Can You Eat Leftover Salmon Patties the Next Day? A Comprehensive Guide
Salmon patties are a quick and easy dinner staple for many families. Often made with canned salmon, breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices, these flavorful cakes are budget-friendly and packed with protein. But what if you have leftovers? Is it safe to eat leftover salmon patties the next day or beyond?
As a busy mom and home cook, I love repurposing leftovers for quick meals during the week. However, I also want to ensure I’m storing and handling food properly to prevent illness. I did some research on the safety of leftover salmon patties and want to share what I learned.
Here is a comprehensive guide to enjoying your leftover salmon cakes while keeping your family safe. We will cover:
- How long salmon patties last in the fridge and freezer
- Proper storage and handling of cooked patties
- Safe reheating methods to revive leftovers
- Signs that patties have spoiled
- Creative ways to use up leftover patties
Read on for a complete look at maximizing your leftover salmon patties!
How Long Do Leftover Salmon Patties Last?
The first important question is, what is the shelf life of cooked salmon patties stored in the fridge and freezer?
Refrigerated: 3 to 4 days
Frozen: 2 to 3 months
The USDA recommends that cooked seafood like salmon patties can safely be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to put patties in a covered container. For longer shelf life, patties can be frozen for between 2 to 3 months. Freeze patties in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag.
Proper Handling of Leftover Patties
To safely preserve your cooked salmon cakes as long as possible, it’s important to handle them correctly:
- Chill patties within 2 hours of cooking. Never leave at room temperature.
- Store in a shallow covered dish to enable quick cooling.
- Portion into smaller containers to expedite chilling.
- Label containers with date cooked for tracking.
- Use oldest patties first within 3-4 day window.
Following these simple steps will help you safely maximize your leftover patties!
Reheating Salmon Patties
When ready to enjoy your leftover salmon cakes, proper reheating is crucial for food safety. Here are some tips:
- Defrost frozen patties in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat on the stove or in the oven until 165°F internally.
- Microwave using the defrost function first for even heating.
- Bring any sauces or gravy to a boil when reheating.
- Don’t leave patties at room temperature for over 2 hours total.
Heating patties to an internal temperature of 165°F kills any bacteria and makes the patties safe to eat again.
Is Eating Leftover Salmon Safe?
The safety principles for salmon patties also apply to any cooked salmon you want to eat later. Here are some key food safety tips:
- Refrigerate or freeze raw salmon within 2 days of purchasing.
- Cook fresh salmon within 2 days of thawing frozen salmon.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure salmon reaches 145°F when cooking.
- Never leave cooked salmon out for over 2 hours.
- Portion salmon into shallow containers for quick cooling.
- Freeze for longer storage up to 2-3 months.
Following these guidelines when cooking and storing salmon helps guarantee safety and quality.
Signs Salmon Has Spoiled
Trust your senses when evaluating leftover salmon patties or cooked salmon before eating. Here are signs your salmon has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Fishy, ammonia-like smell
- Slimy texture and dull or milky color
- Discoloration of flesh
- Mold growth
- Passed recommended storage date
Remember, when in doubt, throw it out! Don’t risk getting sick from spoiled fish.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Patties
Now that you know leftover salmon patties can safely be eaten up to 4 days after cooking when refrigerated properly, get creative with how you use those leftovers!
- Toss into main dish salads for extra protein
- Crumble into chowders or salmon hash
- Make slider sandwiches
- Top with eggs for breakfast
- Mix into rice or pasta
- Fill lettuce wraps
- Build salmon tacos
With some inspiration, you can reinvent those leftover patties into fun new dishes while reducing waste!
The Takeaway
Leftover salmon patties can temptingly linger in your fridge, but with proper storage, handling, and reheating, they can be safely enjoyed days after cooking. Follow the tips in this guide to store patties correctly, revive them properly, and creatively transform them into new family meals.
With safe salmon patty leftovers readily available, you can cut down on food waste while enjoying delicious and nutritious salmon cakes all week long. Just remember—when in doubt, toss it out! Prioritize your family’s health and safety above all else.
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How to Make Salmon Patties
- Cook the Veggies – Saute the onion and bell pepper in a pan for 7-9 minutes and then remove from heat.
- Mix the Patties – Mix salmon, peppers and onions, bread crumbs, egg, mayo, Worcestershire, garlic salt, pepper, and parsley in a large bowl. Then, use a heaping Tablespoon to measure the mixture and your hands to form patties.
- Cook the Patties – Melt oil and butter in a clean skillet, and place the salmon patties into the skillet in one layer, sauteeing each side for 3-4 minutes until browned. Place cooked patties on a paper-towel-lined plate, and then serve, garnished with fresh parsley.
Easy Salmon Patties Recipe
My whole family loves to eat these easy salmon patties, especially served with my Homemade Tartar Sauce, and I love how easy it is to make!
If you’re looking to start with fresh salmon, you’ll love our Salmon Cakes Recipe, but this recipe for salmon patties is a smart way to make a quick batch on busy weeknights with either leftover cooked salmon or well-drained, canned salmon (or even salmon packets) which you may already have in your pantry.
These are such a treat, and even folks who don’t usually like salmon enjoy this recipe. They always disappear fast and are even faster to make.
Salmon Patties – Old Fashioned, Southern Recipe!
FAQ
Is it safe to eat leftover salmon the next day?
Always be sure to eat your cooked salmon within three to four days to avoid getting sick — and you’ll save some money, too.Feb 24, 2024
How long will salmon patties last in the fridge?
Storing and Freezing Salmon Patties
Once cooked, leftover patties can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Eat them cold, or warm them up briefly in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Salmon patties also freeze well. Wrap them in plastic and foil, and defrost them in the fridge before reheating.
Can you eat canned salmon the next day?
Leftovers are safe refrigerated for 3-5 days after making them. Once the canned salmon has been opened, it should be eaten within 5 days.
Do salmon patties reheat well?
Oven – reheat the salmon patties in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes. This option yields crispy reheated salmon cakes.Jun 22, 2023