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.
As a seafood lover, fresh salmon is one of my favorite meats to cook with. Salmon can be made in a huge number of different ways, such as smoked salmon dip, salmon burgers, and roasted salmon fillets. On the other hand, raw salmon goes bad quickly and needs to be stored carefully to stay fresh.
A common question many home cooks have is just how long raw salmon will keep in the refrigerator Is it safe to store raw salmon in the fridge for 2-3 days until you’re ready to cook it? Or will it start to go bad before then?
I decided to dig into the details on storing raw salmon to find out if it can truly last 3 days refrigerated. Here’s a comprehensive look at how to store raw salmon and how long it will maintain quality and safety when kept chilled.
The Short Answer
According to food safety experts raw salmon that is continuously refrigerated can safely be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before cooking or freezing. However, for best quality, it’s ideal to cook or freeze salmon within 1-2 days of purchasing.
How Long Does Raw Salmon Last in the Fridge?
The shelf life of raw salmon depends on a few key factors:
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Freshness when purchased – Salmon that’s already nearing the end of its peak freshness will have a shorter fridge life.
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Right temperature—It’s very important to store food at the right fridge temperature of 40°F or less.
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Handling – Contamination and cross-contamination can introduce bacteria and shorten shelf life.
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Type of cut – Whole fish lasts slightly longer than fillets or steaks.
With ideal storage conditions, here are the general fridge life guidelines:
- Whole raw salmon: 3-4 days
- Salmon steaks: 2-3 days
- Salmon fillets: 1-2 days
Technically, raw salmon can be kept in the fridge for three days before it is used, but after the first or second day, the quality may start to go down. Cook salmon within one to two days of buying it for the best taste and texture.
How to Store Raw Salmon in the Fridge
To help your raw salmon last as long as possible, follow these storage tips:
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Place salmon in the coldest part of the fridge, away from the door.
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Wrap fish tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Eliminate air exposure.
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Lay fish flat so juices don’t pool and bacteria can’t accumulate.
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Avoid overcrowding the fridge, as this reduces air circulation.
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Wash hands before and after handling raw salmon to prevent cross-contamination.
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Use salmon within 1-2 days for premium freshness, 3 days max for quality and food safety.
Can You Freeze Raw Salmon?
Freezing is the best way to extend the shelf life of raw salmon while preserving quality. Here’s how long frozen salmon will last:
- In a home freezer at 0°F: 2-3 months
- In a self-defrosting freezer: 1-2 months
- In the ice maker compartment: 1 week
To freeze, wrap salmon tightly in plastic, seal in an airtight bag, and squeeze out excess air. Date the package so you know when you stored it.
Thawing Frozen Salmon
Always thaw frozen fish safely in the refrigerator, cold water, or the microwave. Here are thawing guidelines:
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Fridge: Thaw overnight in the fridge in a container to catch drips.
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Cold water: Submerge sealed packet in cold water, changing water every 30 mins.
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Microwave: Defrost 6-8 mins per lb on 30% power, turning several times. Cook immediately after thawing.
How to Tell if Raw Salmon Has Gone Bad
It’s important to watch for signs of spoilage in raw salmon. Here’s what to look for:
- Fishy, sour, or ammonia-like smell
- Slimy texture and dull or gray coloring
- Discoloration or dry, brown spots on the flesh
Trust your senses – if salmon smells, looks or feels off, it’s safest to discard it.
Safely Handling and Cooking Raw Salmon
Raw salmon can contain harmful bacteria. Follow these precautions:
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Wash hands and surfaces after handling. Avoid cross-contamination.
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Cook to an internal temperature of at least 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness.
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Consume cooked salmon within 3-4 days if refrigerated, or freeze for longer storage.
Ideas for Using Salmon Within 3 Days
To make the most of salmon’s 3-day fridge life, here are fresh recipe ideas:
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Cajun blackened salmon – roasted in the oven with Cajun seasoning
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** Maple ginger glazed salmon** – broiled salmon with a sweet maple and ginger glaze
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Salmon Niçoise salad – seared salmon served over mixed greens with boiled eggs, tomatoes, green beans and olives
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Skillet salmon cakes – flavorful patties made with chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, herbs and spices
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Salmon poke bowl – cubed raw salmon tossed with rice, vegetables and Hawaiian-style poke sauce
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Smoked salmon bagel – thinly sliced smoked salmon layered on a toasted everything bagel with cream cheese and veggies
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Lemon garlic salmon pasta – pan seared salmon served over pasta in a lemony garlic butter sauce
With proper refrigeration, raw salmon can safely last 2-3 days before use. For top quality, cook within 1-2 days. Use these fresh recipe ideas to enjoy salmon at its best!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions about storing raw salmon? Here are answers to some common queries.
How can you tell if raw salmon is bad?
Signs that raw salmon has spoiled include an off smell, slimy flesh, discolored patches, dry brown spots, or a dull, grayish appearance. Always discard salmon with any signs of spoilage.
Can raw salmon be refrozen after thawing?
It’s not recommended to refreeze raw salmon after it has been completely thawed. However, if the salmon is still partially frozen with ice crystals intact, it can safely be refrozen.
Is it safe to marinate raw salmon in the fridge?
Yes, marinating raw salmon is safe. Marinate for no more than 2 days to avoid over-marination. Discard used marinade instead of reusing to avoid bacteria.
Can you freeze salmon after cooking?
Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool fully before freezing. Thaw in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove, in the oven or microwave.
How many times can you freeze and re-thaw salmon?
Salmon can safely be frozen and thawed twice before quality really starts to deteriorate. Try to avoid re-thawing until you plan to cook it.
Can you eat raw salmon from the grocery store?
It’s not recommended. Raw salmon from the grocery store may contain parasites, viruses or bacteria that are neutralized during cooking. Avoid eating raw unless it has been deep frozen first.
Is it safe to eat raw salmon after the sell-by date?
It’s not recommended to eat salmon raw or cooked past 1-3 days after the sell-by date, even if refrigerated. Salmon is highly perishable so sell-by dates should be adhered to.
The Takeaway on Storing Raw Salmon
When stored properly in the fridge at 40°F or below, raw salmon can safely be kept for 2-3 days before cooking, freezing or discarding. For the best quality and texture, aim to use salmon within 1-2 days of purchasing.
Follow the storage, freezing and thawing guidelines provided, and rely on your senses to determine if salmon is still fresh and wholesome before eating it. With proper handling, you can enjoy fresh salmon dishes all week long.
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.
