In an ideal world, you would only bring out the right amount of salmon to cook for your meal plans during the week and for parties on the weekends. People often ask us, “How long does salmon last in the fridge?” because, well, life happens. If you’re like us and have more eyes than stomachs, here are some ways to store your salmon that will help it last up to twice as long!
I love having salmon on hand because it makes quick and tasty meals, but I can’t eat a whole fillet by myself before it goes bad. So freezing salmon is a great option to store it for later. But how long does salmon stay good in the freezer before it starts to get bad?
I did some research to find out how long salmon can be frozen and still taste great. Here’s what I learned about freezing raw salmon fillets or steaks so you can enjoy salmon recipes for months.
Overview: Salmon Can Be Frozen for 2-6 Months
The general guideline is that raw salmon which is properly frozen can maintain optimal quality for 2-3 months in the freezer. It can technically be kept frozen for up to 6 months, but the taste, texture, and freshness will start to downgrade after 3 months.
Do not cook or eat frozen raw salmon after 3 months for the best quality and taste. If you want to store salmon for a longer time, plan to use it in recipes that bring out the flavor of the salmon, like salmon patties or salmon chowder.
What Impacts How Long Salmon Can Be Frozen?
Several factors determine how well salmon retains its quality during freezing:
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Freshness when frozen – Salmon that is super fresh when you freeze it will taste better than salmon that was already getting old.
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Storage temperature – Colder freezer temps (0°F or below) keep salmon fresher longer than higher temps (10°F).
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Freezer burn – Use air-tight packaging to prevent freezer burn which dries salmon out.
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To keep bacteria from growing, let food thaw slowly in the fridge instead of on the counter.
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Type of salmon – Fattier wild salmon may not freeze quite as long as leaner farmed salmon.
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Preparation – Frozen glazed or smoked salmon doesn’t last as long as raw frozen salmon.
Follow proper freezing, storage, and thawing methods for the full 3-6 months of optimal quality frozen salmon
Step-By-Step Guide to Freezing Salmon
Follow these simple steps for freezing salmon correctly so it stays as fresh as possible:
1. Buy Fresh Salmon
- Inspect color, smell, texture – should be shiny, bright pink/red, firm, no smell
- Ensure “best by” date is as far out as possible
- Use within 1-2 days or freeze right away
2. Prepare the Salmon
- Rinse under cold water and pat dry with paper towels
- Cut into portion sizes you will use for meals (4-6 oz)
- Consider vacuum sealing for max freshness
3. Package for Freezing
- Wrap each portion in plastic wrap, parchment, or freezer paper
- Put in freezer bags or airtight containers, removing air
- Label with name and freeze-by date (3 months from freeze date)
4. Freeze Promptly
- Freeze at 0°F or below
- Use freezer thermometer to monitor temperature
- Don’t overstuff freezer, as that slows down freezing
5. Store Frozen Salmon Properly
- Leave space between packages for air flow
- Avoid opening the freezer often to maintain temperature
- If freezer can’t stay at 0°F, use within 2 months
Thawing Frozen Salmon
To keep thawed salmon from getting soggy or growing bacteria, thaw it gradually in the refrigerator.
- Move frozen salmon to the fridge 1-2 days before you want to eat it
- Change wrapping if liquid starts accumulating to prevent sogginess
- Cook raw salmon within 1-2 days of thawing
Once thawed, don’t refreeze raw salmon. But thawed salmon can be cooked into casseroles or fish cakes and then re-frozen.
Enjoy Frozen Salmon Within 3 Months for Best Quality
Following these guidelines, you can keep raw salmon in the freezer for 2-3 months before it starts to lose its firm texture and bright flavor. Take salmon out of the freezer within 6 months for use in cooked dishes or preparations where salmon is mixed with other ingredients.
I like to stock up on fresh salmon when it’s on sale, then freeze it in handy portion sizes. This lets me enjoy delicious salmon whenever I want it! Use these freezing tips to make your salmon stay fresh and tasty for several months.
Now the question is, how long can the salmon last in the fridge?
There is no clear answer to this question because it depends on how fresh and good the salmon is. Typically, raw salmon from your local supermarket can only be stored for only 1-2 days after purchasing. This is because of the long seafood supply chain. The salmon has to be processed overseas before it gets to the store. It can take 20-30 days for the seafood to get to your local store. Unlike the common grocery stores, at Alaskan Salmon, we deliver fresh, flash-frozen seafood to your door. We process our salmon the same day it’s caught by flash-freezing them while they’re still very fresh and avoiding as much handling as possible to keep the quality of the salmon as high as possible. By doing so, your salmon might last about 4-5 days in the fridge with proper storage and handling.
Can I refreeze previously frozen salmon?
As long as you don’t touch the salmon while it’s still frozen, you can safely freeze it again. But you will need to get rid of as much water as you can from the salmon (How to get rid of water from salmon) to keep its quality, texture, and flavor.
Refreeze your salmon by properly storing it in a vacuum sealed bag or container.
How to Freeze and Thaw Salmon
FAQ
Is 2 year old frozen salmon still good?
How long can you freeze raw salmon?
Can I freeze salmon from the grocery store?
How to tell if frozen salmon has gone bad?
Can you freeze salmon?
You can purchase this Pure Ascorbic Acid from Amazon. It is made specifically for preserving food. It is kosher, gluten-free, and vegan. Next up, put the fish on parchment paper and a baking tray an put it in the freezer until it is completely frozen. Once the cuts of salmon are solidly frozen, take them out and dip them in ice water.
Is fresh salmon safe to eat?
Yes, salmon is a source of omega 3, the fatty acid is responsible for acting in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, making the heart strong and healthy. Just be careful to analyze the supplier to make sure it doesn’t have any contamination.
How long does salmon last in the freezer?
However, if stored properly, salmon can actually last for up to 6 months in the freezer. To ensure the best quality, it’s important to properly wrap the salmon to prevent freezer burn. It’s recommended to use airtight plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or freezer bags to store the salmon.
How do you keep salmon from thawing in the freezer?
Avoid frequent temperature fluctuations by keeping the freezer door closed as much as possible. Place in the Coldest Part of the Freezer: Put the wrapped or packaged salmon in the coldest part of the freezer, such as the back or bottom shelf. This will help maintain a consistent temperature and prevent the salmon from thawing partially.