Out of all the great meats, fish, and cheeses we make at Wiltshire Smokehouse, our smoked salmon is the one we’re most known for. However, even though we are very proud of the way we smoke our fish, this fish itself has a certain appeal. Salmon is one of the most popular fish on the market right now. Its bright pink color, unique mild flavor, and many uses make it a great choice. We want this guide to help you get the most out of your smoked salmon from the time you buy it until you serve it.
Smoked salmon is one of the most delicious and versatile ingredients you can have in your fridge. Its incredible flavor takes dishes to the next level whether enjoyed freshly sliced on a bagel, incorporated into pasta or scrambled eggs, or plated alongside a crisp glass of wine and cheese
Of course, like any perishable ingredient smoked salmon must be stored properly to retain quality and freshness. Follow this complete guide to get the most out of your smoked salmon by keeping it fresh for as long as possible!
How to Store Unopened Smoked Salmon
When you first bring home smoked salmon from the market or fishmonger, proper storage starts right away even if you don’t plan to open and eat it immediately. Here are the steps for ideal storage of unopened smoked salmon
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Keep smoked salmon refrigerated at all times until you are ready to open and consume it. The refrigerator temperature should be set to 40°F or below.
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Store the sealed, unopened package of smoked salmon on a plate or tray to catch any potential drips or moisture.
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Place the smoked salmon on a shelf in the coldest area of the refrigerator, such as the bottom shelf or in the designated meat drawer.
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Smoked salmon shouldn’t be kept on the shelves inside the fridge door because the temperature changes more when the door is opened.
This chilled storage in the original packaging helps retain moisture content and texture. It also inhibits bacterial growth to keep your smoked salmon safe before opening.
How Long Does Unopened Smoked Salmon Last?
When properly stored in the refrigerator, unopened smoked salmon typically lasts:
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2-4 weeks past any use-by date printed on the original packaging.
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If no use-by date is provided, smoked salmon can generally last 2-3 weeks from the date of purchase when kept sealed and refrigerated.
Always inspect the salmon and give it a sniff test regardless of dates before consuming to ensure no spoiled odors are present. Discard if any off smells, sticky textures or excessive dried areas are detected.
Opened Smoked Salmon Storage
Once you break the seal and open your smoked salmon, it is more vulnerable to quality loss. Follow these ideal storage methods to retain freshness and shelf life:
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Immediately store any unused smoked salmon in a sealed container or resealable plastic bag with as much air removed as possible.
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Continue storing in the coldest part of the refrigerator, either in its original packaging or your air-tight sealed container if you transferred it.
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Be sure to fold over or clip any bag edges to prevent air exposure. You can also double bag for added protection.
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Consume opened smoked within 3-5 days for peak flavor and quality. Don’t let it linger more than a week.
Properly sealing and promptly refrigerating opened smoked salmon prevents moisture loss and oxidation which causes the salmon to dry out. It also slows harmful bacteria growth.
How Long Does Opened Smoked Salmon Last?
Once opened, smoked salmon will maintain best quality for:
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3-5 days when stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
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Up to 1 week maximum if continuously refrigerated. Discard any leftovers after a week.
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After being served or left out at room temperature, smoked salmon is only safe to eat for up to 2 hours before bacteria risk increases.
Always rely on your senses. If smoked salmon smells, looks or feels off, don’t risk eating it. Play it safe when in doubt and throw it out.
Freezing Smoked Salmon
For long term storage, smoked salmon can be frozen to extend shelf life. Follow these preparation tips before freezing:
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Only freeze smoked salmon that is fresh and has been consistently refrigerated. Freeze as soon as possible after opening.
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Cut smoked salmon into individual serving portions before freezing for easier thawing and use later.
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Wrap each portion tightly in plastic freezer wrap, pressing out excess air. Foil or freezer bags also work well.
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Label each package with contents and freezing date so you know how long it’s been frozen.
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Freeze smoked salmon flat in a single layer to prevent freezer burn then store all packages together.
With proper freezing methods, smoked salmon can safely keep for 2-3 months in the freezer before quality decline.
Thawing Frozen Smoked Salmon
When ready to savor that frozen smoked salmon, use one of these thawing methods:
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Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for slow, safe thawed smoked salmon ready to eat the next day.
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For quick thawing, place vacuum sealed portions under cold running water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
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Microwave thawed smoked salmon very briefly just to take the chill off. Cook immediately after thawing.
