Salmon is a delicious and healthy fish that is a staple in many households. However, proper storage is essential to keep salmon safe to eat. An important question many home cooks have is how long thawed salmon can stay in the fridge before it goes bad. In this article we’ll provide a thorough overview of salmon storage, thawing, signs of spoilage, and how long thawed salmon lasts in the fridge.
Overview of Salmon Storage
Raw salmon typically lasts 1-2 days in the fridge from the purchase date For optimal freshness, store raw salmon on ice or ice packs and keep it in an airtight container or bag Once cooked, salmon will last 3-4 days in the fridge stored in an airtight container. Frozen salmon lasts longer – raw salmon stays fresh in the freezer for 2-3 months, while vacuum sealed salmon can last up to 6 months frozen.
Cooked salmon can also be frozen for 1-2 months, Thawed salmon that has been continuously refrigerated can safely be refrozen within 1-2 days But thawed salmon that has sat at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be cooked and eaten or discarded,
Proper Thawing of Frozen Salmon
Thawing salmon properly is key to both food safety and maintaining texture and flavor. There are three safe ways to thaw frozen salmon fillets:
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In the refrigerator overnight is best – allow about 12 hours for thawed salmon. Place on a plate to catch drips.
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In cold water, changing water every 30 minutes. Thaw until fish is pliable and opaque throughout.
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In the microwave if pressed for time. Use “defrost” setting and stop to check often. Cook immediately after microwaving.
Never thaw salmon at room temperature or in hot water, which puts the fish in the unsafe temperature “danger zone” between 40-140°F where bacteria multiply quickly.
How Long Thawed Salmon Lasts in the Fridge
Once thawed, salmon will maintain best quality for 1-2 days stored in the fridge. The cold temperature of the refrigerator (below 40°F) prevents bacterial growth and keeps the fish safe. Key tips:
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Place thawed salmon in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
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Store on the bottom shelf of the fridge to prevent leaks and cross-contamination.
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Use thawed salmon within 1-2 days for optimal flavor and texture.
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Do not refreeze thawed salmon unless cooked first. It can lose moisture and texture.
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If thawed 1-2 days ago continuously in the fridge, salmon can be safely refrozen.
Signs Salmon Has Spoiled
It’s important to watch for any signs of spoilage before eating thawed salmon. Look for:
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Off odors – discarded fish gives off a sour, rancid, fishy smell
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Sliminess – spoiled salmon feels extra slippery or tacky
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Discoloration – bad salmon appears brown, grey, or greenish and has faded flesh
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Dryness – spoiled fish looks dried out and shriveled
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Mold – unsafe salmon may have fuzzy white or black mold spots
When in doubt, remember the old saying “when fish smells fishy, it’s gone bad and not delish”. Off smells, textures, or appearances mean do not eat the salmon.
Proper Storage of Cooked Salmon
For optimal safety and quality, properly stored cooked salmon lasts 3-4 days refrigerated. Follow these tips:
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Allow cooked salmon to cool slightly before refrigerating in an airtight container.
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Place salmon towards the back of the fridge, away from the door.
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Eat refrigerated cooked salmon within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.
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Frozen cooked salmon lasts 1-2 months but may have diminished texture.
With proper refrigerator temperatures, storage methods, and handling, thawed salmon can safely stay in the fridge for 1-2 days. Follow the signs of spoilage and trust your senses to determine if your thawed salmon is still fresh and safe to enjoy. When in doubt, remember it’s better to be safe than sick – if salmon seems questionable at all, play it safe and toss it out.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Salmon?
A lot of folks wonder if it’s safe to refreeze proteins. The short answer is yes, you can refreeze raw salmon safely, but there are some key points to remember.
The main point to remember is that it is safe to refreeze salmon that has been “slow” thawed in the refrigerator, as outlined in our guide to thawing salmon. It is NOT safe to refreeze salmon that has been “quick-thawed” in a bowl of cold water.
According to the USDA, you can refreeze salmon that has been thawed in the fridge as long as it has maintained refrigerator temperatures — meaning it’s cold to the touch, thus preventing any bacteria from growing. You can also freeze portions of unused fish.
It’s important to note, though, that refreezing raw salmon will impact its quality due to loss of moisture. There will always be some loss of moisture when ice crystals form and then melt. This leaves the seafood a little less succulent each time and damages the texture of the protein itself. The less efficient the freezing process — in other words, the longer it takes for seafood to freeze — the more the product will suffer as a result.
That’s why the process of flash freezing is one of the most important steps in getting fresh, high-quality seafood to your doorstep. It’s what sets the freshest tasting fish apart from the “fresh” fish at grocery stores.
By the time you see the thawed fish in grocery store displays, they’ve likely been frozen and thawed at least two times. In contrast, flash-freezing fish shortly after it has been caught — and keeping it frozen when possible throughout processing — helps to maintain the quality of the salmon from catch to doorstep.
Can You Freeze Cooked Salmon?
Yes, though there are certain preparations of salmon that freeze better than others. You can refreeze cooked salmon, but we find that it works best for meals such as these delectable salmon cakes, as the accompanying ingredients in the preparation help to keep the salmon moist when frozen and reheated. With cooked salmon that has been frozen, it’s best to consume it within a month or so for best possible quality.
While you may lose some quality in the fish, freezing cooked salmon is a great method for people who like to meal prep salmon in advance. You lose out on some flavor, but it makes weekday meals easier.
If you’re planning on freezing cooked salmon, allow the fish to cool to room temperature (or even cool it in the refrigerator) before moving it to the freezer. If you don’t, the steam coming off the warm food will turn into ice crystals and create freezer burn (yikes!). Make sure you don’t freeze any foods left outside the refrigerator longer than 2 hours, or food left out 1 hour in temperatures above 90F.
How Long Can Thawed Salmon Stay In The Fridge? ANSWERED
FAQ
Can you eat salmon 3 days after defrosting?
Can raw salmon last 5 days in the fridge?
How Long Does Raw Salmon Last In the Fridge? The USDA recommends consuming raw salmon in the fridge within 1 to 2 days. The fridge’s temperature is also important — make sure it is set to 40 degrees F or below.Feb 27, 2024
How long can defrosted fish stay in the fridge?
Is salmon good after 4 days in the fridge?