Salmon is a popular and healthy fish that can be cooked in a number of different ways, such as by grilling, baking, or poaching. But you need to store it right before cooking it so that it stays fresh and safe to eat. We’ll talk about some ways to store salmon so that it stays fresh for, well, as long as possible.
The first step in properly storing salmon is to buy salmon fresh. You should look for salmon fillets that are shiny, firm, and have bright, deep color when you go shopping. Whole fish should have clear eyes, shiny skin, and firm flesh. Salmon should also have a fresh, seaweed-like smell. You should stay away from fish that smells strong or fishy. It might not be fresh.
Once you’ve purchased your salmon, it’s important to keep it cold until you’re ready to cook it. It’s best to keep it in the fridge, either wrapped in butcher paper, plastic wrap, or a glass jar that won’t let air in. It’s best to use the salmon within a day or two. Any longer and we recommend you freeze the salmon.
Freezing salmon is a great way to keep it fresh longer if you’re not going to use it right away. To freeze salmon, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a resealable freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date so you can keep track of your freeze stock. Salmon can be frozen for up to three months.
When you’re ready to use your frozen salmon, it’s important to thaw it safely. The best way to do this is to place it in the refrigerator overnight. You can also put it in a bath of room-temperature water to thaw faster if you need to. Leave the salmon in the zipper-lock bag while it thaws. If you use the water bath to thaw the salmon, cook it right away and don’t put it in the fridge to store it.
Finally, once your salmon is thawed, it’s important to cook it properly. An instant-read thermometer can be used to make sure that salmon is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F, which is what the USDA says. Because we like our salmon medium-rare, we like to cook it to 125oF on the inside (especially when we pan-sear it). We only recommend this if the salmon comes from a trustworthy source and is handled correctly.
Yes, you can freeze smoked salmon slices. We recommend freezing smoked salmon in a resealable zipper-lock bag for up to 2 months. You should write on the bag what it is and how long it’s been in the freezer.
No, you cannot cook anything in a sous vide simply wrapped in cling wrap or plastic wrap. To cook the salmon in the sous vide, you’ll need to take off the plastic wrap that was used to store it and put it in a vacuum-sealed bag.
Cooked salmon is good for 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cooked salmon will last up to 3 months when stored in the freezer.
If you don’t open your fish very often, it can stay frozen for up to a year, but for the best taste, use it within 6 months.
It is not recommended to cook salmon that is still frozen. You first need to thaw it. To quickly thaw salmon, put it in a plastic bag that can be closed again and put it in water that is room temperature. Let it sit until it’s fully thawed. If you have extra time, let the salmon thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious fish. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein it’s a healthy addition to any diet. Luckily, cooked salmon freezes well so you can make a batch and enjoy it over multiple meals. But how long does cooked salmon last in the freezer?
Cooked salmon that has been properly stored can maintain optimal quality in the freezer for up to 3 months. Freezing stops the salmon from spoiling and allows you to enjoy it weeks or months later. Follow proper freezer storage guidelines and pay attention to signs of freezer burn or frost to get the longest shelf life.
Should You Freeze Cooked Salmon?
Freezing cooked salmon has several advantages
- Extends shelf life for later use
- Allows preparing bulk batches for meal prepping
- Locks in flavor, texture, and nutrients
- Lets you enjoy seasonal salmon year-round
- Reduces food waste and spoilage
The freezing process does lead to some moisture loss, so frozen salmon will never be quite as supple or juicy as fresh. But with proper handling, cooked frozen salmon can still be delicious
If you catch or buy a lot of salmon at once during peak season, freezing is a great way to save it for later. For the healthiest, freshest results, use frozen salmon within 3 months.
How to Freeze Cooked Salmon
Follow these steps for safely freezing cooked salmon fillets or steaks:
- Make sure salmon is fully cooled after cooking. Freeze within 1-2 hours of cooking.
- Portion salmon into freezer-friendly sizes in freezer bags or airtight containers. Flatten to 3/4 inch thickness.
- Remove as much air as possible before sealing containers.
- Label packages with contents and freeze-by date (3 months from freezing date).
- Freeze salmon immediately at 0°F or below. Do not store in door shelving which may not freeze foods below 32°F.
Thawing Frozen Salmon
To maintain texture and moisture, thaw frozen cooked salmon in the refrigerator overnight before use. Do not thaw at room temperature or in hot water, which promotes bacterial growth.
Put vacuum-sealed frozen salmon in a bowl of cold water. Every 30 minutes, change the water and wait another 30 minutes. The fish will thaw quickly.
Once thawed, use cooked salmon within 3-4 days. Do not refreeze thawed salmon.
