Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious fish available. However, like any seafood, proper storage is crucial to preserve freshness and prevent spoilage. Many people opt to vacuum-seal salmon for longer-term storage in the fridge or freezer. But exactly how long does vacuum-sealed salmon last?
Why Vacuum-Seal Salmon?
Before sealing food in an airtight package, vacuum sealing takes away the oxygen. This blocking of air is beneficial for storing salmon for several reasons:
- Prevents oxidation reactions that degrade quality
- Inhibits aerobic bacterial growth that causes spoilage
- Locks in moisture to maintain texture
- Contains juices and aromas for optimal flavor
Overall, vacuum sealing salmon makes it last longer than other ways of storing it. The fish stays fresher for longer.
Shelf Life of Vacuum-Sealed Salmon in the Fridge
When properly stored in the refrigerator. here is how long vacuum-sealed salmon will last before spoiling
- Raw salmon: 5-7 days
- Smoked salmon: 14 days
- Cooked salmon: 5-7 days
How long the salmon will last depends on how fresh it was when it was first vacuum sealed. Sealing fresher salmon gives you more fridge life. Raw salmon often has the shortest duration.
As long as the vacuum seal remains intact, the cooled refrigerator environment helps slow bacteria growth that causes spoilage.
Extending Shelf Life in the Freezer
For even longer salmon storage, the freezer is ideal for vacuum-sealed packages. Frozen at 0°F, salmon stays fresh for significantly longer durations.
Here is how long vacuum-sealed salmon lasts in the freezer
- Raw salmon: 6 months
- Smoked salmon: 6 months
- Cooked salmon: 4-6 months
The cold freezer temps preserve quality for long-term storage and use. Vacuum sealing prevents icy crystallization that can damage fish texture during freezing.
Signs Your Vacuum-Sealed Salmon Has Spoiled
With vacuum-sealed salmon, you won’t see obvious visual signs of spoilage like you would with traditional packaging. But here are some indicators your vacuum-sealed salmon has gone bad:
- Unusual odor when package is opened
- Discoloration or graying of the flesh
- Slimy skin or flesh
- Dry, flaky, or mealy texture
If you notice any of these, it’s best to discard the salmon. Always inspect the fish closely and rely on your senses when determining spoilage.
Tips for Maximizing Shelf Life
To get the most mileage from your vacuum-sealed salmon, follow these tips:
- Only vacuum seal high-quality, fresh salmon
- Use a heavy-duty vacuum sealer and bags
- Portion salmon into meal-size portions before sealing
- Label bags with date of sealing and “use-by” date
- Store sealed bags flat in the main body of the fridge/freezer
Proper sealing technique and storage helps maximize the shelf life. Be diligent about not exceeding recommended time limits.
Is Previously Frozen Salmon Safe to Vacuum Seal?
Salmon that has been previously frozen can still be vacuum sealed, however, its shelf life will be reduced. The initial freeze causes damage to the fish at a cellular level.
When vacuum sealing previously frozen salmon, use these guidelines:
- Fridge: 3-4 days max
- Freezer: 2-3 months max
The shelf life will depend on the freshness prior to the first freeze. Handle previously frozen salmon carefully.
Vacuum Seal for Long-Lasting Salmon
Vacuum sealing is an ideal way to extend the shelf life of salmon in the fridge or freezer. Follow proper storage guidelines to maximize the freshness span. Use your senses and common sense to determine if vacuum-sealed salmon has spoiled before consuming.
How Long Can Cooked Salmon Stay in the Fridge?
Cooking the salmon helps to extend its lifespan a little longer than its raw counterpart. We generally advise to use leftover salmon within three to four days of cooking. After that, you run the risk of eating spoiled seafood. To help you eat your leftover salmon before it goes bad, we’ve put together a list of simple recipes you can use cooked salmon for.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Salmon?
A lot of folks wonder if it’s safe to refreeze proteins. In short, yes, it is safe to freeze raw salmon. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
Remember that salmon that has been “slowly” thawed in the fridge can be frozen again. For more information on how to thaw salmon, see our guide. It is NOT safe to refreeze salmon that has been “quick-thawed” in a bowl of cold water.
According to the USDA, you can refreeze salmon that has been thawed in the fridge as long as it has maintained refrigerator temperatures — meaning it’s cold to the touch, thus preventing any bacteria from growing. You can also freeze portions of unused fish.
It’s important to note, though, that refreezing raw salmon will impact its quality due to loss of moisture. There will always be some loss of moisture when ice crystals form and then melt. This leaves the seafood a little less succulent each time and damages the texture of the protein itself. More damage will be done to the product if the freezing process isn’t done well, or if it takes longer for seafood to freeze.
One of the most important steps in getting fresh, high-quality seafood to your door is flash freezing. It’s what sets the freshest tasting fish apart from the “fresh” fish at grocery stores.
The fish in grocery store displays have probably been frozen and thawed at least twice before you see them. Flash-freezing fish soon after it is caught, and keeping it frozen as much as possible during processing, on the other hand, helps keep the salmon’s quality from the time it is caught until it is delivered.
How to Vacuum Seal Fish
FAQ
How long will vacuum-sealed salmon last in the refrigerator?
How long does unopened vacuum-sealed smoked salmon last?
How long can you eat vacuum-sealed fish?
Is vacuum-sealed salmon safe?
How long does vacuum sealed Salmon last?
Vacuum sealed salmon can last for several weeks in the fridge or several months in the freezer, helping to extend its shelf life and maintain its quality and flavor. When storing vacuum-sealed salmon in the fridge, you should always put it on a shelf at least two inches away from any other food.
Is it safe to eat 8 oz of Atlantic salmon 4 to 5 times a week?
Despite being considered a very nutritious meat, agencies such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency do not recommend eating salmon more than twice a week due to several types of contaminants present in the fish, especially if it is salmon from aquaculture.
Can you store vacuum-sealed salmon in the fridge?
One of the most common mistakes people make when storing vacuum-sealed salmon in the fridge is not inspecting it regularly. If you don’t inspect the salmon, you won’t be able to tell if it has gone bad, and you may end up eating spoiled fish.
Can vacuum-sealed salmon go bad?
Yes, vacuum-sealed salmon can go bad if not stored properly. If the package is damaged or compromised in any way, it could potentially lead to spoilage. Additionally, if the fish has been left out at room temperature for too long, bacteria might start to grow on its surface.