It’s both good for you and tastes great, so salmon is a great choice. It has a lot of good protein, vitamins, and minerals, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. However, salmon goes bad quickly and will only stay fresh in the fridge for a few days. This makes a lot of home cooks wonder if they can freeze fresh salmon to make it last longer. The answer is yes, you can freeze salmon to enjoy later. This article will teach you everything you need to know to freeze and store salmon so that it stays moist and tasty.
How Long Does Fresh Salmon Last?
If you store fresh salmon that hasn’t been frozen the right way, it will only stay fresh for two days. Being in the fridge helps keep food from going bad, but it can’t stop it completely. Here are some signs that your fresh salmon has gone bad:
- Strong, fishy odor
- Slimy texture
- Discoloration or dull appearance
- Dry, flaky flesh
So if you can’t eat the salmon within a couple days of purchasing it, freezing is your best option
Can You Freeze Fresh Salmon?
Yes, freezing fresh salmon is a great way to extend its shelf life. Properly frozen salmon will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer before the texture and flavor start to degrade
Freezing stops the spoilage process almost completely. As long as you wrap and seal the salmon correctly to prevent freezer burn, it will come out tasting very close to fresh when you defrost it.
How to Freeze Fresh Salmon
Follow these simple steps for freezing salmon like a pro:
1. Clean the salmon
Give your fresh salmon fillets a quick rinse under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Make sure to remove any scales or bones.
2. Portion the salmon
Cut the salmon into individual portions or serving sizes if needed. This makes defrosting easier.
3. Wrap tightly
Wrap each salmon fillet very tightly in plastic wrap, squeezing out all the air. Then wrap again in aluminum foil for extra protection.
4. Label
Label each package with the type and amount of salmon and the date. This prevents freezer burn.
5. Freeze
Place packages flat in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to freezer bags.
6. Store at 0°F
Store the wrapped salmon in the coldest part of the freezer, ideally at 0°F or below. Use within 2-3 months for best quality.
Tips for Freezing Salmon
Follow these tips to successfully freeze salmon:
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Freeze salmon in single serving portions to make defrosting and cooking easier.
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Make sure to squeeze out all air when wrapping to prevent freezer burn.
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Use high quality freezer bags, plastic wrap, and foil to protect the salmon.
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Label packages carefully with type, amount, and date.
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Store salmon flat in a single layer in the coldest part of the freezer.
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Only keep frozen salmon for 2-3 months before the texture declines.
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Defrost in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
How Long Can Frozen Salmon Last?
Properly frozen and stored salmon can last for:
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2-3 months in a high quality freezer at 0°F or below before quality declines.
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6 months if the salmon is vacuum sealed and freezer temperature is very cold.
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Up to 1 year frozen at 0°F for lower quality use.
No matter what, don’t keep frozen salmon longer than 1 year for safety reasons. Always defrost salmon thoroughly before cooking.
Can You Refreeze Salmon?
Previously frozen salmon that was thawed in the refrigerator can be safely refrozen without much loss of quality. Make sure to wrap the salmon properly again before returning to the freezer.
However, salmon that was defrosted using the microwave or cold water bath should be cooked immediately rather than refrozen to prevent food safety issues.
How to Defrost Frozen Salmon
Always defrost frozen salmon safely in the refrigerator overnight. Allow about 6-8 hours to fully thaw 1 pound of salmon fillets.
You can also submerge the wrapped salmon in a bowl of cold water to defrost faster in 1-2 hours if needed. Change the water every 30 minutes.
Cook defrosted salmon right away and do not refreeze any leftovers. Enjoy your defrosted salmon in sushi, salmon cakes, or pasta!
The Bottom Line
Yes, you can absolutely freeze fresh salmon fillets or steaks at home to extend the shelf life for 2-3 months. Freezing stops salmon spoilage in its tracks. Just make sure to wrap the salmon airtight, label packages properly, and store at 0°F or below. Defrost frozen salmon safely in the fridge before enjoying it in your favorite seafood dishes!
How Long Can Cooked Salmon Stay in the Fridge?
Cooking the salmon helps to extend its lifespan a little longer than its raw counterpart. We generally advise to use leftover salmon within three to four days of cooking. After that, you run the risk of eating spoiled seafood. To help you eat your leftover salmon before it goes bad, we’ve put together a list of simple recipes you can use cooked salmon for.
The Best Way to Maintain the Quality of Your Catch
Food shoppers generally know how to store fresh meat or poultry, but not as many people know how to store salmon and keep it fresh. In actuality, the rules are easy to follow. We’ve put together a guide on how to store salmon so that it stays fresh in the fridge.
How To Freeze Fish at Home | A Fishmonger’s Guide
FAQ
Can you freeze uncooked fresh salmon?
Can I freeze salmon from the supermarket?
Does salmon taste different after freezing?
Should you freeze salmon in its packaging?
How do you freeze cooked salmon?
Water Immersion: Place the salmon in a zip-top bag, submerge it in water, then seal the bag. Cling Film: Wrap the salmon tightly in cling film, then place it in a zip-top bag. Place the sealed salmon in the freezer. Let the cooked salmon cool down to room temperature. Place the salmon in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
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.
Should salmon be frozen?
Additionally, freezing salmon can help to preserve its flavor. This is because freezing stops the growth of bacteria, which can cause fish to spoil quickly. If you defrost salmon properly (in the refrigerator, not at room temperature), it should be just as fresh and delicious as it was when you first bought it.
Can you freeze smoked salmon?
You can safely freeze salmon, both fresh and smoked. Salmon will keep well in the freezer for three to six months. Beyond this time period, frozen salmon will begin to deteriorate and the taste and quality will be affected. There are many factors to consider before freezing salmon, including the freshness of the fish when you purchase it.