Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious types of fish. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high quality protein, vitamins and minerals, salmon can be a healthy addition to anyone’s diet However, like all seafood, salmon is highly perishable and can go bad quickly if not stored properly This brings up an important question – how long can uncooked salmon sit out at room temperature before it becomes unsafe to eat?
The answer depends on a few key factors
How the Salmon Was Handled Prior to Sitting Out
If the salmon was properly handled, kept chilled at all times during processing, storage and transport, it will have a longer shelf life compared to fish that was mishandled or left to warm for periods of time. Salmon that is caught and immediately gutted, cleaned and iced or refrigerated has less bacterial growth compared to fish that sits unrefrigerated for many hours before processing.
The more breaks in the cold chain, the shorter the shelf life once the fish is left out at room temperature.
Whether the Salmon is Whole or Cut
Whole, unopened salmon will last longer sitting out compared to cut or filleted salmon. Once the fish is cut open, bacteria have more access to the moist flesh inside. Whole salmon still has skin, scales and membranes intact that protect the insides from exposure to air, light and bacterial contamination.
Whole salmon can sit for up to 12 hours while cut or filleted salmon should not sit out for more than 2 hours.
The Temperature of the Surroundings
Warmer conditions allow bacteria to multiply faster. Salmon left out at 90°F will go bad quicker than salmon left out at 40°F. If your kitchen or environment is particularly hot and humid, the salmon has a shorter shelf life compared to a cooler, drier setting.
In general, salmon should not sit out for more than 2 hours if temperatures exceed 40°F.
Signs Salmon Has Been Left Out Too Long
It’s not always easy to know precisely how long salmon has been unrefrigerated. Here are some telltale signs that indicate the fish is no longer fresh and may be unsafe to eat:
- Strong, fishy odor
- Dull, slimy flesh
- Discolored patches on the skin/flesh
- Dry, flaky texture
If your salmon exhibits any of these characteristics, it’s best to throw it out. When in doubt, remember the old adage – “when fish smells like fish, throw it out and don’t take the risk”.
Tips to Keep Salmon Fresh if Sitting Out Briefly
- Place salmon over ice. This keeps it chilled even when out of the fridge.
- Transport salmon in a cooler bag. Keeps it protected and surrounded by ice packs.
- Put salmon back in the fridge within 1-2 hours max.
- When thawing frozen salmon, keep it in the fridge or under cold running water. Do not leave on the counter to thaw.
- Follow the “2 hour rule” – salmon left in the danger zone between 40°F and 140°F for over 2 hours may not be safe to eat.
Storing Salmon Safely
To get the longest shelf life out of your salmon, proper storage is key:
- Keep raw salmon very cold, between 32°F-40°F. Use ice or gel packs if transporting.
- Store salmon towards the back of the fridge, not on the door where temperatures fluctuate.
- Place salmon on a plate or in a container to prevent leakage and cross-contamination.
- Consume salmon within 2 days of purchase for optimal quality and safety.
- Freeze salmon if not using within 2 days. Portion into freezer bags, exclude air and freeze at 0°F or below.
Thawing Frozen Salmon
To safely thaw frozen salmon:
- Place in the refrigerator 1-2 days before use. Let it thaw slowly and drip into a plate underneath.
- Submerge vacuum sealed salmon in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
- Thaw in the microwave if cooking immediately afterwards.
Do not thaw salmon at room temperature or leave sitting on the counter overnight. This allows bacteria to multiply to dangerous levels.
Cooking Salmon Thoroughly
Cook salmon to an internal temperature of at least 145°F to kill any potential bacterial growth. Salmon can be enjoyed in many ways – baked, grilled, broiled, pan fried, poached or roasted. Use a food thermometer to confirm doneness, especially for thick cuts. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Trust Your Senses
When in doubt if salmon is still fresh, use your senses. Smell the salmon, check for dull flesh, mucus and any unpleasant odors. Be conservative with storage times and if salmon has been mishandled or left out too long, play it safe and throw it away.
With proper handling and storage, salmon can be enjoyed both safely and deliciously. Follow these tips on fridge times, prep, freezing and thawing to keep your salmon fresh, prevent waste and reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Your taste buds and your health will thank you.
Why Can Salmon Only Sit Out for Two Hours?
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends “the 2-Hour Rule” to ensure food remains safe to consume. When perishable foods sit out longer than two hours, they begin to spoil, but harmful bacteria also begin to grow. If salmon is left in the temperature “danger zone,” between 40 °F and 140 °F, bacteria can double in as little as 20 minutes. When bacteria, such as Staph, Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter reach dangerous levels, they can cause foodborne illness. If a restaurant or manufacturer was responsible for causing your foodborne illness, you may be able to recover compensation with the help of a food safety lawyer.
How Long Will Frozen Salmon Be Good in the Freezer?
Frozen salmon can last indefinitely, but it is best to use it within three months. After that, it begins to diminish in quality. To freeze raw salmon, rinse it, pat it dry, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in a sealable bag or airtight container before putting it in the freezer. Cooked salmon will last six months in the freezer before losing its optimum quality.
How Long Can You Leave Food Out?
FAQ
How long can raw salmon be unrefrigerated?
How long can raw salmon sit out before cooking reddit?
If fresh means that you caught it or it was less than 12 hours out of the water, then leaving it out overnight is probably fine.
How can you tell if raw salmon has gone bad?
Salmon that is old or spoiled will look dull or gray and may have a white, filmy residue. In addition, it will have fishy or ammonia-like odor and a mushy or slimy texture.
Can I eat salmon after 3 hours?
Never leave seafood or other perishable food out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours or for more than 1 hour if exposed to temperatures above 90°F (32°C).
How long can you keep raw salmon in the fridge?
Raw salmon can be safely stored in the fridge for two days. Place the salmon in a sealable plastic bag and remove as much air as possible. Ideally, salmon should be stored at 32°F, but most fridges sit around 38°F. To make it last as long as possible, place the salmon on top of a bed of ice.
How long can raw salmon sit out?
Raw salmon should not be left out for more than 2 hours at temperatures between 40-140 degrees Fahrenheit. If raw salmon is left at room temperature for longer than 2 hours, it should be discarded. The main reason for this is that a warm environment provides a medium for rapid bacterial growth.
How long can you leave cooked salmon out?
Avoid leaving salmon platters sitting out at room temp during potlucks or parties. Refrigerate or freeze leftover cooked salmon within 2 hours. Do not let sit out overnight. Cooked salmon can actually spoil more quickly than raw due to the possibility of spore-forming bacteria. So never leave cooked salmon out for more than 2 hours.
How long can salmon sit out at room temperature?
Fresh salmon can sit out at room temperature for about two hours before it begins to break down. In warmer temperatures, salmon should be cooked or discarded within an even shorter period of time. Salmon is one of my favorite proteins to cook and eat.
How long can thawed salmon stay in the fridge?
Ideally, salmon should be stored at 32°F, but most fridges sit around 38°F. To make it last as long as possible, place the salmon on top of a bed of ice. Once salmon is cooked, it will last another three to four days in the fridge. ANSWERED
Can you leave raw salmon out at room temperature?
If you leave raw salmon out at room temperature for a long time, bacteria will grow quickly. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) says that chilled salmon, whether it’s raw or cooked, shouldn’t be left out for more than two hours. This 2 hour rule applies to all types of salmon – wild caught, farmed, Atlantic, Pacific, etc.