Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious fish available. It’s rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and loaded with protein. Many people enjoy eating salmon regularly for its delicious flavor and health benefits.
But what if you discover a package of frozen salmon that’s been sitting in your freezer for a year? Is it still safe to eat? Or does salmon go bad when frozen for that long?
How Long Can Frozen Salmon Last?
The general rule is that frozen fish like salmon will last for 3-6 months in the freezer before quality starts to decline. However, if it’s continuously frozen at 0°F or below, salmon can safely last for 9-12 months in the freezer.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) even approves frozen salmon as safe indefinitely when stored properly at 0°F or colder. However, freezing for longer than a year may negatively impact texture and flavor. The salmon may become drier and lose its fresh taste over time.
So while frozen salmon won’t make you sick after a year, you may notice deterioration in quality It comes down to personal preference whether you want to eat frozen salmon that’s been in the freezer for that long
Signs Your Frozen Salmon Has Gone Bad
While frozen salmon won’t spoil in the same way as fresh, there are some signs that indicate frozen salmon may be past its prime
- Noticeable freezer burn with dry, flaky texture
- Dull, faded color instead of glistening orange-red
- Fishy, ammonia-like odor when package is opened
- Excessive ice crystals or solid ice mass inside package
- Soft, mushy flesh instead of firm and moist
If your frozen salmon shows any of these characteristics, it’s best to throw it out. At that point, the quality has diminished too far for pleasant consumption.
Safely Thawing and Cooking Old Frozen Salmon
If your frozen salmon shows no obvious signs of spoilage it’s likely still safe to eat. Here are some tips for safely handling and preparing salmon that’s been frozen for up to a year
- Thaw in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. This helps prevent bacteria growth.
- Cook to an internal temperature of at least 145°F. This kills any pathogens present.
- Discard any funky smelling pieces instead of cooking. Trust your nose!
- Avoid eating raw. Make sure to cook old frozen salmon thoroughly.
- Use in casseroles, chowders or other dishes rather than pan-frying. The sauces help moisten the flesh.
- Add extra seasoning and lemon. This masks any flavor changes from prolonged freezing.
Exercising caution is advised when dealing with fish that’s been frozen for months. But in most cases, that forgotten salmon in the back of your freezer can still be revived into a tasty meal. Handle it properly and you can safely enjoy the health perks and delicious flavor of salmon, even after freezing for a year.
Expert Opinions on Eating Old Frozen Salmon
To provide some authoritative opinions on this topic, here are answers from food safety experts when asked about eating salmon frozen for a year:
“Frozen salmon that has been properly stored at 0°F or below should still be safe to eat quality-wise after a year. However, texture and taste will likely start to degrade so it may not be as enjoyable to eat.” – Ben Chapman, PhD, Food Safety Specialist at North Carolina State University
“I regularly eat frozen fish including salmon that has been stored for over a year without any safety concerns. But the quality definitely goes down over time. I try to eat frozen fish within 6 months for best flavor and texture.” – Dr. Melody Peters, Seafood Technology Specialist, Oregon State University
“Frozen foods are safe indefinitely, but can deteriorate in quality over time. Frozen fish often gets freezer burn which affects texture. The taste can also become dull. I recommend using old frozen salmon in moist, strongly flavored dishes to compensate for any quality changes.” – Gina Nicholson, Food Safety Consultant, Compliance Masters Inc.
The Verdict on 1-Year Frozen Salmon
Based on food safety research and expert opinions, salmon that has been continuously frozen for up to 1 year will not make you sick if handled properly. However, the eating quality will progressively decline over time.
For best quality, try to eat frozen salmon within 6 months. Up to a year is still safe if the salmon was stored at 0°F or below the entire time. Beyond a year, be alert to any signs of freezer burn or spoilage.
To restore the texture and flavor of salmon frozen for a year, thaw it carefully in the fridge, cook thoroughly to 145°F, use in saucy dishes, and season generously. With proper handling, that long-frozen salmon fillet can still make for a healthy, appetizing dinner!
How Long Can You Keep Salmon Frozen?
The duration for which salmon can be freezed varies depending on the type of salmon.
To maximize the shelf life of an opened package of smoked salmon, tightly wrap it in a heavy-duty aluminum or plastic wrap.
Properly stored, an opened packaged lasts for about one month in the freezer but remains safe beyond that time.
Constantly refrigerated canned salmon is safe for up to 3-4 days. You can extend the shelf life of canned salmon by freezing it.
Constantly frozen canned salmon, at 0°F, remains safe for consumption for up to 3 months.
