Salmon is one of the healthiest fish you can eat. It’s full of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins and minerals. The problem is salmon spoils quickly, even when refrigerated. So, how long does cooked salmon really last in the fridge? I looked into what Reddit users say about this.
The General Consensus on Cooked Salmon Fridge Life
Most Reddit threads say that cooked salmon can be kept in the fridge for three to four days. Here are some direct quotes:
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“Cooked salmon lasts 3-4 days max.”
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“I regularly consume salmon 3 days after cooking, 4 days is pushing it,”
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“3 days in the fridge is the limit for me”
So the general consensus is eat refrigerated cooked salmon within 3-4 days for optimal safety and quality.
Why the 3-4 Day Fridge Life?
Salmon has a shorter fridge life than most meats for two main reasons:
1. High Fat Content
Salmon is an oily, fatty fish. The omega-3 fats can quickly go rancid in the air of the fridge. Rancid fats don’t smell or taste good.
2. Potential for Bacteria
Fish is more prone to bacteria growth than other meats. Leftover cooked salmon already has some bacterial load, which grows rapidly in the moist proteins of fish.
While salmon can be safe beyond 3-4 days, the taste and texture quality quickly declines. Most reddit users prefer to stick to the 3-4 day limit.
Storing Tips to Maximize Fridge Life
Here are some storage tips from reddit to get the maximum 3-4 day fridge life from cooked salmon:
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“Store it in a shallow covered dish so it cools quickly.”
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“Wrap tightly in plastic wrap to prevent air exposure and freezer burn.”
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“Put it on the bottom shelf of the fridge, not the door.”
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“Keep the fridge temp at 40°F or below.”
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“Eat it before you notice any dull color changes or sour smell.”
Freezing for Longer Storage
What if you want to prep salmon for the week or store leftovers longer? Redditors agree the solution is freezing.
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“I freeze meal-sized portions. Thaw as needed during the week.”
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“Freeze smoked salmon portions immediately. Keeps 2-3 months.”
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“Freeze any you won’t eat in 3-4 days max.”
Cooked salmon that has been frozen solid at 0°F can safely last for 2-3 months in the freezer. Make sure to wrap tightly in plastic and foil.
Signs It’s Gone Bad
Reddit users report the following signs indicate spoiled, bad salmon that should be thrown out:
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“Excessive dried out sections – it means the fat has oxidized.”
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“Slimy texture and foul fishy smell.”
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“Dull, faded pink/orange color.”
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“Greyish white film on surface.”
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“Dry, sticky appearance.”
When in doubt, remember the old adage: “When fish smells fishy, it’s gone wrong dish-y.” Discard any salmon with an unpleasant or “off” odor.
The Verdict?
The standard advice from reddit users is to store cooked salmon for max 3-4 days in the fridge. Freezing any leftovers or portions is the best way to safely prolong storage. Follow proper storage methods to preserve quality. And use your senses – if it smells funky or looks gross, throw it out! Salmon should still taste delicious up to 4 days when properly handled.
Summary of Cooked Salmon Fridge Life
- General consensus: 3-4 days max
- Reasons for short life: high fat content and bacteria growth
- Freeze for longer storage
- Signs it’s bad: smell, color, texture, slimy
- When in doubt, throw it out!
So go enjoy some yummy salmon dishes like a pro redditor! Just stick to that 3-4 day limit for fridge storage.
How Long Can Thawed Salmon Stay In The Fridge? ANSWERED
FAQ
Can I eat cooked salmon after 5 days?
How can you tell if cooked salmon has gone bad?
Is 3 day old salmon safe to eat?
Can I eat 1 week old salmon?
How long does cooked salmon last in the fridge?
Under the same refrigeration conditions, cooked salmon will last 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Cooked salmon only lasts a couple of days more than its raw counterparts, as the temperature in the refrigerator only slows down bacterial growth and spoilage.
How long do lemons stay fresh in the refrigerator?
Whole or uncut lemons generally last for 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge when it is properly stored, but could last up to 4 weeks. You can generally tell when fruits begin to expire by the skin becoming wrinkly and shrunken.
How long do you keep cooked salmon at room temperature?
Please note that the two-hour rule applies to fish when it is kept between 40°F and 90°F. If your fish is exposed to a temperature that is 90°F or above, it should only be stored at room temperature for one hour or less before it goes bad. How long is cooked salmon good for?
Can salmon be refrigerated?
How To Refrigerate. It is recommended that your salmon be refrigerated at 32°F. Since most refrigerators run around 40°F to 38°F you can accomplish this by allowing your salmon to lay in a bed of ice in the fridge. First, transfer your fish to a sealed plastic bag.