Can You Eat Leftover Salmon Patties the Next Day? Safety Tips and Storage Advice

Salmon patties are a quick and easy weeknight dinner staple in many households Often made with canned salmon, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasoning, these crispy cakes are budget-friendly and packed with protein But what if you don’t polish off all of those tasty patties in one sitting? Is it safe to eat leftover salmon patties the next day or beyond?

As a mom and busy home cook, I love making the most of leftovers for quick meals during the week. But I also want to make sure I’m handling and storing food correctly to keep myself from getting sick.

I did some digging into the safety of eating leftover salmon patties to get the bottom line. Here’s what I learned, along with tips for safely storing and reheating any uneaten salmon cakes.

How Long Do Leftover Salmon Patties Last?

The first question to tackle – how long can you keep leftover cooked salmon patties and still eat them safely? Here are some general guidelines from food safety experts

• Refrigerated: 3 to 4 days
• Frozen: 2 to 3 months

The USDA says that cooked seafood and fish, like salmon patties, can be kept in the fridge for three to four days before they need to be thrown away. Make sure to store them in a covered container to maintain quality.

For longer storage, you can safely freeze leftover salmon patties for 2 to 3 months. Freeze patties in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag or airtight container.

Proper Handling for Leftover Salmon Patties

To keep cooked salmon patties safe for as long as possible, handle them the right way:

• Chill patties within 2 hours of cooking. Don’t leave at room temperature.
• Store patties in a shallow covered container so they cool quickly.
• Portion patties into smaller containers for faster chilling.
• Label containers with date cooked for tracking.
• Use oldest patties first within the safe 3-4 day window.

Follow these steps to safely maximize your salmon patty leftovers!

Reheating Your Leftover Salmon Patties

When ready to eat your leftover salmon cakes, proper reheating is important to food safety as well. Here are some reheating tips:

• Defrost frozen patties in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat patties on the stove or in the oven until 165°F internally.
• Microwave leftovers using defrost function first for even heating.
• Bring sauces, gravy to a boil when reheating.
• Don’t slow cook or leave patties at room temp more than 2 hours total.

Reheating your salmon patties thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F kills any bacteria that may have developed and makes them safe to eat again.

Storing Cooked Salmon Safely

The same principles used for salmon patties apply to safely storing any cooked salmon to eat later. Here are some quick food safety tips:

• Refrigerate or freeze raw salmon within 2 days of purchasing.
• Cook fresh salmon within 2 days of defrosting, if frozen.
• When cooking, use a food thermometer to ensure salmon reaches 145°F.
• Never leave cooked salmon or any protein out for more than 2 hours.
• Portion salmon into shallow containers for quick cooling.
• Freeze salmon for longer storage, up to 2-3 months.

Follow these guidelines when cooking and storing salmon to maximize freshness and prevent foodborne illness.

Signs Your Leftover Salmon Has Spoiled

Trust your senses when evaluating leftover salmon patties or cooked salmon before eating it. Here are some signs your salmon has spoiled and should be discarded:

• Fishy, ammonia-like odor
• Slimy texture and milky color
• Discoloration, dulled flesh
• Mold growth – do not eat molded salmon!
• Significantly past date when cooked or frozen

When in doubt, remember the old adage “When in doubt, throw it out!” Don’t risk getting sick from spoiled seafood – your health is not worth it.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Salmon Patties

Now that you know leftover salmon patties are safe to eat for up to 4 days in the fridge, get creative with how you serve those pre-made patties later in the week!

• Toss into salads for extra protein
• Crumble into chowders or salmon hash
• Make salmon slider sandwiches
• Top with eggs for breakfast
• Flake into rice or pasta dishes
• Fill lettuce wraps or sandwiches
• Make quick salmon tacos

With some imagination, you can reinvent those leftover patties into all sorts of fun new dishes while reducing food waste.

Perfectly Pan-Fried Salmon Patties

To start with delicious salmon patties you’ll want leftovers of, try my go-to pan fried salmon patty recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 14 oz can wild salmon
• 1 egg
• 1⁄2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp parsley
• 1⁄4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Drain and flake salmon, removing any bones.
2. In a bowl, combine salmon, egg, breadcrumbs, lemon juice and seasonings.
3. Form into patties, about 1⁄2 inch thick. Chill 30 minutes.
4. Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a skillet over medium high heat.
5. Fry patties 4-5 minutes each side until golden brown.
6. Enjoy hot or store leftovers up to 4 days refrigerated.