that holds up exceptionally well to freezing).
- Why Buy Frozen: Flash-frozen seafood is often fresher than "fresh" fish counter items, as it is frozen at peak quality within hours of harvest.
- Fish to Avoid Freezing: Delicate or oily fish like yellowtail and certain tunas lose texture and flavor easily, making them better to eat fresh.
Nothing beats the taste of fresh fish, but if you're in a land-locked state, you're not out of luck. High-quality frozen fish can be thawed and cooked to taste just like it was caught the day before, and it offers the same health benefits. Let's look at some of the best frozen fish to buy and why it can be a better choice.
At Billy's Stone Crab, we sell the best quality frozen fish you can find, and we'll ship it right to your door so you can impress guests with a delicious meal at your next dinner party.
Why Flash-Frozen Fish is Often Fresher Than "Fresh" Fish
Many consumers assume "fresh" fish at the grocery counter is superior, but that isn't always the case. Fish displayed on ice at a market has often spent days or even weeks in transit between the fishing boat, processing facility, distributor, and display case.
High-quality frozen seafood relies on Flash-Freezing (Individually Quick Frozen / IQF) directly on the vessel or immediately upon reaching shore:
- Locks in Peak Quality: Sub-zero flash-freezing freezes fish within minutes, preserving cellular structure, natural moisture, and nutrient density.
- Eliminates Waste: You can thaw only what you plan to cook, preventing spoiled seafood in your fridge.
- Peak Seasonality Year-Round: Flash-freezing preserves wild-caught seafood at its absolute seasonal peak so you can enjoy it anytime.
Billy's Stone Crab uses the latest freezing methods to preserve and ship fish that can be cooked straight from the freezer. This helps the fish maintain its delicious flavor, color, and texture until it reaches your doorstep.
The Best Types of Fish to Buy Frozen
Not all fish freeze equally well. Lean, firm fish with tight muscle structure retain their texture and natural juices best through the thawing process:
- Pacific Cod: A mild, versatile white fish with large, tender flakes. Its firm flesh holds up remarkably well to flash-freezing without becoming watery or soft.
- Halibut: A premium, lean white fish with a sweet, delicate flavor. When flash-frozen, halibut retains its dense, steak-like texture.
- Swordfish: Exceptionally dense and meaty. Swordfish steaks freeze better than almost any other seafood, making them ideal for grilling or pan-searing after thawing.
- Catfish: A hearty, moist fish that keeps its signature texture and mild flavor when frozen properly.
- Tilapia: A popular, mild white fish that thaws quickly and evenly, making it an easy go-to option for quick weeknight meals.
- Stone Crab Claws & King Crab Legs: Premium shellfish like stone crab and king crab are pre-cooked and flash-frozen immediately after harvest, locking in their natural sweetness until you are ready to serve or reheat them.
Why You Should Order Frozen Fish
The secret is that most restaurants and supermarkets serve and sell fish previously frozen and thawed. Fresh fish is harder to find, and when you do, it's hard to tell whether it is fresh. When fish isn't cooked and served promptly, it can be susceptible to harmful bacteria. When it's not sold quickly, fresh fish is thrown away, leading to a massive amount of food waste.
Freezing fish not only ensures that you're getting delicious, nutritious seafood. It's also a more sustainable way of keeping more fish on the dinner table and out of the garbage. It's easy and convenient to order the best frozen fish online and have it shipped to your doorstep.
How to Prepare Frozen Fish
To ensure restaurant-quality results when cooking frozen fish:
- Thaw Slowly: Place the sealed fish package in your refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours before cooking.
- Avoid Warm Water: Never thaw fish in warm or hot water, which damages the delicate protein fibers.
- Pat Dry: Always pat the fish thoroughly dry with paper towels before cooking to achieve a crisp, golden sear.
Can Frozen Fish Be as Good as Fresh Fish?
Most fish that's sold at the supermarket is either frozen or has been thawed. Not only can it taste just as good, it's often a healthier and more sustainable choice. On the other hand, fresh fish can be two weeks old once it hits the shelves, thanks to shipping and processing times.
There are several methods for freezing fish, and the latest technologies ensure that it's flash-frozen to maintain all nutrients and flavor at peak freshness. Most frozen fish brands use cutting-edge methods that freeze fish when fresh while preserving their color and texture until you're ready to cook.
Order Frozen Fish From Billy's Stone Crab
At Billy's Stone Crab, we pride ourselves in serving the freshest, most delicious fish Mother Earth offers. Shop our frozen fish selection to have the best ones shipped to your doorstep. We offer a wide selection of frozen seafood that makes cooking convenient, healthy, and divine. When you order from Billy's Stone Crab, you can rest assured that your fish has been frozen at peak freshness, and it will maintain its flavor, color, and texture until you put it in the oven or on the grill.
If you're in the area and don't feel like cooking, visit Billy's Stone Crab in Hollywood to enjoy waterfront dining and curated cocktails in South Florida. We serve fresh fish, crabs, and seafood caught daily by our fishing boats off the Florida coast. Contact us to make a reservation or to learn more about the best-frozen fish to order for your weekly meal rotation at home.