Are you wondering how long does salmon lasts in the fridge? If so, then you’re not alone. Many people are confused about the shelf life of this delicious fish and what they need to do to ensure it stays fresh for as long as possible. In this post, we’ll answer all your questions about salmon storage and give you some tips on how to make sure your salmon is always at its best.
What Is Salmon?
Salmon is the common name for several species of euryhaline ray-finned fish from the family Salmonidae. They are native to tributaries of both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Salmon are silvery-sided fishes while in the ocean, but during the breeding season, a change in coloration occurs that varies from one species to another. They are very popular among humans because of their pale pink flesh.
Salmon are anadromous, meaning they live in both freshwater and salt water. They are born in freshwater, where they spend a few months before heading out to the ocean to feed and grow.
If you’re lucky enough to live near the coast, you may be able to find salmon in your local grocery store or seafood market.
| # | Type of Salmon | How long does it last? |
| 1 | Fresh Salmon | up to three days |
| 2 | Cooked Salmon | up to 3-4 days |
| 3 | Raw Salmon | for one to two days |
| 4 | Frozen Salmon | up to six months |
How Long Does Fresh Salmon Last In The Fridge?
Fresh salmon is a delicious and nutritious seafood that offers many health benefits. Knowing how long you can store it in the fridge is important to ensure optimal freshness and safety.
According to factual data, fresh salmon can last up to three days in the fridge when stored properly. However, using the use-by date on the package as a guide is recommended. To extend the shelf life of fresh salmon, it is best to store it on the bottom shelf of the fridge and consume it within two days of purchase. By following these storage tips, one can enjoy fresh salmon for up to three days while ensuring food safety and quality.
How Long Does Cooked Salmon Last In The Fridge?
Cooked salmon can last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days when stored and handled properly. The USDA recommends eating cooked salmon leftovers within three to four days. To store cooked salmon safely, ensure it is kept in a sealed container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
It is important to ensure that the cooked salmon is at a safe temperature (below 40°F) before storing it in the refrigerator. Additionally, you should eat cooked salmon as soon as possible for optimal freshness and flavor.
How Long Does Raw Salmon Last In The Fridge?
Raw salmon is best stored in the refrigerator for one to two days after it is purchased. Beyond this point, the quality of the salmon may begin to deteriorate. It is important to check the use-by date on the package and discard any salmon past this date.
Proper storage and handling of raw salmon are essential for maintaining freshness and avoiding foodborne illnesses. When storing salmon, please remove it from its original packaging and place it in a sealed container or wrap it in plastic or foil. Additionally, store salmon on the fridge’s bottom shelf to prevent cross-contamination with other foods.
Read more: Eating Raw Salmon Benefits (What You Need to Know)
What Is The Shelf-Life Of Frozen Salmon?
Frozen salmon can last up to six months if it is properly stored and wrapped. You should follow a few steps to ensure the best shelf life for your frozen salmon.
First, check to ensure the fish is properly sealed in its packaging. This will help protect it from freezer burn and keep its quality at its best. Once opened, you should consume it within two to three months.
Second, wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container before placing it into the freezer. This will help preserve the quality of the fish and keep it from becoming dehydrated or dry.
Third, store the fish in a cold area of the freezer where temperatures remain consistently below zero degrees Fahrenheit (-18 °C). Storing the fish in this cold area will help ensure that it remains fresh for longer.
Finally, when thawing out frozen salmon, do not let it sit at room temperature for too long, as this can cause bacteria growth and spoilage. Instead, slowly thaw the fish by transferring it to a refrigerator overnight or running cold water over it in a sink. Be sure to cook any thawed-out salmon immediately before consuming.
By following these steps, you can help maximize the shelf life of your frozen salmon and enjoy its delicious flavor for up to six months after freezing.
How To Store Salmon For Maximum Shelf-Life?
Storing salmon for maximum shelf-life requires proper handling and storage techniques.
