Salmon is one of the most popular and commonly consumed fish. It’s rich in healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids and is a great source of protein. Many people enjoy eating salmon cooked in various ways, from baking and grilling to pan-searing. But an important question is, once it’s cooked, how long does salmon stay fresh and safe to eat when stored in the refrigerator?
Overview on Cooked Salmon Fridge Life
In general, cooked salmon that has been properly stored in the fridge will keep for 3 to 4 days. According to food safety experts, cooked salmon remains fresh and good quality for about 3-4 days when refrigerated at 40°F or below. After this time period, the quality and flavor of the cooked salmon starts to lessen, even though it may still be safe to eat.
How Long Can You Keep Cooked Salmon In The Fridge?
When refrigerated at the proper temperature, cooked salmon can safely be stored for 3 to 4 days before the risk of spoilage becomes too high.
Here is a breakdown of how long cooked salmon will last in the fridge
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1-2 days: Best quality. The salmon will taste fresh and optimal.
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3 days Good quality. The flavor texture and moisture content will start to slightly decline but the salmon is still considered safe to eat.
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4 days: Minimum recommended fridge life. At this point the salmon is nearing the end of its prime and the odds of spoilage increase. Only cook if there are no signs of spoilage.
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5-7 days: Not recommended. The salmon is likely to be spoiled by this time. Discard salmon if it’s been in the fridge for over 4 days.
So for best quality and taste, it’s advised to consume leftover cooked salmon within 1-3 days. By 4 days, it’s pushing the limit of safe refrigerator storage.
Proper Storage of Cooked Salmon Is Key
To get the maximum freshness out of cooked salmon, proper storage methods are vital. Here are some tips for keeping cooked salmon fresher for longer:
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Let salmon cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Don’t put hot salmon straight into the fridge.
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Place salmon in an airtight container or tightly wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This prevents exposure to air and other food odors.
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Store cooked salmon towards the back of the fridge, where temperatures are coldest.
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Make sure your fridge temperature is 40°F or below. Higher temps allow bacteria to multiply faster.
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Use cooked salmon within 3 days for peak freshness. Discard any leftover salmon after 4 days in the fridge.
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Don’t freeze previously cooked salmon, as the texture will degrade. Only freeze uncooked salmon.
How To Tell If Cooked Salmon Has Gone Bad
It’s important to know how to check if cooked salmon has spoiled, so you don’t eat any that could make you sick. Here are signs that indicate your cooked salmon has gone bad:
- Strong, unpleasant fishy, sour or ammonia-like smell
- Slimy texture or appearance of slime on the fish
- Discoloration, such as graying around edges
- Dull, fading color rather than glistening pink/orange flesh
- Dry, flaky texture rather than moist and tender
- Mold growth anywhere on the salmon
If your leftover cooked salmon exhibits any of those characteristics after being refrigerated for over 3-4 days, it’s best to throw it out. Don’t take chances with food poisoning.
Food Safety Tips For Handling Cooked Salmon
To keep cooked salmon as fresh as possible after cooking, follow these safe handling practices:
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Refrigerate cooked salmon within 2 hours of cooking. Don’t leave at room temp longer.
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Discard any salmon that was left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
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When reheating cooked salmon, reheat to an internal temp of 165°F.
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Don’t thaw frozen salmon at room temperature. Thaw in the fridge overnight instead.
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Marinate salmon in the fridge, not on the counter. Discard used marinade.
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Avoid cross-contaminating cooked salmon with raw foods. Use separate cutting boards and utensils.
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Consume within 3-4 days and don’t refreeze previously cooked salmon.
Following proper refrigeration methods, storage guidelines and food safety practices will help you get the most out of your cooked salmon. This ensures you can keep savoring delicious salmon meals for days without having to worry about freshness or foodborne illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell when leftover cooked salmon has gone bad?
Look for a foul fishy smell, slimy texture, graying flesh, dull or fading color, dry/flaky consistency or visible mold. Cooked salmon that displays any of those traits should be discarded after 3-4 days refrigeration.