Signs Frozen Salmon Is No Longer Good
Check your frozen salmon periodically for these signs that it is past its prime:
- Ice crystals or frosty buildup indicates freezer burn
- Thawed meat is mushy, dry, or dull in color
- Strange odor before or after cooking
- Mold anywhere on salmon
- Months past the 3 month recommended freezer time
Discard frozen salmon with any of these characteristics. It is no longer high quality.
How to Use Previously Frozen Salmon
Thawed cooked salmon is best used in cooked dishes rather than eaten plain. The freezing and thawing process tends to make the texture dry.
Try adding thawed frozen salmon to:
- Quiches, frittatas, omelets
- Pasta, rice bowls, grain salads
- Soups, stews, chilies
- Casseroles, pot pies, baked pasta
- Tacos, sandwiches, wraps
- Salads, poke bowls
- Dips, spreads, mousse
- Salmon cakes, croquettes
The other ingredients will help moisten and add flavor to the thawed salmon.
Some options like salmon salad or smoking may not be suitable if the texture and moisture level change with freezing.
Storing Thawed Cooked Salmon
Once cooked salmon is thawed from the freezer, store it in the fridge and use within 3-4 days. Do not refreeze thawed salmon.
To extend the shelf life, you can refreeze thawed salmon if it was kept constantly refrigerated and was only thawed less than 1-2 days. Freeze for no more than an additional 1-2 months.
For maximum freshness and taste, try to use thawed frozen salmon as soon as possible after thawing in the types of dishes listed above.
Freezing Raw vs. Cooked Salmon
You may wonder whether to freeze salmon before or after cooking. Each has benefits:
-
Freezing raw salmon allows seasoning and cooking as needed for different uses. But it requires thawing before cooking.
-
Freezing cooked salmon means it’s ready to eat once thawed. But original seasoning and cooking method cannot be changed.
Both raw and cooked salmon can be successfully frozen for 2-3 months. Choose based on your meal plans and preferences.
How Long Does Cooked Salmon Last in the Freezer?
To recap, cooked salmon that has been properly frozen at 0°F can maintain top quality for approximately 3 months in the freezer. Use frozen salmon within this timeframe for best flavor, texture, and safety.
Label packages with freeze dates and store only at 0°F or below. Check for frost or freezer burn periodically. Thaw in the refrigerator before use to preserve moisture and freshness.
With proper freezing and thawing techniques, you can enjoy the convenience of cooked salmon for months after preparing. Freeze summer grilled salmon to savor its smoky flavor in winter soups or salads. Or freeze batches of your favorite baked salmon recipe to enjoy as microwavable meals.
Freezing cooked salmon lets you make the most of salmon season and your kitchen preparation. Follow these guidelines to keep frozen salmon tasting fresh and appetizing.
Putting It All Together
Properly storing salmon is crucial to keeping it fresh and safe to eat. You can make sure your salmon is healthy and tasty by buying it fresh, keeping it cold, freezing it, letting it thaw safely, and cooking it the right way. The following tips will help you get the most out of your salmon whether you grill it, bake it, broil it, or eat it raw.
How to Store Cooked Salmon and Freeze It Properly
FAQ
How long is cooked salmon good for in the freezer?
Is it better to freeze salmon, cooked or uncooked?
Is it OK to reheat frozen cooked salmon?
Can you refreeze cooked salmon?
Can you freeze cooked salmon?
Yes, you can freeze cooked salmon. Freezing cooked salmon is a great way to preserve it for a longer period of time, allowing you to enjoy it at a later date. However, there are certain things to keep in mind when freezing cooked salmon to ensure that it maintains its quality and flavor.
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 salmon last in the freezer?
However, if stored properly, salmon can actually last for up to 6 months in the freezer. To ensure the best quality, it’s important to properly wrap the salmon to prevent freezer burn. It’s recommended to use airtight plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or freezer bags to store the salmon.
What happens if you freeze salmon?
When freezing salmon, place it in the coldest part of the freezer to prevent the water content of the fish from crystallization during freezing. The formation of ice crystals during freezing can also occur if the salmon is not properly cooled down before wrapping and will result in textural damage and soggy fish once thawed.
Should you wrap salmon before freezing?
Besides cooling, wrapping your salmon is key. First, cover the fish in plastic wrap before placing it in a resealable freezer bag. This double-layered wrapping acts as an extra shield against freezer burn, the primary factor in the loss of flavor and texture in frozen foods.
How do you store frozen salmon?
The salmon should be stored at 0°F or below to maintain the best quality. Lastly, the packaging of the salmon is key. As mentioned earlier, using airtight packaging will help preserve the salmon and prevent freezer burn. How can I tell if my frozen salmon has gone bad?