Do you know how long fresh salmon can stay in the fridge? Knowing how to store fresh, frozen, canned, thawed, smoked, or even marinated salmon can make all the difference in how safely you can enjoy it.
We’ve all been there. You buy that beautiful filet of fresh, bright red salmon with the best intentions of cooking it that night. Then something pops up and ruins your plans. When a day or two have passed, you may be wondering, “Can I still eat that beautiful fish? How long does salmon really last in the fridge?”
I love salmon for so many reasons. It tastes great baked, poached, grilled, fried, or any other way you can think of! Plus, it’s good for you—those omega-3 fatty acids? My whole body thanks me when I eat this fish. So, salmon doesn’t last as long as some other proteins. It’s important to know how long it can stay in the fridge without going bad, whether it’s fresh, thawed, cooked, canned, smoked, or even marinated.
There are different kinds of salmon that will stay fresh in the fridge for different amounts of time. [feast_advanced_jump_to].
I think that freshly cooked salmon is the best kind to eat. There’s nothing better about the taste. Raw or fresh salmon will last in the fridge for up to 2 days before starting to spoil. You should know that fresh salmon goes bad quickly and should be cooked or frozen within a couple of days of buying it.
To keep fresh salmon safe, make sure it’s tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or put it in a resealable plastic bag. This will keep it from coming into contact with air and getting contaminated.
Looking for a safe way to store that extra salmon? Cooked salmon can be kept in the fridge for up to three or four days. Let the cooked salmon cool down all the way before putting it in a container that won’t let air in or tightly wrapping it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Place it in the coldest part of the fridge to keep it as fresh as possible.
Salmon is a delicious and healthy fish that is a popular choice for many home cooks However, proper storage of thawed salmon is crucial to prevent bacterial growth and foodborne illness This article will provide a complete guide on how long thawed salmon can safely remain in the refrigerator.
Overview of Proper Salmon Storage
In general, raw salmon that has been thawed can be kept refrigerated for up to 2 days before cooking, according to USDA guidelines. The key is keeping thawed salmon consistently at or below 40°F. Higher temperatures allow bacteria to multiply rapidly.
When thawed, raw salmon goes bad quickly and doesn’t last as long as frozen salmon. Never refreeze thawed salmon, as this creates ideal conditions for bacteria. It’s best to only thaw the amount needed for upcoming meals.
Proper freezer storage prior to thawing is also important. Raw salmon can be kept frozen for 2-3 months if stored at 0°F or below. Vacuum sealing or airtight containers help prevent freezer burn
Step-by-Step Guide to Refrigerator Storage
Follow these steps for safe storage of thawed raw salmon:
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Thaw salmon in the refrigerator: Place frozen salmon in a bowl or on a plate to catch drips and thaw overnight in the fridge. Do not thaw at room temperature.
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Thawed salmon should be used within two days. Within 48 hours of being thawed, raw salmon should be cooked or eaten. Discard any uneaten salmon after 2 days.
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Keep temperature at 40°F or below: Confirm fridge temp is cold enough. Bacteria grows rapidly above 40°.
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Store thawed salmon on a plate/bowl: Keep thawed salmon contained to prevent cross-contamination with other foods.
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Keep raw salmon away from ready-to-eat foods: Place thawed salmon on a shelf above fruits, vegetables, and cooked items.
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Check for spoilage: Discard if salmon has an off odor, sticky texture, or discoloration. When in doubt, throw it out.
Following this fridge storage guidance will minimize the risk of foodborne pathogens. Be especially diligent when handling raw salmon for at-risk groups like pregnant women, young children, and the elderly.
How Does Proper Thawing Help Maximize Fridge Life?
Thawing salmon in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature is ideal for maximizing how long it can safely remain in the fridge.
Room temperature thawing causes the outer surfaces to warm up to “danger zone” temperatures between 40-140°F. This jump starts bacterial growth before the inside of the salmon fillet is even thawed. Refrigerator thawing keeps the entire salmon fillet cooler for longer.
While microwave and cold water thawing are safe options, these should only be used if the thawed salmon is cooked immediately. The warmer outer temperature reduces how long the salmon can be stored.
Quick Summary of Thawing Methods:
- Fridge: Safe up to 2 days after thawing
- Microwave: Cook immediately after thawing
- Cold water: Cook immediately after thawing
- Room temperature: Unsafe – do not thaw salmon at room temp
What Are Signs That Thawed Salmon Has Spoiled?
Rely on your senses of sight, smell, and touch to determine if thawed raw salmon is spoiled and needs to be discarded:
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Odor – Fresh salmon has a mild scent. Discard if the odor is fishy, ammonia-like, or sour.
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Color – The flesh should glisten and not be discolored. Watch for dull, brownish, or gray hues.
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Texture – Salmon should be firm and elastic. Toss if it feels slimy or sticky.
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Mold – Do not eat any salmon with white mold present, either on the flesh or skin.
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Expired – Toss any thawed salmon that is past the recommended 2 day limit after fridge thawing.
When salmon has spoiled, it can make you sick with symptoms like nausea, fever, chills, and abdominal cramps. You cannot rely on cooking to kill bacteria at this point. It is better to be safe than sorry if salmon seems questionable.
