Does Smoked Salmon Go Bad in the Fridge?

Smoked salmon is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can elevate sandwiches, salads, pasta, and many other dishes. Its smoky, savory flavor and silky texture make it a favorite topping for bagels, toast, and more. But like any perishable food, smoked salmon has a limited shelf life.

So how long does smoked salmon last in the fridge before it goes bad? Here’s a thorough look at smoked salmon’s shelf life, proper storage methods, signs of spoiled salmon, and tips for enjoying it while it’s fresh.

How Long Does Smoked Salmon Last in the Fridge?

Smoked salmon can keep in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days after opening. If still sealed in its original vacuum packaging it will stay fresh for up to two weeks past the sell-by date.

The exact shelf life depends on several factors:

• Product type – Hot-smoked salmon lasts longer than cold-smoked. Cured salmon also keeps longer than raw smoked salmon.

• Packaging – Intact vacuum sealing preserves freshness best. Opened packs have shorter fridge life.

• Handling – Contamination from dirty utensils or hands speeds spoilage.

• Temperature – Consistent fridge temps between 34-40°F preserve quality longest.

Smoked salmon sold at the deli counter and plastic-wrapped salmon have much shorter fridge life at just 3 to 4 days.

For maximum freshness, use smoked salmon within 5 days of opening or purchasing. Discard any remaining portions after one week.

How to Store Smoked Salmon in the Fridge

Proper storage prevents smoked salmon from spoiling prematurely. Follow these tips for keeping smoked salmon fresh longer:

• Keep smoked salmon chilled at 34-40°F. Avoid temperature fluctuations.

• If opened, rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in a sealed container. Limit air exposure.

• Position smoked salmon on a fridge shelf, not the door where the temperature varies.

• Ensure your refrigerator is clean and free of spoiled foods that could cross-contaminate.

• Wash hands before handling. Use clean utensils and cutting boards.

• Keep raw meats on bottom shelves so juices don’t drip onto smoked salmon.

Following safe food handling and storage best practices helps smoked salmon retain quality and freshness longer.

How to Tell if Smoked Salmon Has Gone Bad

Smoked salmon has clearly gone bad if you detect the following:

• Strong fishy or ammonia-like odor – Fresh smoked salmon has a pleasant, mild smokey aroma. Foul odors indicate spoilage.

• Slimy texture – Slime on the surface signals bacterial overgrowth. Fresh salmon feels firm and moist.

• Mold growth – Fuzzy green or white mold is unmistakable. Discard moldy salmon immediately.

• Discoloration – Unnatural colors like gray, green or brown mean smoked salmon is rancid. It should be pale pink to coral orange.

• Fishy or sour taste – Spoiled salmon won’t taste pleasantly briny. Cooking can’t salvage bad salmon.

When in doubt, apply the old adage: “When fish smells bad or tastes funny, throw it out.” Don’t risk foodborne illness from consuming spoiled smoked salmon.

Tips for Using Smoked Salmon Before It Spoils

To avoid wasting money on smoked salmon that goes uneaten, follow these tips:

• Buy only as much as you’ll use within a week and check sell-by dates.

• Seal opened packages tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Limit air exposure.

• Portion smoked salmon into freezer bags right away if you don’t plan to use it soon.

• Store salmon in the coldest part of the refrigerator, not the door.

• Rinse before use to remove excess oil and prevent premature spoilage.

• Cook smoked salmon within 2 days of opening if adding to dishes like pasta, pizza or salmon burgers.

• Trust your senses. If smoked salmon smells or looks off, throw it out. Safety first!

Can You Freeze Smoked Salmon?

Yes, freezing extends the shelf life of smoked salmon significantly. Frozen properly, smoked salmon keeps for 4 to 6 months in the freezer.

To freeze smoked salmon:

• Double wrap salmon tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Exclude as much air as possible.

• Place wrapped portions in freezer bags and lay flat in freezer.

• Avoid repeated thaws and re-freezes which degrade texture.

• Thaw frozen salmon overnight in the fridge before use.

With proper freezing techniques, smoked salmon stays fresh for the long haul.

The Bottom Line

When stored properly in the refrigerator, smoked salmon keeps for 5 to 7 days past the date of opening, or up to two weeks past the sell-by date if vacuum sealed. Monitor for signs of spoilage like off-odors, sliminess, or mold and discard bad salmon right away.

For maximum freshness and food safety, use smoked salmon soon after purchase. And freeze surplus smoked salmon so you can enjoy its delicious flavor without waste. With the right storage and handling, smoked salmon stays tasty until the last luscious bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can you keep smoked salmon in the fridge?

In the fridge, smoked salmon will stay fresh for 5-7 days after opening. Sealed, unopened packages are ok for up to 2 weeks past the sell-by date when refrigerated.

How do you know if smoked salmon has gone bad?

Signs that smoked salmon has spoiled include an unpleasant fishy or ammonia smell, slimy texture, discoloration, mold, and a fishy or sour taste. Discard salmon with any signs of spoilage.

Can you get sick from eating bad smoked salmon?

Yes, eating spoiled smoked salmon can cause food poisoning. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. To prevent illness, discard bad salmon.

Can you freeze smoked salmon?

Yes, freezing extends the shelf life of smoked salmon for 4-6 months. Freeze in airtight packaging with as much air excluded as possible. Thaw frozen salmon overnight in the fridge before using.

Is it safe to eat moldy smoked salmon if you cut off the mold?

No, it’s unsafe to eat any smoked salmon with mold present. Mold can penetrate below the surface, so cutting it off doesn’t make the salmon safe to eat.

The Takeaway

When stored properly, smoked salmon can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Check for spoilage and consume within 5-7 days of opening. Freezing extends its shelf life for several months. Follow food safety guidelines and trust your senses to enjoy smoked salmon before it goes bad.