How Long Can I Keep Cooked Salmon in the Fridge?

Salmon is one of my favorite proteins to cook and eat. It’s delicious, nutritious, and versatile – I can bake it, grill it, pan sear it, and more. But like any perishable food, cooked salmon has a limited shelf life in the fridge before it goes bad. So how long can you safely keep leftover cooked salmon stored in the refrigerator?

I did some research from reputable food sites and government agencies to get the facts on fridge life for cooked salmon. Here’s a comprehensive look at how many days cooked salmon lasts in the fridge and how to store it to extend freshness.

How Many Days Does Cooked Salmon Last in the Fridge?

Cooked salmon that has been properly stored in the refrigerator will keep for 3 to 4 days, according to food safety recommendations.

Here are the general guidelines for how long cooked salmon will last refrigerated

• 3-4 days – Best quality and freshness
• 5-7 days – Maximum time before spoilage

The USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) advises using cooked salmon within 3 to 4 days for best quality. Technically it may be safe up to 7 days if kept at 40°F or below, but the taste texture and moisture content will degrade rapidly after day 3.

I like to enjoy salmon when it’s freshly cooked for optimal flavor and moisture. Leftovers stored for more than 4 or 5 days tend to dry out. So for the best experience, I try to eat it within 2 to 3 days after cooking.

Signs Your Cooked Salmon Has Gone Bad

It’s important to watch for signs of spoilage before eating leftover cooked salmon. Here are the red flags that indicate your salmon has gone bad and should be thrown out:

• Fishy, ammonia-like or sour smell
• Slimy texture and wet appearance
• Discoloration – gray, brown or greenish tint
• Dry, flaky texture

Trust your senses – if the leftover salmon doesn’t look or smell fresh, don’t risk eating it. Better safe than sorry when it comes to seafood!

Proper Storage for Cooked Salmon

Storing cooked salmon correctly is key to preserving freshness and preventing bacterial growth. Here are some storage tips:

• Let salmon cool completely before refrigerating. Don’t put piping hot salmon straight into the fridge.
• Store in airtight, sealed containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. This prevents air exposure and contamination.
• Place cooked salmon on the bottom shelf of the fridge, where temperature is coldest.
• Separate into smaller portions to allow quicker cooling. Large batches retain heat.
• Use leftovers within 3 to 4 days for best quality. Freeze remainder for longer storage.

Freezing and Thawing Cooked Salmon

Freezing is a great way to safely preserve cooked salmon for later use. According to the FDA, frozen cooked salmon stays fresh and safe for consumption for 2 to 3 months if stored at 0°F.

To freeze cooked salmon:

• Let cool completely after cooking
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in freezer bags. Squeeze out excess air.
• Label package with date and contents
• Freeze immediately

To thaw, refrigerate overnight in the freezer bag. Do not thaw at room temp. Once thawed, use within 3 to 4 days. Do not refreeze thawed salmon.

Reheating Leftover Cooked Salmon

You can safely reheat leftover cooked salmon to enjoy again. Follow these reheating methods:

• Oven – Bake at 350°F for 4-5 minutes until warmed through
• Microwave – Heat on Medium setting in 30 second increments
• Sauté – Cook over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side
• Soups/stews – Add just before serving, heat until steaming

Only reheat cooked salmon once. Multiple reheats continue to degrade texture and moisture. Cook to 145°F internal temperature when reheating.

How to Use Leftover Cooked Salmon

Don’t let leftover cooked salmon go to waste! Here are some delicious ways to repurpose it:

• Salmon salad – Flake into a pasta, potato or greens-based salad
• Sandwiches – Pair with cheese, lettuce, and condiments
• Omelets or frittatas – Fold into egg mixtures
• Tacos – Break into chunks and mix with salsa and veggies
• Pizza – Top dough or flatbread with salmon and toppings
• Pasta – Toss with penne, zoodles or spaghetti
• Chowder – Fold into vegetable chowder or seafood stew

So many possibilities beyond just a plain salmon fillet!

Safe Handling of Cooked Salmon

As with any perishable food, it’s important to handle cooked salmon safely:

• Wash hands, prep surfaces and utensils thoroughly before and after handling
• Cook to minimum internal temperature of 145°F
• Refrigerate promptly after cooking – don’t leave at room temp over 2 hours
• Check for spoilage signs before eating leftovers
• When reheating, cook to 165°F internal temperature

Following basic food safety practices helps prevent risk of foodborne illnesses. Take care when prepping, cooking, cooling, storing and reheating this versatile fish.

No, it is generally not recommended to eat cooked salmon after 5 days, even if stored in the refrigerator. Cooked salmon should be consumed within 3-4 days for optimal safety, according to the USDA and other food safety guidelines.