Have you ever wondered How Long Cooked Salmon Lasts in The Fridge? Proper storage of salmon, whether raw, baked, or smoked, is essential for preserving its delicious flavor and maintaining food safety. This comprehensive guide with helpful tips will ensure you store salmon in the best way possible.
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Have you ever brought home a bright red, fresh salmon filet with every intention of cooking it, only to have life intervene? A couple of days later, you're probably peeking into the fridge and wondering, "Is my salmon still okay to eat?" I've been there!
Understanding how long different kinds of salmon stay fresh in the fridge is super important for enjoying your meal without any worries.
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Fresh salmon
Oh, fresh salmon, my favorite! If I lived closer to the ocean, I would have a freezer full! But did you know raw or fresh salmon needs to be eaten or frozen within 2 days of buying it?
Uncooked salmon should be wrapped tightly in plastic or a resealable plastic bag to lock out the air and stored in the coldest part of the fridge for 1-2 days. This rule applies to any type of salmon.
Cooked salmon
Have some salmon leftovers? Let the salmon cool down, then tightly wrap it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the coldest part of your fridge and use it within three to four days.
Thawed or defrosted salmon
If you've thawed some frozen fillets in the fridge, you should cook or eat them within 1-2 days. To thaw salmon, place it in a shallow container in your refrigerator to catch any drips to avoid a mess and contaminating other food.
Smoked salmon
- Unopened Packages: Thanks to the smoking process, store-bought smoked salmon has a longer shelf life. Store it in its original packaging in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Opened Smoked Salmon: Once opened, store-bought smoked salmon should be consumed within 3-5 days. For the best quality, transfer it to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container.
- Smoked Salmon: If you smoke your salmon on a pellet smoker or electric smoker, follow the same rules for cooked salmon: Place it in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Marinated salmon
Marinated salmon can stay in the refrigerator for two to three days. If it's longer than that or looks off, toss it.
Canned salmon
Canned salmon is my go-to for quick meals, and it has an impressive shelf life. Unopened, it can last up to 5 years! However, once opened, use it within one to two days. Always transfer the salmon to an airtight container first.
How to tell if salmon is bad
To tell if your salmon has gone bad, trust your eyes and nose while you look for signs of spoilage:
- Smell. If the salmon has a sour smell, an ammonia-like odor, or is otherwise unpleasant, it's a sign that the salmon has spoiled.
- Texture. If the salmon fillets feel slimy, sticky, or unusually mushy, they have likely gone bad.
- Appearance. Fresh salmon should be bright pink-orange in color, with a mild scent and flesh that springs back when pressed. The salmon has likely spoiled if you see any dark spots or discoloration, it looks gray, or it has mold or fuzzy spots.
- Time check. Cooked salmon should only be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and fresh salmon for one to two days. If it's been longer, discard it.
What's the best way to store salmon in the fridge?
Cooked leftover salmon should be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and placed in an airtight container. Keep salmon in the coolest part of your fridge, either at the back or on the bottom shelf. Use the salmon within 3-4 days.
FAQs
Raw salmon can be stored in the fridge for one to two days. To ensure freshness and safety, it's best to use or freeze it within this time frame.
If you refrigerate salmon promptly after cooking, it is safe to eat for up to three to four days.
Salmon is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). It should also flake easily with a fork.
The safest way to thaw frozen salmon is in the refrigerator. You can also use the cold water method, in which you keep the salmon submerged in cold water in its sealed packaging, changing the water every 30 minutes until it's thawed.
Yes, of course! To freeze salmon, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap then freezer paper, or place it in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. You want to get as much air out as possible to prevent freezer burn.
According to the USDA, salmon can be refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is thawed in the refrigerator.
Final Words
1. Always check the date. Before buying or consuming a salmon fillet, check the expiration date, sell-by date, use-by date, and best-before date.
2. Storage matters. Follow my storage tips above on storing salmon in the refrigerator to keep it cold. For more information on how long you can store fresh fish, read the USDA guidelines.
3. Trust your senses. Regardless of dates, if the salmon looks, smells, or feels off, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard it.
Now that you have read my guide on how long salmon lasts in the fridge, you may be in the mood to cook some! Check out these delicious salmon recipes:
- Best Smoked Salmon on Pellet Grill Recipe
- Traeger Smoked Salmon Dry Brine Recipe
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Recipe (Easy 10-Minute Dinner)
- Easy Masterbuilt Smoker Salmon Recipe
- Best Oven-Baked Maple Soy Glazed Salmon
- Honey Glazed Smoked Salmon Recipe on Pellet Grill
- Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce
- How To Cook Frozen Salmon In Air Fryer
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