The Definitive Guide to Freezing Canned SalmonBy John Smith
Canned salmon is a kitchen staple for good reason – it’s affordable, nutritious, and versatile. But what happens when you don’t use up the whole can? Can you freeze the leftovers? The short answer is yes! Freezing canned salmon allows you to store it for longer and avoid waste.
As a seafood lover and amateur chef, I rely on canned salmon often for quick and easy meals. After testing different methods, I’ve put together this definitive guide on the dos and don’ts of freezing canned salmon. Read on to learn how to properly freeze canned salmon so it stays fresh and delicious for months.
Should You Freeze Canned Salmon In the Can?
Freezing canned salmon in the can is not recommended. The liquid in the can will expand during freezing and cause the can to burst. This can make a huge mess in your freezer!
Instead, transfer the salmon to an airtight freezer bag or container first. This prevents freezer burn and protects the can from damage. Glass storage containers are best for preventing freezer burn.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Freezing Canned Salmon
Follow these steps for foolproof frozen canned salmon:
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Drain the salmon well and discard the liquid from the can. The liquid can cause the salmon to get mushy when frozen.
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Transfer the salmon to a plastic freezer bag, plastic container, or glass container. Make sure it’s freezer-safe.
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Remove as much air from the bag or container as possible before sealing it. This prevents freezer burn.
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Label the container with the type of salmon and date of freezing. This lets you know how long it’s been stored.
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Lay the bag or container flat in the freezer so the salmon freezes evenly.
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Use the frozen salmon within 3 months for best quality and freshness.
Handy Tips for Freezing Canned Salmon
Keep these extra tips in mind when freezing canned salmon:
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Portion salmon into recipe-ready amounts before freezing for easier use.
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Combine small bits of salmon into a batch for dips, spreads or patties.
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Freeze cans of salmon you find on sale to stock up on budget protein.
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Lay salmon flat in the freezer so it freezes solid quickly, avoiding ice crystals.
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Use oldest frozen salmon first to avoid spoilage or rancid flavors.
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Don’t bother seasoning salmon before freezing – season it when you use it.
Thawing Frozen Canned Salmon
Always thaw frozen canned salmon safely in the fridge – not on the counter. Otherwise bacteria could grow. Here are some thawing tips:
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Let salmon thaw slowly in the fridge overnight, ideally for 24 hours.
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For faster thawing, seal frozen salmon in a plastic bag and place in a bowl of cold water. Change water every 30 mins.
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Microwaving to thaw can create hot spots. Only microwave to finish heating once thawed.
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Cook thawed salmon within 3-4 days and don’t refreeze it once it’s thawed.
Delicious Ways to Use Frozen Canned Salmon
Frozen canned salmon retains its flavor beautifully when thawed. Get creative with these yummy ideas:
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Make salmon burgers, croquettes, or fishcakes from frozen patties.
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Toss chunks of thawed salmon in pasta, rice bowls, frittatas or omelets.
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Fill lettuce cups or wraps with salmon salad made from frozen salmon.
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Mix into potato salads, grain bowls, or stuff avocados with frozen salmon.
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Make fast salmon fried rice or stir fries with frozen chunks of salmon.
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Add protein to soups and chowders by dropping in frozen salmon pieces.
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Spread spicy salmon dip or mousse on crackers – just blend thawed salmon.
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Top flatbreads, bruschetta or crostini with creamy frozen salmon.
The Bottom Line
Now you know the simple steps for freezing leftover canned salmon safely. Follow these tips and you can enjoy budget-friendly canned salmon for months with no waste. Thaw it in the fridge when those salmon cravings hit or you need a protein boost. With endless possibilities for using frozen canned salmon in recipes, your freezer stash will never go to waste!
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!
The Untold Truth Of Canned Salmon
FAQ
Does canned salmon freeze well?
How do you store canned salmon after opening? You can refrigerate canned salmon for up to three (3) days without spoiling. You can also freeze canned salmon in plastic freezer bags or containers – just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before use. Freezing can extend storage time by up to three (3) months.
How do you store leftover canned salmon?
Once opened, if not used immediately, remove salmon from the can and store in an airtight container in the fridge and use within 3-4 days. For best quality, if you freeze canned salmon after opening, use before three months.
Can you freeze leftover canned fish?
… cook with canned salmon and have some leftovers, you should know that you can freeze them, as long as you follow a few guidelines to ensure proper food safetyJan 17, 2025
Can you freeze salmon in store packaging?
Can you freeze canned salmon?
The good news is yes, you can absolutely freeze canned salmon for longer term storage. Freezing is an excellent way to save unused portions while maintaining quality and safety. Read on to learn tips for properly freezing and thawing canned salmon, along with delicious ways to use it in recipes after freezing. Why Freeze Canned Salmon?
How long can you keep frozen salmon?
Consume your frozen salmon within three months for the best quality. Remember, while freezing can extend the life of your salmon, it can also alter texture, so employ these practices when you need to store salmon beyond a few days. Proper storage methods are crucial in preserving the quality, taste, and safety of your canned salmon.
Can you eat frozen salmon?
The good news is that the USDA says that food poisoning bacteria don’t grow in the freezer, which means if your canned salmon is unspoiled, it’ll stay that way in there. Plus, Oregon State University says that frozen canned goods can be eaten if the seams are still intact and the lids aren’t bulging.
Can you freeze salmon if it is spoiled?
If you freeze it, you can use it for up to 12 months after its sell-by date. There is a risk of illness when salmon is spoiled due to mold and bacteria buildup. Salmon can be kept in the freezer or wrapped in aluminum foil for the best results.
Can you put tinned salmon in the freezer?
You don’t want the salmon to go to waste, especially if the best-by date is soon. It may last a while afterward, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. You’ve got some extra freezer space, so you’re considering storing the tinned fish in there.
Can You refreeze frozen salmon after thawing?
Always thaw frozen salmon safely in the refrigerator overnight, NOT at room temperature. Microwaving partially thawed salmon can lead to uneven cooking. For faster thawing, place the sealed pack in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Once thawed, use within 3-4 days. Don’t refreeze salmon after thawing.