When frozen, raw salmon will maintain its best quality for about 2-3 months. Though you can freeze it for up to six months, its quality starts degrading after three months.
To freeze raw salmon, first rinse it, pat it dry, and wrap in an air-tight container. Label it with the date of freezing, and use it before six months.
How To Thaw Frozen Salmon
When it comes to defrosting and thawing frozen salmon, you have a few options. Cooking frozen salmon may spoil its flavor and texture. So, be careful and allocate enough time to defrost the fish properly so that its flavor and nutrients remain intact. Remember, thawing is different than reheating. We’ve discussed how to properly reheat salmon on this post.
Make sure you keep the fish away from a dangerous temperature range (41-135°F) where salmon can grow bacteria.
Let your frozen salmon thaw naturally in the refrigerator for about 12 hours or more. Plan your meal in advance and transfer the frozen salmon to the refrigerator.
If the salmon weighs more than one pound, take it out of the freezer 24 hours before cooking time. Remove it from the packaging and wrap in a plastic wrap that is big enough to hold the entire piece. Keep it away from sweet food; otherwise, it may absorb the fishy smell.
If you are in a hurry and have only one hour to cook your dish, you can defrost the salmon in cold tap water.
Remove the salmon packaging, package it again in a dry zip-lock bag and seal it closed. Place the bag in a large bowl so that the fish defrosts evenly.
Next, move the bowl in the sink and fill it with cold tap water. Do not thaw out fish in hot water because it may create the risk of bacterial growth.
Replace water in the bowl every 10-15 minutes until the fish completely defrosts. Cook the salmon immediately; otherwise, the fish may go bad if left uncooked for too long.
Though microwave thawing is the quickest way to defrost salmon and prepare it for cooking, this method is our least recommended option. We’re not fans of this method because microwave heating may pass harmful cause uneven thawing of the salmon and there is more of a risk of bacterial growth.
To thaw salmon in the microwave, remove the salmon from its packaging. Then place it on a paper towel in the microwave. Position the fish so that the thinnest parts rest in the middle of the container. Cover the fish with another paper towel.
Set the timer five minutes for every one pound of salmon. Let the microwave run for two and a half minutes and then flip the salmon to the other side. Keep thawing for one minute.
Once your salmon is thawed properly, you can broil, grill, fry, or cook it!
How long can food stay in your freezer?
FAQ
Can you eat frozen salmon after 1 year?
How Long Can Salmon Stay in the Freezer? For optimal freshness, you can store frozen salmon in the freezer until you know you’re ready to cook it. Our recommendation is to enjoy the salmon within 3 months ideally, or up to a year. Beyond that, the quality may diminish, but it is safe to eat indefinitely.Oct 31, 2022
How long can you keep salmon frozen in the freezer?
Is fish frozen for 2 years safe to eat?
Generally, you can keep frozen fish for up to six months in the freezer. However, if you store it at a temperature of 0°F or below, it can last up to 12 months.May 16, 2023
Can you eat frozen salmon after 2 years reddit?
Food that has been continuously frozen will never spoil. It may degrade in quality, getting freezer burn, but it will stay safe to eat indefinitely.
How long does frozen salmon last after expiration date?
If you have salmon that has been frozen for more than two years, it is best to throw it away. After two years, the quality of the salmon diminishes and it is no longer safe to eat.
Can you eat frozen salmon if it has gone bad?
Freezer burn can be a sign that your salmon was not stored as well as it should have been, but it is not always an indication that the salmon is spoiled. If the salmon doesn’t have any signs of having gone bad other than freezer burn, it should be safe to eat. Can You Get Sick From Eating Frozen Salmon That Has Gone Bad?
Can I eat raw salmon I froze for a week?
Can I eat raw salmon I froze for a week on my home freezer? The FDA standards say that raw salmon should be frozen at -20C for seven days before it’s safe to eat. My freezer goes down to -25C.
Can you freeze salmon?
If you have salmon that you need to store for an extended period of time, freezing it is a great option. Salmon will maintain its best quality in the freezer for up to 9 months, although it will usually still be safe to eat after that.
Is frozen salmon good for your health?
In fact, eating frozen salmon can be a positive habit that will ensure that such parasites and bacteria are destroyed in a timely manner. So the next time you eat raw salmon, do not hesitate. Now you know that frozen salmon can be good for your health, feel free to visit your local supermarkets.
How long does salmon last in a freezer?
In a regular freezer, salmon can be frozen for around two months. If you vacuum seal the bag that the salmon is in, it can last longer–for three or four months in a regular freezer. With a deep freezer, salmon will last for about three to four months. Vacuum sealing and using a deep freezer will extend the storage time to six to twelve months.