How Long Does Smoked Salmon Last Unrefrigerated? The Definitive Guide

Smoked salmon is one of my favorite foods The smoky, salty flavor takes an already delicious fish to new heights Whether eaten as part of a bagel and cream cheese breakfast or layered on a salad, smoked salmon always seems to hit the spot.

But like any perishable food smoked salmon has to be handled properly to avoid spoilage and food borne illness. One of the most common questions I see is how long smoked salmon can be left out unrefrigerated before it goes bad. In this article I’ll cover everything you need to know about storing smoked salmon safely.

Storing Smoked Salmon Properly

When you buy smoked fish, the first thing you should do is put it in the fridge as soon as possible. Smoking salmon helps keep it fresh by lowering the moisture level, but it does not make it shelf-stable. Smoked salmon still needs to be kept chilled.

As soon as you get home from the grocery store or fish market, immediately place the smoked salmon in the fridge. Try to keep the temperature at 40°F or below. If you’re not planning to eat it within a couple days, pop it in the freezer to extend its shelf life.

When storing smoked salmon, make sure it is tightly wrapped or in an airtight container. You want to minimize air exposure as much as possible to prevent the fish from drying out. Dried out smoked salmon won’t make you sick, but it won’t taste very good either!

Dangers of Leaving Smoked Salmon Unrefrigerated

Now we’ll talk about the main reason why you should never leave smoked salmon out on the counter.

Smoking is not a foolproof way to make salmon shelf-stable. Although the smoking process kills some bacteria, it does not kill all dangerous pathogens that could be present. And given salmon’s low-acid environment, any bacteria present can quickly multiply in warm conditions.

Listeria and Clostridium botulinum are two big risks with smoked seafood Listeria can cause flu-like symptoms and is especially dangerous for pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems Botulism is a severe form of food poisoning that can be fatal,

Leaving smoked salmon unrefrigerated gives these harmful bacteria an opportunity to grow and produce toxins. Even if the smoked salmon looks and smells normal, dangerous toxins could be present. For optimal safety, smoked salmon should always be refrigerated.

How Long Can Smoked Salmon Sit Out?

Sometimes despite our best efforts, smoked salmon ends up sitting out for longer than it should. We get busy hosting brunch and forget to put the platter back in the fridge. Or a power outage occurs and we don’t notice for a couple hours.

So how long is it actually safe to leave smoked salmon unrefrigerated? Unfortunately there is no definitive timeframe. Smoked salmon should never be left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature. Even 2 hours may be pushing it depending on the environment.

On a hot summer day when your kitchen is 80°F or above, I would say smoked salmon shouldn’t sit out for more than an hour. The warmer the temperature, the faster bacteria can multiply.

If you do forget and leave your smoked salmon out for longer than a couple hours, it’s best to play it safe and throw it away. The bacteria that grow likely won’t change the taste or smell. Don’t take any chances with food poisoning!

Signs Your Smoked Salmon Has Gone Bad

Sometimes it’s unclear if your leftover smoked salmon is still ok to eat or not. Here are a few telltale signs that indicate spoiled, unsafe smoked salmon:

• Sliminess. Good smoked salmon should feel firm and dry to the touch. If it feels very moist, slippery, or mushy, it’s probably gone bad.

• Strong “fishy” smell. Fresh smoked salmon has a mild, smoky aroma. Foul odors indicate spoilage.

• Mold growth. You may see fuzzy white or green mold growing on bad smoked salmon. Discard immediately.

• Discoloration. The fish should look pale orange or pink when fresh. Yellow or brown hues are a bad sign.

• pH above 4.5. Use a food pH testing kit to accurately check for spoilage. Toss anything testing higher than 4.5 pH.

When in doubt, remember it’s better to waste a little bit of money than to risk getting sick from spoiled fish. Use your best judgment and don’t taste anything that smells or looks questionable.

Smoked Salmon Storage Tips

Now that you know why proper storage of smoked salmon is so crucial, here are some extra tips for keeping yours fresh as long as possible:

• Buy in small quantities. Smoked salmon has a relatively short shelf life compared to other proteins, even when refrigerated. Only purchase what you’ll realistically eat within 3-5 days.

• Separate into portion sizes. As soon you open a package, divide smoked salmon into individual servings in resealable plastic bags. This minimizes air exposure each time you open the package.

• Use ice packs for transport. When bringing smoked salmon to picnics or parties, use small ice packs or gel packs to keep it cold. Transport quickly and don’t let it sit in a hot car.

• Freeze for longer storage. Smoked salmon can be frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.

• Trust your senses. Rely on sight and smell to determine freshness. Discard anything that looks or smells “off” even if within the use-by date.

Smoked Salmon FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about storing smoked salmon:

How long does opened smoked salmon last in the fridge?

Once opened, smoked salmon will last about 3-5 days in the fridge. Keep it tightly wrapped and as cold as possible.

Can you freeze smoked salmon?

Yes, freezing extends the shelf life of smoked salmon to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using for best quality.

Is it safe to eat frozen smoked salmon without cooking?

It’s safe to eat properly frozen and thawed smoked salmon without further cooking. Cooking would only dry it out.

How can you tell if smoked salmon has gone bad?

Rely on your senses – spoiled smoked salmon may smell off, look slimy, or show mold growth. When in doubt, throw it out.

What happens if you eat spoiled smoked salmon?

Eating spoiled smoked salmon puts you at risk for food poisoning. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

The Bottom Line

Smoked salmon is something I always like keeping on hand for quick and easy meals. But like with any perishable food, you can’t just leave it sitting out indefinitely and expect it to be safe to eat.

Follow the simple rules of refrigerating smoked salmon right away after buying, monitoring fridge temperature, minimizing air exposure, and using your senses before eating. With proper handling, you can safely enjoy this delicious treat!