How Long Does Salmon Last In The Fridge?

Nov 01, 2024

How long does salmon last in the fridge? From raw to cooked and smoked salmon. Here’s everything you need to know, from a food science expert! Including BONUS TIPS on how to extend its shelf-life.

How Long Does Raw Salmon Last In The Fridge?

Fresh or thawed, raw salmon can last in the refrigerator for up to two days if stored properly, according to USDA guidelines. Here are some tips to maximize its freshness and give it a longer shelf life.

Storage: Place the fresh salmon in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent exposure to air and moisture, which can speed up spoilage. Get fancy and use a vacuum sealer to seal and store salmon in a plastic bag.
Temperature: Store the salmon in the coldest part of the refrigerator, ideally at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). A refrigerator thermometer can help make sure the temperature remains within the safe range.
Odor check: Before cooking and eating the salmon, perform a sniff test (fancy term for smelling it!) for signs of off-putting odors. Fresh salmon (that’s high-quality) should have a mild, oceanic smell. If it smells sour, ammonia-like, or fishy, it may be spoiled and should be thrown away!
Visual inspection: Inspect the salmon for any changes in color or texture. Fresh salmon typically has vibrant pink or orange flesh and should appear moist and firm. Throw out the salmon if you notice any discoloration, sliminess, or visible signs of spoilage.
Use-by date: If the salmon was purchased from a fish market or grocery store, check the packaging for a use-by date. Use the salmon before the indicated date to ensure top freshness.
Proper handling: Practice good food safety practices when handling raw salmon. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the fish. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping it separate from other foods, especially ready-to-eat items.
Consider freezing: If you can’t consume the fresh salmon within two days, consider freezing it to prolong its shelf life. Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. Frozen salmon can last for up to 8 months in the freezer.

Always use your best judgment and discard any salmon that appears or smells suspicious to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.

How Long Does Cooked Salmon Last In The Fridge?

Cooked salmon can typically last in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days if stored properly.

After cooking, allow the cooked salmon to cool down quickly to room temperature. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this can promote bacterial growth, according to USDA safety guidelines.

Refer to the storage and packaging instructions on raw salmon from the section above.

If you cannot consume the cooked salmon within a few days, consider freezing it to extend its shelf life. Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container before freezing. Cooked salmon can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Why can cooked salmon be kept in the fridge longer than raw salmon?

Cooked salmon keeps safely for longer in the fridge than raw salmon. Here’s why:

Reduced Bacterial Load: Cooking salmon kills many bacteria and pathogens present in the raw fish. While it doesn’t sterilize it completely, the cooking process reduces the risk of bacterial growth that would otherwise spoil the fish faster if left raw.
Lower Spoilage Rate: Cooked food has a slower spoilage rate due to reduced moisture and fewer active enzymes that can degrade the fish. When raw, these enzymes remain active and cause faster breakdown, leading to a quicker spoilage.
Extended Shelf Life: Typically, raw salmon stays fresh in the refrigerator for about 1-2 days, while cooked salmon can last up to 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Less Risk of Contamination: Cooked salmon is less susceptible to contamination compared to raw fish, which can easily pick up bacteria from other foods or surfaces, especially if not handled with care.

For best results, keep cooked salmon in a clean, airtight container and store it at or below 40°F (4°C).

How Long Does Smoked Salmon Last in the Fridge For?

Smoked salmon typically lasts in the refrigerator for about 5 to 7 days if stored properly. Here are some tips for maximizing the freshness and shelf life of smoked salmon:

Proper storage: Place the smoked salmon in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. I like to store smoked salmon in glass, not plastic. Plastic tends to absorb the smoked and fishy flavors of smoked salmon. Seal the packaging tightly to prevent air exposure, which can lead to drying out and spoilage.
Temperature: Store the smoked salmon in the coldest part of the refrigerator, ideally at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). Use a refrigerator thermometer to monitor the temperature and ensure it remains within the safe range.
Use-by date: Check the packaging for any use-by dates or expiration dates provided by the manufacturer. Consume the smoked salmon before the indicated date to ensure optimal freshness and quality.
Visual inspection: Before consuming the smoked salmon, visually inspect it for any signs of spoilage, such as changes in color, texture, or mold. Smoked salmon should have a vibrant color and firm texture. Discard any smoked salmon that appears discolored and has a slimy texture or sour smell.
Proper handling: Wash your hands before and after handling the fish, and use clean utensils and surfaces to prevent cross-contamination.
Refrigeration: Return the smoked salmon to the refrigerator promptly after serving to minimize the time at room temperature. Avoid leaving smoked salmon out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Freezing: If you cannot eat the smoked salmon within the recommended timeframe, freeze it to extend its shelf life. Wrap the smoked salmon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container before freezing. Smoked salmon can last in the freezer for 2 to 3 months.

Always use your best judgment and discard any smoked salmon showing signs of spoilage.

How to Thaw Salmon Safely

Thawing salmon safely is essential to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and maintain its quality. Here are some recommended methods for thawing salmon safely:

Refrigerator Method

Place the frozen salmon in its freezer bag or a sealed, leak-proof container to prevent cross-contamination.
Place the salmon in the refrigerator on a plate or tray to catch any drips.
Allow the salmon to thaw slowly in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, depending on the size and thickness of the fillets or portions.
Thawed salmon can be kept in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days before cooking.

Cold Water Method

Place the frozen salmon in a sealed, leak-proof plastic bag to prevent water from seeping in.
Fill a large bowl of cold water. Submerge the sealed bag of salmon in the cold water.
Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure that it remains cold. This helps promote even thawing and prevents the growth of bacteria.
Thawing using the cold water method typically takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on the size and thickness of the salmon fillets or portions.
Once thawed, cook the salmon immediately.

Microwave Method (Defrost Setting)

Use the microwave’s defrost setting to thaw the salmon gradually. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for thawing frozen seafood.
Place the frozen salmon on a microwave-safe plate and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe cover or paper towel to prevent splattering.
Thaw the salmon in the microwave on the defrost setting, using short intervals of 1-2 minutes and flipping the salmon halfway through to ensure even thawing.
Check the salmon frequently to prevent overcooking or uneven thawing. Once thawed, cook the salmon immediately to prevent bacterial growth.

Cooking from Frozen

In some cases, you can cook salmon directly from frozen without thawing it first. This works if you want to bake or grill the salmon in the oven. Same for air frying.
Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as it may take slightly longer to cook frozen salmon compared to thawed salmon.
Check the internal temperature of the salmon using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe temperature of 145°F (63°C) before serving.

A side of caution: Avoid leaving thawed salmon at room temperature for an extended period, as this can promote bacterial growth and spoilage.

Flaky Baked Salmon Recipe with Mayonnaise

Can I Refreeze Thawed Salmon?

Technically, yes, you can refreeze thawed salmon so long as it hasn’t been left out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours (1 hour in a temperature over 90°F) according to USDA safety guidelines.

Note that when salmon is thawed, ice crystals that form during freezing melt and create moisture. This moisture can promote the growth of bacteria.

Refreezing thawed salmon can also affect its texture and taste. The process of freezing and thawing alters the cellular structure of the fish, resulting in a loss of moisture and a change in texture. Refreezing can exacerbate these changes, resulting in a less delicious eating experience.