How long does smoked salmon last? How it’s packaged, stored, and smoked are some of the most important things that affect how long it stays fresh.
Here I will share how to tell if your smoked salmon is good or should be tossed!
Smoked salmon is a delicious, protein rich, omeg-3 power house that is great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This tastes great on a bagel or with rice, but it goes well with any meal.
Lox – also known as smoked salmon – is a popular delicacy prized for its silky texture, subtle smoky flavor, and versatility. But with its high price tag, you’ll want to make sure you store lox properly so it stays fresh as long as possible after bringing it home from the grocery store fish counter.
Read on for tips to extend the shelf life and recognize signs of spoiled lox,
An Overview of Lox
The word “lox” comes from the Yiddish word for salmon True lox is salmon that has been cured in a brine solution and then cold-smoked over wood chips to impart flavor It has a velvety texture and characteristic reddish-orange color,
Lox is often eaten raw and served thinly sliced on bagels with cream cheese as part of a classic Sunday brunch. It also shines in salads, dips, scrambled eggs, and more. You can find lox at the seafood counter at most grocery stores, sold by the pound or presliced in packages.
Maximizing Refrigerator Shelf Life
When stored properly in the refrigerator, lox from the grocery store seafood counter will last 5 to 8 days.
Here are tips to maximize lox’s refrigerator shelf life:
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Keep lox refrigerated at 40°F or below at all times.
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Wrap the lox tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
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Place lox in a shallow airtight container if storing more than a day or two.
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Keep lox away from raw seafood, which can hasten spoilage.
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Rinse lox briefly before serving to remove excess salt and oil that can turn rancid when stored too long.
With ideal refrigeration, an unopened package of pre-sliced lox can last up to 14 days. But for lox sliced fresh at the seafood counter, plan to eat within 5 to 8 days for the best quality.
Freezing for Extended Storage
For longer storage, you can freeze lox from the fish counter for up to 2 months. Here’s how:
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Slice lox before freezing for easier use.
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Wrap very tightly in heavy duty aluminum foil or place in freezer bags.
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Press out excess air and seal airtight.
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Label with the date and freeze at 0°F or below.
Properly frozen lox will retain quality for 2 months. For indefinite storage, keep frozen for up to 1 year.
Thaw frozen lox overnight in the fridge. Use within 3-4 days. Do not refreeze lox after thawing.
Signs Your Lox Has Spoiled
Trust your senses to determine if your lox has gone bad before the recommended shelf life is up. Signs of spoiled lox include:
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Slimy texture – Fresh lox has a silky, velvety texture. Sliminess indicates bacteria growth.
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Greyish or brown discoloration – Good lox is bright orange-pink. Dull, greyish tones signify spoilage.
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Ammonia or sour smell – Fresh lox has a delicate smoky aroma. Foul odors mean it’s inedible.
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Mold – Mold appears as fuzzy white, green, or black spots. Do not eat moldy lox.
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Dry, shriveled texture – This happens when lox dries out from improper storage. Rehydrating won’t make it safe to eat.
When in doubt, remember the old adage – “When it smells bad or looks weird, out it goes!” Dispose of spoiled lox in the garbage.
Matjes Herring – A Longer Lasting Alternative
If you love the flavor of lox but find it doesn’t last long enough, consider trying matjes herring fillets.
Matjes is cured young herring from the North Sea prized for its mild, delicate flavor. It has a similar texture to lox but costs less. Plus, matjes lasts up to 3 weeks refrigerated. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
For lox lovers seeking a longer lasting product, matjes is an excellent – though lesser known – alternative to try!
Storing Leftover Lox Safely
To safely store leftover lox, follow these guidelines:
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Refrigerate in shallow airtight containers within 2 hours of serving.
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Use leftover lox within 3 to 4 days.
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Never leave lox or other perishables out more than 2 hours. Toss leftovers left out longer.
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Don’t mix old and new product in storage containers.
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Avoid introducing bacteria by always using clean utensils and containers.
Properly stored leftovers can extend the life of your pricey lox purchase. Taking care to prevent contamination is key.
The Bottom Line
Lox’s velvety texture and subtle briny taste make it a luxe starter for bagels, salads, and canapés. With proper refrigeration and freezing, you can enjoy lox from the grocery store fish counter for up to 2 months. Keep lox tightly wrapped, monitor for spoilage, and freeze for longer storage. With a few simple precautions, you can serve lox at its freshest. Delicious!
How long does a package of smoked salmon last once opened?
This depends on how it’s stored and the type of smoked salmon, but most commercial smoked salmon should last at least 4 to 5 days after opening if it’s kept cool.
Honey smoked salmon, on the other hand, should be eaten 5 days after opening, while organic smoked salmon should be eaten 2 days after opening.
What if there are brown spots on my newly opened smoked salmon?
Most likely, the brown spots on smoked salmon that has just been opened are fat from the area between the muscle and skin. If you are worried simply cut those pieces out.
This picture shows the top and bottom of my new, opened cold-smoked salmon, which has some brown spots.