Before storing, the salmon must be removed from its wrappings and placed in a bowl of water that is larger than the piece.
You can store refrigerated salmon for up to two days. To extend shelf-life, ensure that salmon is tightly wrapped in heavy-duty aluminum or plastic wrap and then placed in the freezer. Frozen fatty fish like tuna or salmon can last two to three months, and leaner fish like cod can last up to six months.
When storing an opened package of smoked salmon, you should tightly wrap it in heavy-duty aluminum or plastic wrap. With proper handling and storage techniques, salmon can last for long periods of time in a refrigerator.
What Happens if You Eat Bad Salmon?
If You Eat Bad Salmon, it can lead to a range of health issues. Depending on the spoilage signs, the severity of the illness can vary from mild to severe.
Scombroid poisoning is one possible result of eating spoiled salmon. Symptoms of scombroid poisoning may appear 20-30 minutes after consumption and include flushing of the face, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Ciguatera poisoning is another potential health issue associated with eating bad salmon. Signs of this type of poisoning include gastrointestinal distress, muscle aches, headaches, itching, numbness, and temperature fluctuations.
To reduce the risk of foodborne illness from spoiled salmon, it is important to store the fish correctly and check for spoilage signs before consumption. If the can is unopened and undamaged, the food inside will likely remain safe to eat for up to three years. However, if mold or a rancid smell is present in the fish or its container, it is best not to consume it. Additionally, if the salmon has been cooked or frozen before spoilage occurs, it should be discarded immediately.
Suppose you do experience any symptoms after eating bad salmon. In that case, seeking medical advice as soon as possible is best to reduce any potential risks associated with foodborne illness.
How To Tell If Salmon Has Gone Bad?
It is important to know how to tell if salmon has gone bad. To detect spoiled salmon, inspect its look, smell, and texture. Fresh salmon should have a firm flesh that springs back when touched and should have an ocean-like smell with no hint of ammonia. It should also be free of any dark spots or discoloration. If the skin looks dull and lifeless or if the flesh has faded to gray, the salmon is likely, not fresh. If it breaks apart easily when pressed, it has gone bad. Furthermore, if the smell is too fishy, this can be a sign that the salmon has gone bad. When in doubt, always discard any salmon that looks or smells off.
What Does Spoiled Salmon Taste Like?
Bad salmon has a strong fishy taste that is unpleasant. The texture of the flesh will be mushy, and the smell of spoiled salmon can be overpowering and a lot like ammonia. It will have a very distinct fishy odor and a sour, rancid smell. If it smells like a dead animal or ammonia, it is definitely bad. The eyes of the whole salmon should be bright and slightly bulging; if they are sunken or cloudy, the salmon is likely spoiled. Fresh salmon should have little to no smell. In summary, spoiled salmon has an unpleasant taste, mushy texture, and strong odor that can knock you off your feet.
Tips For Extending The Shelf Life Of Your Salmon
1. Refreeze your Salmon: Properly store your salmon in a vacuum-sealed bag or container to refreeze it and help prolong its shelf life.
2. Cook Before Storing: When storing fish, cooking it beforehand can help prolong its shelf life by 1-2 days.
3. Store Immediately After Use: Store your salmon in the refrigerator immediately after use to keep it fresh for longer.
4. Vacuum Seal Before Freezing: When freezing salmon, ensure that it is vacuum sealed again before freezing to ensure its freshness and quality for up to 10 weeks.
5. Check Use-By Dates: Make sure to check the use-by dates of your salmon before consuming it to ensure that it is still safe to eat.
What To Do With Leftover Cooked Salmon?
Got some leftover cooked salmon? Don’t despair! Here are nine delicious ideas of what to do with it:
1 Salmon Cakes are a great way to use leftover salmon and make a tasty dinner option. Mix together flaked salmon, lemon zest, eggs, and breadcrumbs to form patties, then fry until golden and serve with a salad or your favorite side dish.
