In an ideal world, you would only bring out the right amount of salmon to cook for your meal plans during the week and for parties on the weekends. People often ask us, “How long does salmon last in the fridge?” because, well, life happens. If you’re like us and have more eyes than stomachs, here are some ways to store your salmon that will help it last up to twice as long!
Salmon is one of my favorite proteins to meal prep because it’s so versatile, packed with nutrients, and has a nice quick cook time. Like most fish, salmon tends to spoil faster than other proteins like chicken or beef So a common question is – how long does cooked salmon last in the fridge?
In this article I’ll provide a complete guide to storing leftover cooked salmon covering
- How many days cooked salmon stays good for
- Proper storage methods to maximize freshness
- Signs that your salmon has gone bad
- The safety risks of eating spoiled salmon
- Creative ways to use up leftover salmon before it spoils
Plus some extra tips to make sure your cooked salmon lasts as long as possible in the fridge. Let’s dive in!.
How Long Does Cooked Salmon Last in the Fridge?
Feds say that cooked salmon will stay good in the fridge for three to four days after being cooked. For the freshest salmon and the safest food, this is the best time to eat it.
The absolute maximum shelf life for cooked salmon stored in the fridge is 7 days. However, the texture and flavor will really start to degrade after day 4 or 5. I don’t recommend trying to push it a full week.
For optimum taste and food safety, try to eat your leftover cooked salmon within 3-4 days. Then cook up a fresh batch or freeze additional portions if you need salmon throughout the week.
Proper Storage Methods to Maximize Freshness
It is important to store cooked salmon the right way so that it lasts as long as possible. Here are some storage tips:
- Allow salmon to cool completely before refrigerating. Don’t transfer hot salmon straight to the fridge.
- Store in an airtight container or seal tightly with plastic wrap. This prevents refrigerator odors from seeping in.
- Put salmon in the coldest part of the fridge, usually the back of the top shelf.
- If storing for more than 2 days, consider placing the container on ice or freezer packs. The colder the better.
- Always label leftovers with the prep date so you know when 4 days are up.
Proper cooling and refrigeration prevents bacteria growth and keeps your salmon fresher for longer.
How Can You Tell If Cooked Salmon Has Gone Bad?
Salmon that has been stored too long in the fridge will show signs of spoilage. Here’s what to look out for:
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Sliminess – Fresh salmon has a smooth, firm texture. Slime or mucus on the surface signals spoilage.
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Fishy smell – Cooked salmon smells mildly briny when fresh. A strong fishy odor is a clear red flag.
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Discoloration – Fresh salmon is bright pink/orange. Grayish or white splotches indicate it’s gone bad.
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Mold – Fuzzy spots or coating on the salmon means it should be discarded immediately. Don’t risk eating moldy salmon.
If your leftovers show any of these signs past day 4, it’s best to throw them out and start fresh. Don’t taste test questionable salmon.
The Dangers of Eating Spoiled Salmon
Eating salmon that has spoiled puts you at risk for food poisoning. Some hazards of eating bad salmon include:
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Salmonella – Though not common, salmon can harbor this bacteria if severely spoiled. Causes vomiting, fever, diarrhea.
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Listeria – Bacteria that can grow even when refrigerated. Causes fever, cramps, nausea.
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Histamine poisoning – Toxins produced as fish decays. Leads to rash, headache, digestive issues.
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General decomposition – Spoiled proteins can irritate the digestive tract. Results in nausea, cramps, etc.
Leftover salmon is best consumed within 3-4 days to avoid any of these foodborne illnesses. If you think you may have eaten bad salmon, monitor for any concerning symptoms.
Creative Ways to Use Up Leftover Salmon
If you have leftover cooked salmon approaching the 4 day mark, get creative with ways to use it up quickly:
- Make salmon salad sandwiches or wraps
- Toss with pasta, rice, or veggies for salmon bowl meals
- Fold into an omelet or frittata
- Top salads, pizza, nachos, or potatoes
- Mix into dips like salmon spread or smoked salmon dip
- Use in salmon cakes, croquettes, or fish patties
- Wrap in puff pastry or phyllo dough for salmon pinwheels
- Puree into homemade salmon baby food
With so many easy options, there’s no reason leftovers should ever go to waste!
Tips for Maximizing Fridge Life of Cooked Salmon
Here are a few final tips to get the longest possible shelf life out of cooked salmon stored in the refrigerator:
- Cook salmon just until opaque in center. Overcooking causes faster spoilage.
- Portion salmon into smaller containers rather than one big one if you won’t eat it all soon.
- Add an acid like lemon juice or vinegar to help inhibit bacteria growth.
- Freeze any portions of salmon you won’t eat within 4 days. Thaw in fridge before using.
- If reheating, only heat up what you will eat right away and don’t save reheated salmon.
Storing Raw Salmon in the Fridge
Once your salmon is properly thawed, store the raw salmon in the fridge until it’s time to cook.
Place your salmon fillet in a sealable plastic bag and remove as much air as possible. You should put the salmon in a large bowl of water. The bowl should be big enough to hold the salmon. While the seal remains open, slowly lower the bagged salmon into the water bowl, closed end first. Make sure to minimize the creases in the bag and it will push all of the air out. Keep lowering the bag into the water until the water line is just below the seal. Then, close the bag. Now its ready to be stored in the fridge!.
It should be stored in the fridge at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to the fact that most home refrigerators are about 38 degrees Fahrenheit, which is not the best temperature for fresh, raw salmon This is easy to fix: put your salmon fillets or whole salmon on top of a large roasting pan or something similar that has a lot of ice in it.
Now the question is, how long can the salmon last in the fridge?
There is no clear answer to this question because it depends on how fresh and good the salmon is. Typically, raw salmon from your local supermarket can only be stored for only 1-2 days after purchasing. This is because of the long seafood supply chain. The salmon has to be processed overseas before it gets to the store. It can take 20-30 days for the seafood to get to your local store. Unlike the common grocery stores, at Alaskan Salmon, we deliver fresh, flash-frozen seafood to your door. We process our salmon the same day it’s caught by flash-freezing them while they’re still very fresh and avoiding as much handling as possible to keep the quality of the salmon as high as possible. By doing so, your salmon might last about 4-5 days in the fridge with proper storage and handling.
How Long Can Thawed Salmon Stay In The Fridge? ANSWERED
FAQ
Can I eat cooked salmon after 5 days?
Can you store and reheat cooked salmon?
Is it OK to eat leftover salmon?
How long can salmon be in the fridge?
How long can you keep cooked salmon in the fridge?
It is important to use a food thermometer and ensure that the internal temperature reaches 145°F to kill any potential bacteria and to serve it safely. How long can I keep leftover cooked salmon in the fridge? Leftover cooked salmon can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days, according to the USDA.
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.
How long does cooked salmon last?
According to the USDA, cooked salmon can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. However, it is important to note that the quality of the salmon may start to deteriorate after the first day. To extend its shelf life, you can also freeze the cooked salmon, and it can last for up to 2 months.
How long can you keep leftover cooked salmon?
Leftover cooked salmon can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days, according to the USDA. However, the quality may start to deteriorate after the first day. What are some creative ways to use leftover cooked salmon?