Salmon is one of my favorite proteins to cook with. It’s tasty, nutritious, and versatile – you can pan fry it, bake it, grill it, poach it, and more. But like any perishable food, salmon has a limited shelf life. So a common question many home cooks have is: how long can salmon last in the freezer?
In this article, I’ll provide a complete guide to freezing salmon, including how long it lasts, tips for maximizing freezer life, how to tell if frozen salmon has gone bad, and more. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about safely freezing salmon at home.
How Long Does Frozen Salmon Last?
The shelf life of frozen salmon depends on a few factors
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Type of salmon – Wild salmon generally lasts longer than farmed. Fatty fish like salmon usually last 4-8 months in the freezer.
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Packaging – Vacuum sealed or heavily wrapped salmon lasts longer than salmon loosely packed in freezer bags,
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Freezer temperature – Colder freezers (0°F or below) preserve salmon better than warmer units.
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Freezer type – Standalone freezers maintain temperature better than fridge freezers.
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State of salmon – Raw salmon lasts longer than cooked Frozen salmon blocks last longer than fillets
Taking all these factors into account, here are some general freezer life guidelines for salmon:
- Raw salmon steaks/fillets: 3-6 months
- Raw salmon blocks: 4-8 months
- Cooked salmon: 2-3 months
- Smoked salmon: 1-2 months
So for optimal quality, use raw salmon within 3 months and cooked salmon within 2 months. But frozen salmon should remain safe to eat for the full shelf lives listed above if stored properly.
Tips for Freezing Salmon
Follow these tips to safely freeze salmon and maximize its freezer shelf life:
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Freeze salmon as soon as possible after buying it. Chill in the fridge first if not freezing immediately.
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Portion salmon into usable sizes if freezing a large cut. Freeze in single layers with wax paper between each.
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Wrap salmon tightly in plastic wrap and/or freezer bags. Squeeze out excess air. Vacuum seal for best results.
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Label bags with type of salmon and freeze date so you know how old it is.
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Freeze salmon on fast freeze setting if available to prevent large ice crystals.
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Store salmon towards the back of the freezer where temperature is most stable.
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Once thawed, use salmon within 1-2 days. Do not refreeze thawed salmon.
Following proper freezing methods will help salmon retain moisture, texture, and flavor for as long as possible.
How to Tell if Frozen Salmon is Bad
It’s important to know how to identify spoiled salmon so you don’t accidentally eat bad fish. Here are some signs that frozen salmon has gone bad:
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Unpleasant odors – Fresh salmon has a mild, ocean-like smell. Bad salmon smells sour or rancid.
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Discoloration – Signs of gray, brown or yellowish hues indicate spoiled fish.
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Texture changes – Slime, mushiness, or dry flakes are red flags. Frozen salmon should still feel firm.
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Freezer burn – Thick ice crystals, dry spots, or frosty coating signals diminished quality.
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Weird markings – Mold, dark spots, or soft gummy patches are worrisome.
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Older than recommended storage – Toss if salmon has exceeded suggested freezer times.
When inspecting previously frozen salmon, it’s normal for the color to appear a bit duller and drier. But drastic changes in appearance, smell, or texture are signs to discard the salmon.
Safe Thawing Methods
Thaw frozen salmon properly before cooking to prevent foodborne illnesses. Do not thaw at room temperature or in hot water. Recommended thawing methods include:
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Fridge thawing – Safest method. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Place on a plate to catch drips.
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Cold water thawing – Faster method. Seal salmon in bag then submerge in cold water. Change water every 30 mins.
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Microwave thawing – Quick method. Partially thaw in microwave then finish thawing in the fridge. Cook immediately after thawing.
Monitor the salmon during thawing and cook it as soon as it’s fully thawed. Do not refreeze salmon after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does thawed salmon last in the fridge?
Thawed salmon will keep 1-2 days in the fridge. Cook thawed salmon as soon as possible for best quality. Discard any uneaten leftovers.
Can you freeze cooked salmon?
Yes, cooked salmon can be frozen too. Prepare first – allow to cool completely, portion into sealed bags. Freeze for 2-3 months maximum.
Can you refreeze thawed salmon?
No, avoid refreezing thawed salmon. Refreezing causes more moisture loss, damage to cell walls, and risks bacteria growth. Cook thawed salmon immediately.
Does freezing salmon affect quality?
Freezing does lower salmon quality somewhat. Texture may be softer and moisture content reduced after thawing. But it still retains much of its nutritional value.
Is it safe to eat freezer burned salmon?
It’s best to discard severely freezer burned salmon. Minor freezer burn is safe to eat after trimming away affected parts. The taste is diminished though.
The Bottom Line
Salmon can last for 3-6 months in a properly frozen state. Follow the storage tips in this guide and use frozen salmon within the recommended timelines for optimal safety and eating quality. Thaw using safe defrosting methods and cook the salmon immediately after it thaws. With proper handling, frozen salmon can be a tasty and nutritious addition to your diet.
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 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.