Fresh salmon can sit out at room temperature for about two hours before it begins to break down. In warmer temperatures, salmon should be cooked or discarded within an even shorter period of time.
Salmon is one of my favorite proteins to cook for dinner. It’s nutritious, delicious, and super versatile. However, this tasty fish is also extremely perishable and needs to be handled properly to avoid foodborne illness. I’ve learned the hard way not to leave salmon sitting out too long before cooking or after cooking. So how long can salmon be left out at room temperature before it is unsafe to eat?
Overview of How Long Salmon Can Be Left Out
The short answer is: not long! Here are some key rules of thumb:
-
Raw salmon from the store should go straight into the fridge at 40°F or below.
-
Never leave raw salmon out for more than 2 hours before cooking or prepping.
-
Cooked salmon should not sit at room temp for more than 2 hours.
-
Smoked salmon, if in good condition, can be left out up to 3-4 hours.
These guidelines apply to fresh, frozen, cooked, and smoked salmon. Time and temperature control are critical for salmon safety.
Dangers of Leaving Salmon Out Too Long
Salmon is highly perishable meaning bacteria can rapidly multiply making it dangerous to eat. Here are some key risks of leaving salmon out too long
-
Salmonella – Raw or undercooked salmon may contain this dangerous bacteria leading to vomiting fever and diarrhea.
-
Listeria – Another harmful bacteria that can live on smoked or raw salmon. Can cause sepsis and meningitis.
-
Scombrotoxin – Toxin created as salmon starts to spoil. Causes gastrointestinal issues.
-
Pathogens: Salmon left out for a long time quickly picks up harmful bacteria from the air or from being handled.
Eating salmon that has sat out for several hours can certainly make you sick. In some cases, salmonella poisoning from seafood like salmon can even be fatal. Don’t take risks when it comes to seafood handling and storage!
How Long Can Raw Salmon Sit Out?
Raw salmon right from the store or market should only sit out at room temperature for up to 2 hours total.
Here are some tips for handling raw salmon:
-
Keep store-bought salmon chilled in a cooler on the trip home.
-
Immediately store raw salmon in the fridge at 40°F or below when bringing it home.
-
Thaw frozen salmon overnight in the refrigerator, never at room temp.
-
When ready to use, take salmon straight from the fridge to your prep space.
-
Never let raw salmon or prepared dishes with salmon sit out for more than 2 hours.
Raw salmon is very perishable, so minimizing time outside the fridge is crucial. Prep and serve salmon as close to straight from the fridge as possible.
How Long Can Cooked Salmon Be Left Out?
Cooked salmon also shouldn’t be left out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours total. Here are some guidelines for handled cooked salmon safely:
-
After cooking salmon, promptly remove it from heat and refrigerate within 1 hour.
-
Do not let cooked salmon dishes, patties, etc sit on the counter to cool. Refrigerate immediately after cooking.
-
When serving, take dishes containing salmon directly from the fridge to table/plates.
-
Avoid leaving salmon platters sitting out at room temp during potlucks or parties.
-
Refrigerate or freeze leftover cooked salmon within 2 hours. Do not let sit out overnight.
Cooked salmon can actually spoil more quickly than raw due to the possibility of spore-forming bacteria. So never leave cooked salmon out for more than 2 hours.
How Long Does Smoked Salmon Last Out?
Since smoked salmon is initially cooked during processing, it does have a slightly longer shelf life out of refrigeration compared to raw. Smoked salmon can be left out for 3-4 hours if kept between 40°F and 70°F. Here are some tips:
-
Keep smoked salmon chilled right up until serving time.
-
During a party, limit smoked salmon platter time out to 1 hour, replacing with a fresh platter from the fridge.
-
Cut smoked salmon ahead of time and keep arranged slices chilled on a tray until ready to serve.
-
Don’t let smoked salmon sit out overnight after a party. Use within 3-4 hours or toss it.
Smoked salmon has more salt and less moisture, so bacteria doesn’t grow as rapidly. But it still needs refrigeration after several hours.
Storing Salmon Safely
To get the maximum safe shelf life out of your salmon, whether raw, smoked or cooked, follow these storage guidelines:
-
Raw Salmon – Place fresh raw salmon on ice or fridge within 2 hours of purchase. Keeps 2-3 days max.
