Eating salmon is great for your health. It’s high in protein omega-3 fatty acids vitamins, and minerals. However, fresh salmon doesn’t last forever. So you may want to freeze some to have it on hand whenever a craving hits. But how long can salmon be kept frozen before it goes bad?
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about freezing salmon and how long it stays safe to eat. Let’s dive in!
How Long Does Salmon Last In The Freezer?
The shelf life of frozen salmon depends on a few factors:
- Type of salmon (raw, smoked, canned)
- Freezer temperature
- Freezing method
- Packaging
Here are the freezer timelines for different types of salmon
- Raw salmon – 2 to 3 months
- Smoked salmon – 1 month
- Canned salmon – 3 to 4 months
Raw salmon frozen at 0°F in an airtight container will maintain optimal quality for 2-3 months. You can freeze raw salmon for up to 6 months before it becomes inedible, but the texture and flavor will decline after 3 months.
Smoked salmon stored in a tightly wrapped heavy-duty plastic or aluminum wrap will last around 1 month in the freezer before drying out.
Canned salmon keeps for 3-4 months in the freezer at a constant 0°F temperature if sealed in an airtight container.
- Raw salmon: 2-3 months high quality, up to 6 months before unsafe
- Smoked salmon: 1 month
- Canned salmon: 3-4 months
Always label your frozen salmon packages with the freeze date so you know when the 3-month mark hits.
Proper Way To Freeze Salmon
To get the longest freezer life and best quality, you have to freeze salmon correctly. Here are some tips:
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Rinse the salmon under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Frozen water droplets can damage texture.
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Place salmon in an airtight freezer bag or container, removing as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn.
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Label bag with freeze date and type of salmon. Include any recipe notes if freezing marinated or seasoned salmon.
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Freeze salmon as fast as possible. In general, the faster salmon freezes, the better it retains moisture and flavor.
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Place salmon in the coldest part of your freezer, which is usually the back. The constant 0°F temperature maximizes shelf life.
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Glaze smoked salmon with a thin layer of ice water before freezing for extra protection.
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Canned salmon should be transferred to an airtight container before freezing if the can is opened.
Follow these steps, and your frozen salmon should taste fresh for the next 2-3 months!
Thawing Frozen Salmon Safely
Never just pop frozen salmon straight into the oven or pan! Thawing is crucial for texture, flavor, and safety.
Here are a few ways to safely thaw frozen salmon:
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In the refrigerator: Place frozen salmon in a bowl or pan to catch drips. Thaw overnight in the fridge or for 24 hours for a large fillet.
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In cold water: Seal salmon in a ziplock bag then submerge in cold tap water, changing water every 15 minutes. Thaw for 1 hour max.
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In the microwave: Place salmon between two paper towel layers and microwave in 30 second bursts, flipping once halfway through. This can create hot spots so be careful!
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As you cook: Bake, grill or pan-sear frozen salmon straight from the freezer. Add a few extra minutes to the cook time. Not recommended for delicate textures like salmon though.
The safest way is thawing overnight in the refrigerator. This reduces bacteria risk from warmer temperatures.
Always cook thawed salmon immediately and don’t refreeze thawed salmon. At this point, the quality would be compromised.
How To Tell If Thawed Salmon Has Gone Bad
When thawing and cooking previously frozen salmon, check for signs of spoilage first. Here’s what to look for:
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Slimy flesh and mucus-like substance on surface
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Grey or milky opaque color
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Strong, rancid fishy odor
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Soft, mushy texture that leaves an indent when pressed
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Discolored or dark spots on the flesh
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Dull, sunken eyes instead of clear pupils (whole salmon)
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Soggy skin
If your thawed salmon shows any of these signs, it has been contaminated by bacteria and shouldn’t be eaten. Always discard spoiled salmon.
Good salmon has firm, glistening pink or orange flesh with no dark marks. It smells mildly briny or ocean-like only. The eyes and scales on whole salmon look shiny and metallic.
When in doubt, throw it out. Don’t risk getting sick from spoiled salmon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got any other questions about how long salmon stays fresh in the freezer or how to tell if it’s gone bad? Here are some common FAQs:
How long can you keep vacuum-sealed salmon in the freezer?
Vacuum-sealing removes oxygen and extends the freezer life. Properly vacuum-sealed salmon will last 2-3 months in the freezer before quality loss.
Can you get sick from spoiled frozen salmon?
Yes, food poisoning is possible if you eat salmon with pathogens like listeria, salmonella or E. coli from spoilage. Always discard questionable salmon.
Can you refreeze salmon after thawing?
We don’t recommend refreezing raw salmon after it’s been thawed. The texture and moisture content will degrade. However, if cooked salmon is frozen shortly after cooking, it can safely be refrozen.
Can you eat frozen salmon past the 3-month recommended freezer time?
It’s not ideal for quality but frozen salmon should technically be safe up to 6 months. The taste, moisture and texture will decline over time though.
Is it okay to cook frozen salmon directly without thawing?
Technically yes, but the taste won’t be as good. Thawing ensures salmon cooks more evenly. Hard frozen parts can lead to a rubbery texture.
The Bottom Line
There you have it! With proper freezing and storage, salmon can keep for 2-3 months in the freezer before the quality starts deteriorating. Vacuum-seal and freeze salmon as fast as possible, thaw it safely in the refrigerator, and inspect thawed salmon closely before cooking.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to enjoy delicious, fresh-tasting salmon even when you can’t get it fresh! No more worrying about when that freezer salmon expired.
