Salmon eggs, also known as salmon roe or caviar, are considered a delicacy around the world. Their bright orange color and popping texture make them an fun addition to many dishes However, fresh salmon eggs are only available during certain times of year when salmon are spawning This leads many home cooks to wonder – can you freeze salmon eggs to enjoy their unique flavor year-round?
The short answer is yes, you can safely freeze salmon eggs for extended storage When properly frozen and thawed, salmon eggs retain much of their signature pop and color Follow these tips for successfully freezing and thawing salmon caviar.
Should You Freeze Salmon Eggs?
Freezing is an excellent way to preserve salmon eggs for later use. In their fresh state, salmon eggs last just 2-3 days when refrigerated. The good quality will stay the same for up to three months if they are frozen.
Freezing is ideal if you:
- Catch or buy salmon eggs in bulk during spawning season
- Want to save extra eggs from a recipe rather than letting them go to waste
- Need to transport the eggs from the fishing site back home
Salmon caviar freezes well compared to more delicate fish eggs like sturgeon caviar. The membranes surrounding salmon eggs are thick, protecting them from damage during freezing.
How to Freeze Salmon Eggs
Follow these simple steps for properly freezing salmon roe:
1. Rinse and Pat Dry
Rinse the eggs under cold running water to remove any debris. Gently pat them dry with paper towels. Take care not to handle them too roughly.
2. Spread on Baking Sheet
Arrange the eggs in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Make sure none of the eggs are touching.
3. Freeze Quickly
Place the baking sheet in the freezer. Freeze for 1-2 hours until completely hard.
4. Transfer to Airtight Container
Transfer the frozen eggs to resealable plastic bags or airtight containers. Squeeze out excess air before sealing.
5. Label and Return to Freezer
Label the container with the type and date of freezing. Return to the freezer immediately.
6. Use Within 3 Months
For best quality and flavor, use frozen salmon eggs within 3 months.
Tips for Freezing
-
Work quickly and freeze eggs as soon as possible after harvesting or purchasing.
-
Only freeze eggs that are fresh and undamaged. Discard any with broken membranes.
-
Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet so eggs freeze individually.
-
Use high-quality, freezer-grade bags or containers to prevent freezer burn.
-
Avoid refreezing previously frozen and thawed salmon eggs.
Thawing Frozen Salmon Eggs
To safely thaw frozen salmon eggs:
-
Move eggs from freezer to refrigerator 12-24 hours before needed.
-
Keep eggs contained while thawing to avoid liquid leakage.
-
Thaw in refrigerator until eggs are completely soft and pliable.
-
Use immediately after thawing. Do not refreeze.
Storing Thawed Salmon Eggs
Once thawed, salmon eggs must be handled like fresh eggs:
-
Keep refrigerated and use within 2-3 days.
-
Do not refreeze thawed eggs.
-
Discard eggs if they smell unpleasant or appear milky or opaque.
Serving Thawed Salmon Roe
Thawed salmon eggs regain much of their signature pop. They can be served and enjoyed in many of the same ways as fresh eggs:
-
On sushi rolls, nigiri or hand rolls
-
Mixed into cooked rice along with avocado and sesame seeds
-
Spooned over toasted bagels with cream cheese and red onion
-
As a garnish for smoked salmon toast points
-
Folded into omelets or scrambled eggs
-
On top of canapés or crostini
-
As a topping on seafood dishes like grilled fish
-
Swirled into soups just before serving
Freezing Other Types of Fish Eggs
Salmon caviar freezes well compared to other delicacies like sturgeon caviar. Sturgeon eggs are more delicate and not recommended for freezing. Here are some other fish roe that freeze successfully:
-
Cod roe – Rinse, dry, freeze flat in layers separated by parchment paper.
-
Trout roe – Clean, freeze in single layer on baking sheet.
-
Smelt roe – Spread on pan, freeze 1 hour, transfer to airtight container.
-
Tobiko – Rinse, pat dry, freeze in jars leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace.
-
Masago – Drain brine, rinse, freeze in single layer on metal pan.
Can You Freeze Salmon Eggs in Shells?
It’s not recommended to freeze salmon eggs still inside the shell or skein. The shell can crack during freezing, damaging the eggs. For best results, remove the orange pearls from the shell and freeze according to the method above.
Safety Tips for Handling Salmon Caviar
Salmon eggs, like any perishable seafood, require safe handling to prevent illness:
-
Store fresh eggs at 32-38°F, keeping chilled until ready to freeze or serve
-
When thawing, do not leave eggs at room temperature more than 2 hours
-
Discard eggs if they have an unpleasant odor or appearance
-
Consume frozen eggs within 3 months for safety and quality
-
Avoid cross contamination by keeping eggs and their juices away from other foods
-
Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 2-3 days
Enjoy Salmon Caviar Year-Round
With proper freezing techniques, you can enjoy high-quality salmon eggs even when they are out of season. Frozen salmon roe retains much of the same pop, bright color and unique flavor as fresh eggs. Follow the recommendations in this guide for successfully freezing and thawing caviar.
Freezing and Storing Cured Salmon Eggs
FAQ
How do you preserve salmon eggs?
Can you freeze fresh salmon roe?
Can you cure frozen salmon eggs?
How do you cure salmon eggs?
Place the eggs and cure in a plastic bag and get the cure evenly distributed. Salmon Egg Cure is a mix of borax, salt, sugar, dye and other preservatives. The salt preserves. The sugar toughens. The borax dries. The dye colors. Once the skeins are coated, the cure will draw out liquids from the eggs.
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.
Do You Bleed salmon eggs?
Salmon eggs are very delicate and are a treasure to every river fisherman. Be sure to bleed your catch right away, keep it cool until it’s time to process, and begin curing the salmon roe within 24 hours. Here is a salmon egg skein that was removed from the salmon right after it was caught and bled.
Should you freeze eggs?
Freezing eggs properly can help preserve their taste and texture for future use. Freezing eggs can also be a time-saving and convenient solution for meal prep! And freezing eggs is also a fantastic way to store eggs properly and eliminate food waste in your household.
Do you add salt to frozen eggs?
Egg whites are fine, which is why you don’t need the salt when they are separated. If you add the salt, then frozen eggs should not taste vastly different than fresh eggs, other than being a bit saltier. The amount of salt is negligible, so shouldn’t affect recipes.
What fish can you catch with cured salmon eggs?
Cured salmon eggs are effective baits used to catch Salmon, Steelhead and Trout. You might be heaving a fist sized ball of eggs for Chinook Salmon in the tidewater, stalking Trout in the high mountains with a single egg on an ultralight rod, or using one of many Winter Steelhead fishing techniques that are perfect for cured roe.