-
Raw Frozen Salmon – Freeze at 0°F or below for 2-6 months for best quality. Thaw in fridge, not room temp.
-
Cooked Salmon – Refrigerate cooked salmon immediately at 40°F or below. Keeps safely for 3-4 days.
-
Smoked Salmon – Keep freshly sliced smoked salmon refrigerated. Lasts up to 2 weeks with proper storage.
What Happens if You Eat Bad Salmon?
If you make the mistake of eating spoiled salmon that has sat at room temp too long, you may contract food poisoning. Symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramps and diarrhea
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Weakness
In severe cases, salmonella causes dehydration and requires medical treatment. See a doctor immediately if severe symptoms arise after eating questionable salmon.
The bottom line? Don’t take risks by leaving salmon out too long before or after cooking. Follow the 2 hour timeline for raw, cooked and smoked salmon. Store salmon promptly in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to prep and serve it. Handled properly, salmon should remain fresh, delicious and safe to enjoy any night of the week without worries about foodborne illness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leaving Salmon Out
- How can I tell if salmon has gone bad from sitting out?
Signs that salmon isn’t safe to eat include an off odor, slimy texture, or discolored patches. Similarly, if cooked salmon smells fishy or has a mealy consistency, do not eat it. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Should I thaw salmon in the fridge or on the counter?
Always thaw frozen salmon in the refrigerator, never at room temperature. Place it in a bowl or dish to catch drips as it slowly defrosts overnight. Thawing on the counter allows bacteria to multiply.
- Can I leave my smoked salmon appetizer platter out for my dinner party?
Avoid leaving smoked salmon or any seafood appetizer platters out for more than 1 hour, replacing with a fresh chilled platter from the fridge to maintain food safety.
- What should my salmon’s internal temperature be when cooking it?
Cook salmon to an internal temperature of at least 145°F to kill any potential bacteria present. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Is it safe to eat leftover salmon that’s been in the fridge for 5 days?
Cooked salmon should only be kept for 3-4 days maximum in the refrigerator. After that, it is unsafe to eat due to potential bacteria growth. Toss it out.
- How can I freeze leftover cooked salmon safely?
Let cooked salmon cool completely, then place in a freezer bag or airtight container, removing excess air. Label and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Can I defrost salmon in the microwave?
It is not recommended. Microwaving can partly cook the salmon. Defrost in the refrigerator for food safety.
- Should I rinse raw salmon before cooking it?
Do not rinse raw salmon, as this can spread bacteria. Salmon is safe to cook and eat directly from the package.
- Is it okay to marinate salmon overnight on the counter?
Never marinate any meat, seafood or poultry on the counter. Refrigerate the marinade and salmon while marinating to prevent bacterial growth.
Key Takeaways
-
Raw, cooked, and smoked salmon should not sit out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
-
Refrigerate or freeze salmon immediately to maximize freshness and shelf life.
-
Discard any salmon left out overnight or that smells/appears off. Do not risk eating spoiled salmon.
-
Follow safe thawing, cooking, cooling, and storage guidelines for all types of salmon.
-
Eating spoiled salmon can cause food poisoning with nasty symptoms. Take salmon handling seriously!
Now that you know how long salmon can safely sit out, you can enjoy this omega-3 rich fish without worries. Always refrigerate it promptly after purchase and cooking. Use your senses of sight and smell to check for freshness. Follow these recommendations to serve up delicious salmon worth bragging about!
How Long is Salmon Good For in the Fridge?
Raw seafood rarely lasts very long in the refrigerator. Raw salmon can be safely stored in the fridge for two days. Place the salmon in a sealable plastic bag and remove as much air as possible. Ideally, salmon should be stored at 32°F, but most fridges sit around 38°F. To make it last as long as possible, place the salmon on top of a bed of ice. Once salmon is cooked, it will last another three to four days in the fridge.
How Long Will Frozen Salmon Be Good in the Freezer?
Frozen salmon can last indefinitely, but it is best to use it within three months. After that, it begins to diminish in quality. To freeze raw salmon, rinse it, pat it dry, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in a sealable bag or airtight container before putting it in the freezer. Cooked salmon will last six months in the freezer before losing its optimum quality.