Tips for Cooking Thawed Salmon
Thawed salmon is great for baking, broiling, grilling, pan frying, and other cooking methods. Here are some helpful tips:
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Pat salmon dry before cooking to achieve crispy, seared skin.
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Brush with oil or rub with spices to add flavor. Salmon takes well to strong seasonings.
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Cook to an internal temperature of at least 145°F to kill potential bacteria. Salmon is also delicious cooked medium-rare at 125°F.
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Allow 3-4 ounces of salmon per adult serving. Adjust for any leftovers.
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Accompany salmon with fresh veggies, rice, couscous, or salad.
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Leftover cooked salmon keeps for 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat thoroughly before eating.
Follow safe fridge storage rules, pay attention for spoilage indicators, and cook thoroughly. With this knowledge, you can enjoy delicious thawed salmon dishes!
Thawed Or Defrosted Salmon
Salmon that has been frozen can be safely kept in the fridge for up to two days before it is cooked or eaten. When the salmon is thawing, you should put it in a shallow dish or tray to catch any drips and keep it from getting dirty from other foods in the fridge.
Smoked salmon is a bit easier to cook than fresh salmon, but it’s still one of my favorite breakfast foods and goes well with scrambled eggs. Smoked salmon undergoes a curing and smoking process, which extends its shelf life compared to fresh salmon. Unopened packages of smoked salmon can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Once it’s opened, wrap the rest of the smoked salmon tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and eat it within three to four days for the best taste and quality.
If you have marinated salmon, the storage time will depend on the ingredients used in the marinade. Generally, marinated salmon can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to two to three days. However, its best to consume it as soon as possible to enjoy the flavors at their peak. If you’re not sure about the ingredients or how long the meat was marinated, it’s best to stick to the shorter storage time to make sure it doesn’t go bad.
I love using canned salmon for quick and easy meals. There are many ways to use it, like in salads, salmon cakes, and sandwiches. It’s easy to keep on hand. And, canned salmon has a much longer shelf life compared to fresh salmon. Unopened canned salmon can last for 6 years and still taste good. After that, while the salmon may be safe to eat, the quality will start to diminish.
If you’ve opened your canned salmon, it should last for 1-2 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to move the salmon from the can to a container that won’t let air in. Never put opened canned goods back in their original cans. When the can is opened, more air can get in and cause the tin from the can to move to the contents of the can.
Besides the basic types of salmon listed above, here are some answers to some other common questions about how to store salmon:
Two things will give it away – how it looks, and how it smells. Fresh salmon has a beautiful reddish pink color, appears shiny and has a mild scent. Fresh salmon should also be firm and will bounce back when pressed. Salmon that is past its prime, on the other hand, will look a little gray and may even have a white film on it. It will also smell very fishy, or may even smell sour. If your salmon looks or smells like this, it’s probably a good idea to toss it.
Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Failure to do this can leave the salmon exposed to air and can cause it to spoil. The salmon should be kept in the coldest part of the fridge. This could be in the back or the bottom drawer. Do not eat salmon that has been stored in the fridge for more than 2 days. Freeze salmon if you are not going to eat it within the recommended time frame. Thaw frozen salmon properly before cooking it.
Salmon that has been frozen will stay fresh for up to three months, but the quality will get worse over time. To freeze salmon, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and then put it in a bag or that can go in the freezer. Be sure to label the bag with the date you froze the salmon. You could also have your salmon vacuum-sealed, which would let you freeze it for up to eight months. When you are ready to thaw frozen salmon, place it in the refrigerator overnight. You can also thaw salmon in the microwave, but it is essential to cook it immediately after thawing. Note that thawed salmon should not be refrozen.
If the salmon was properly thawed, you can freeze it again as long as it hasn’t gone bad (see the note above for how to tell if your salmon has gone bad) and is safely repackaged. So there you have it. This is a simple guide to how long you can safely store salmon in the fridge and some good ideas on how to do it.
How Long Can Thawed Salmon Stay In The Fridge? ANSWERED
FAQ
Can you eat salmon 3 days after defrosting?
Can raw salmon last 4 days in the fridge?
How long can fish stay in the fridge after thawing?
Can I eat salmon 3 days in fridge?
Can You refrigerate thawed salmon?
This is only safe, however, when it is within 1 day of removing your salmon from the freezer and only if it has been kept in the fridge the entire time. If you had your salmon thawing in the fridge for more than a day or left it on the counter for an hour or two, it must be cooked and consumed and cannot be refrozen.
How long do lemons stay fresh in the refrigerator?
Whole or uncut lemons generally last for 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge when it is properly stored, but could last up to 4 weeks. You can generally tell when fruits begin to expire by the skin becoming wrinkly and shrunken.
How long does salmon stay fresh in the fridge?
Seeing that salmon only stays fresh in your fridge for 2 days can be a bit of a letdown. But the good news is, if you have salmon on hand that you won’t eat by then, you can put it in a freezer-safe container and place it in your freezer. When placed in the freezer, salmon will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
How long does it take to thaw salmon?
Depending on the size of your cut of salmon, this method can take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. If, like us, you occasionally forget to put the salmon in the fridge overnight to thaw, don’t fret. You can still defrost your salmon in cold water. This method is relatively fast and effective.