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You can bake, broil, grill or pan fry frozen smoked salmon straight from the freezer. Just increase cook times.
Once thawed, use smoked salmon right away for maximum freshness and flavor. Avoid refreezing thawed smoked salmon.
Smoked Salmon Storage Tips
Keep these additional smoked salmon storage tips in mind:
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Purchase vacuum-sealed smoked salmon whenever possible, as this removes air to help preserve freshness longer.
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Avoid purchasing more smoked salmon than you’ll use within a week to prevent waste.
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Never thaw smoked salmon at room temperature or leave it sitting out once thawed.
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When storing opened smoked salmon, change plastic bags or containers daily to limit bacteria growth.
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Consume smoked salmon within 3 days after opening for premium quality and taste.
Proper chilled storage locks in smoked salmon freshness. Now you can keep this seafood delicacy on hand to take any meal to new culinary heights!
How To Prepare Smoked Salmon
Not much needs to be done to prepare this fish because it has already been smoked and can be eaten as is. All the pin bones have been taken out of our sliced packs of smoked Scottish salmon, and each side has been trimmed. It’s that easy to use. Just take a slice out of the package and put it in your next recipe. We also have whole fillet packs that also don’t need any preparation before eating. Flake them over salads or pasta or eat whole along with roasted vegetables or mashed potato. You can freeze these and keep them for up to three months, so you don’t have to eat them all right away.
How To Store Smoked Salmon
The smoke process makes our smoked salmon last longer than fresh salmon, but it still needs to be stored carefully to stay safe. We recommend transferring your fish straight to the freezer as soon as you arrive home. It should be kept in the packaging or wrapped in cling film to maintain moisture. You can usually keep the fish in the fridge for two to three weeks, during which time it will still taste great.
If you want to transport smoked salmon somewhere, such as for a picnic, we recommend using a cooler. Fill with ice packs and place the salmon at the bottom before ensuring it is tightly packed in. This will keep it in a refrigerated environment, reducing the risk of Staphylococcus aureus (straph) bacteria from forming. This is a toxin that is resistant to heat and cannot be destroyed during the cooking process. If salmon is left for too long outside of a refrigerated environment, it should be thrown away.
If you forget to put salmon in the fridge and it’s not too hot outside, it should be fine to put it back in the fridge after less than two hours. However, take discretion. If the salmon has started to dry out or looks brown, it’s safer to throw it away.
Not going to use or eat all of your salmon in 3 weeks? You can also freeze it. When you do this, use a container that won’t let air in and line it with greaseproof paper. We recommend laying two slices of salmon in and then another sheet of greaseproof paper. Continue doing this until the container has been filled. Pop the airtight lid on and put it in the freezer.
You can keep smoked salmon frozen for up to 3 months safely. Once you want to eat it, bring the container out and pop it into the fridge. Allow the fish to defrost naturally to maintain the flavour and ensure bacteria doesn’t have time to thrive.
How To Store Smoked Salmon With Food Saver
FAQ
What’s the best way to store smoked salmon?
How long will smoked salmon last in the fridge?
Does smoked salmon need to be refrigerated if vacuum sealed?
How to store lox after opening?
How do you store smoked salmon?
To ensure that your pack of smoked salmon does not spoil quickly, remember to fold the package’s edge and seal with tape if you can. The package has been partially destroyed or ripped; you can always use a large zip lock bag to store your smoked salmon. It always places it at the bottom tray, so it receives the most cooling from the refrigerator.
Is smoked salmon good for you?
Salmon is a source of high-quality protein, magnesium, and selenium. In addition, it provides healthy fatty acids for the body. It contains large amounts of omega 3, which prevents cardiovascular diseases, has anti-inflammatory properties, and prevents certain types of Cancer.
How do you keep smoked salmon savory?
From vacuum sealing to freezing, we have all the tricks of the trade to ensure your smoked salmon stays irresistibly savory. With these techniques, you’ll never have to worry about your prized salmon losing its flavor or texture ever again.
Does smoked salmon need to be refrigerated?
Refrigeration: Always store smoked salmon in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C). This helps slow down bacterial growth and maintain its quality. Airtight Packaging: Whether it’s store-bought or homemade, ensure smoked salmon is tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container to prevent air exposure and freezer burn.