2. Salmon Salad is a light and refreshing dinner or lunch idea. Flake the cooked salmon into a bowl and top with lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and other fresh ingredients of your choice. Add a drizzle of olive oil or your favorite dressing for extra flavor.
3. For something different, try making Salmon Tacos with Avocado Salsa. Flake the cooked salmon into taco shells and top with avocado salsa for a tasty Mexican-inspired dish.
4. If you’re in the mood for Asian flavors, make some Coconut Curry Salmon. Stir-fry the cooked salmon in a pan with red curry paste, coconut milk, and your favorite vegetables for an easy weeknight meal.
5. Try making Salmon Croquettes for an interesting twist on fishcakes—flakes of cooked salmon mixed with mashed potatoes and herbs before being rolled into balls and fried until golden brown! Serve them with tartare sauce or lemon wedges for extra flavor.
6. For an easy lunch option, make a Smoked Salmon Dip—all you need to do is flake the cooked salmon into a bowl and combine it with cream cheese, horseradish sauce, chives, capers, lemon juice, and zest before serving it with crackers or vegetables of your choice!
7. Make some Mediterranean Salmon-Veggie Grain Bowls for an easy meal packed full of flavor! Combine cooked salmon flakes with quinoa or couscous, along with roasted red peppers, feta cheese, olives, and fresh herbs, for an easy one-pot meal that’s both healthy and delicious!
8. Spicy Salmon Bowls are another great way to use leftover cooked salmon—mix cooked rice with flaked salmon before adding chili flakes for a bit of heat, then top it all off with fresh herbs for extra flavor!
9. Finally, why not make Everything-Cucumber Smoked Salmon Bites? Cut up cucumbers into small slices, then top each with smoked salmon pieces before topping off with cream cheese and bagel seasoning—a tasty snack that everyone will love!
FAQS About How Long Does Salmon Last
Can Raw Salmon Last 4 Days In The Fridge?
Fresh salmon can be refrigerated for 1 to 2 days after purchase, but it is best to follow the use-by date on the package. Cooked salmon can last up to 3 days in the fridge, while you should only keep raw salmon for up to two days. After that, it begins to spoil, and it is better to keep it in the freezer instead. To help your salmon last longer, follow proper storage tips such as keeping it in an airtight container and refrigerating or freezing it as soon as possible after purchase.
Is Salmon Still Good After 5 Days?
Raw salmon should be stored for up to two days after its sell-by date, while cooked salmon can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. It is best to use uncooked salmon within three months for the best quality and cooked salmon within six months. If your salmon has been in the freezer, checking for freezer burn before consuming is important.
Is It Ok To Eat 3-Day-Old salmon?
Yes, it is safe to eat 3-day-old salmon as long as it has been refrigerated and stored properly. Cooked salmon can last slightly longer than fresh salmon, with the USDA recommending eating cooked salmon leftovers within three to four days. However, if the fish has reached the “danger zone” where bacteria multiply, then it should not be consumed.
Can Salmon Smell Fishy But Not Expired?
Yes, because salmon is a type of fish, it may have a faint fishy smell even when it is not expired.
Is It Safe To Cook Expired Salmon?
Generally speaking, it is not recommended to cook expired salmon. While the “sell-by” date on the package may give you a few extra days, you should consume salmon within 1-2 days after purchase. After this period, the salmon can lose freshness and become unsafe for consumption. Eating salmon up to 9 months after purchase may be safe if you have stored salmon in the freezer. To ensure food safety, always check the expiration date on the package before cooking.
Conclusion
This article has given you some insight into how long salmon lasts in the refrigerator. Be sure to store it safely, and enjoy it while it’s fresh. As always, please feel free to leave any comments or questions below – I’m happy to help! Thanks for reading!
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Lucas Henderson is the owner of Pacific Fish Grill, and as such, he’s passionate about seafood and grilling. He blogs about both topics to share his knowledge and experiences with others who might be interested.