What is the best way to store cooked salmon in the fridge?
Place cooled salmon in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store towards the back of the fridge at 40°F or below. Keep for only 1-3 days for best quality.
Can you get sick from eating spoiled cooked salmon?
Yes. Eating spoiled, bacteria-laden salmon that has been left in the fridge too long can cause food poisoning with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and chills.
How do you know if cooked salmon is still good after 5 days in the fridge?
It’s not recommended to keep cooked salmon for longer than 4 days refrigerated. The salmon is likely spoiled and potentially hazardous to eat if it’s been refrigerated for 5 or more days.
Can I refreeze cooked salmon after thawing?
No, previously frozen salmon that has been thawed should not be refrozen, as the texture will become mushy. Only freeze salmon before it has been cooked initially.
Thawed Or Defrosted Salmon
When thawing frozen salmon in the refrigerator, it can safely remain there for up to one to two days before cooking or consuming. When thawing the salmon, you’ll want to place it in a shallow dish or tray to catch any potential drips and prevent cross-contamination with other foods in your fridge.
One of my favorite breakfast treats and a great addition to scrambled eggs, smoked salmon is a bit more forgiving compared to fresh varieties. Smoked salmon undergoes a curing and smoking process, which extends its shelf life compared to fresh salmon. Unopened packages of smoked salmon can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Once opened, tightly wrap the remaining smoked salmon in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and use it within three to four days for the best quality and flavor.
If you have marinated salmon, the storage time will depend on the ingredients used in the marinade. Generally, marinated salmon can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to two to three days. However, its best to consume it as soon as possible to enjoy the flavors at their peak. If youre unsure about the ingredients used or the duration of marination, its best to follow the shorter storage time to ensure it doesn’t go bad.
I love using canned salmon for quick and easy meals. It’s easy to keep on hand, and can be used in a ton of different dishes from salads, salmon cakes, or salmon sandwiches. And, canned salmon has a much longer shelf life compared to fresh salmon. Unopened canned salmon can last for 6 years and still taste good. After that, while the salmon may be safe to eat, the quality will start to diminish.
If you’ve opened your canned salmon, it should last for 1-2 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to transfer the salmon from the can to an air-tight container – never store opened canned items in their original cans. Once the can has been opened, the increased air exposure can cause the tin from can to transfer to the can’s contents.
Beyond the basic types of salmon above, here are answers to a few other frequently asked questions about storing salmon:
Two things will give it away – how it looks, and how it smells. Fresh salmon has a beautiful reddish pink color, appears shiny and has a mild scent. Fresh salmon should also be firm and will bounce back when pressed. On the other hand, salmon that is past it’s prime will look a bit gray and could even have a white residue on it. It will also smell very fishy, or may even smell sour. If your salmon looks or smells like this, it’s probably a good idea to toss it.
Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Failure to do this can leave the salmon exposed to air and can cause it to spoil. Keep the salmon in the coldest part of the fridge – this may be in the very back of the fridge or in the bottom drawer. Do not eat salmon that has been stored in the fridge for more than 2 days. Freeze salmon if you are not going to eat it within the recommended time frame. Thaw frozen salmon properly before cooking it.
Frozen salmon will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer, but the quality of the salmon will decline over time. To freeze salmon, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to label the bag with the date you froze the salmon. You can also have your salmon vacuum-sealed, which will allow you to store it for up to eight months in the freezer. When you are ready to thaw frozen salmon, place it in the refrigerator overnight. You can also thaw salmon in the microwave, but it is essential to cook it immediately after thawing. Note that thawed salmon should not be refrozen.
If the salmon was thawed appropriately, it’s perfectly fine to refreeze it, as long as it hasn’t gone bad (see the note above to know how to tell if your salmon has gone bad), and is repackaged safely. So there you have it. An easy guide to how long you can safely keep salmon in the refrigerator and some good tips on how to safely store it.
