Canned salmon is a versatile and healthy protein source that can be added to salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and more. But once you open a can or pouch of salmon, how long does it last before it goes bad? Here’s what you need to know about storing and using up opened canned salmon.
Overview of Canned Salmon Shelf Life
When unopened, commercially packaged canned salmon has a very long shelf life. The canning process seals the salmon safely inside the can, protecting it from oxygen, light, and bacteria. An unopened can of salmon can safely stay on your pantry shelf for up to 3-5 years past the printed “best by” date on the can.
However, once opened, oxygen and bacteria can start to break down the salmon. So canned salmon that’s been opened has a much shorter shelf life. Proper refrigerated storage is key to maximizing the shelf life and safety of opened canned salmon.
Here are some general guidelines for how long opened canned salmon will last
- Refrigerator: 3-4 days
- Freezer: 2-3 months for best quality
The exact shelf life depends on how it is stored. Follow the tips below to keep opened canned salmon fresh as long as possible.
Refrigerator Storage Timeline
Keep opened canned salmon tightly sealed in the refrigerator. Store it in a covered glass or plastic container if you won’t use it all right away. Here are the stages of how long it lasts refrigerated:
- 1-2 days: Still fresh. Safe to eat.
- 3-4 days: Past peak quality but still safe if it has been refrigerated continually. Discard if you see any mold.
- 5-7 days: Not recommended. Increased risk of spoilage bacteria growing. Salmon may smell or taste off.
For maximum safety and quality use refrigerated canned salmon within 3-4 days of opening the can. Discard any leftovers after that point.
Freezer Storage Timeline
For longer term storage, freeze any unused canned salmon. To freeze, place it in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Properly frozen salmon will maintain quality for 2-3 months, but remains safe indefinitely.
Here are freezer storage timelines:
- 1 month: Still at peak quality.
- 2-3 months: Starting to lose quality but still good for most uses.
- 4+ months: Quality degraded but likely still safe to eat as long as it has been frozen continually at 0°F.
Once thawed, use frozen canned salmon within 3-4 days and don’t refreeze.
How to Tell If Opened Canned Salmon Is Bad
Rely on your senses to determine if refrigerated canned salmon has spoiled. Signs of spoiled salmon include:
- Off odors, such as sour, rancid, or ammonia smells
- Slimy texture or very dry and flaky texture
- Mold growth
- Discolored or faded appearance
If you see any of these signs, throw the salmon out. Don’t taste it. Salmon that smells or looks questionable can contain pathogenic bacteria like salmonella, listeria, or botulism toxin.
Food Safety Tips
Follow these tips for safe handling and storage of canned salmon:
- Refrigerate leftover canned salmon within 2 hours of opening the can. Don’t leave it out at room temperature.
- Always wash hands, utensils, and surfaces that have touched raw salmon.
- Never eat salmon straight from the can. Transfer it to a clean container first.
- Only re-freeze thawed canned salmon if it still smells and looks fresh. Don’t refreeze salmon that is past its prime.
Uses for Canned Salmon
Here are some easy ways to use up canned salmon within 3-4 days of opening it:
- Salmon salad sandwiches or wraps
- Salmon patties or croquettes
- Salmon omelets or frittatas
- Salmon pasta bake
- Salmon pizza topping
- Salmon tacos
- Salmon salad with mayo or yogurt
- Salmon dip or spread
- Salmon avocado toast
With proper refrigerated storage and regular use, an opened can of salmon will retain good quality and safety for 3-4 days. Freeze any leftovers for longer term storage. Follow safe food handling practices and rely on your senses to determine if it’s gone bad. With these simple tips, you can enjoy canned salmon without having to worry about food waste or foodborne illness.
Salmon burgers and more
- Grill up a tasty salmon burger! Mix egg and breadcrumbs into salmon, then shape into patties. Season with fruit salsa, tomato salsa, lemon and dill, or honey mustard.
- For more omega-3 fats, replace the tuna in your favourite tuna casserole recipe with salmon.
- Add salmon when making a fish chowder.
- Mix salmon into homemade broccoli soup or canned lower-sodium mushroom soup.
- Replace fresh salmon with canned in your favourite poke bowl recipe.
- Add canned salmon to homemade fried rice for a boost of protein and omega-3.
Tips for storing salmon
- Unopened canned salmon can be stored in the cupboard at room temperature for up to 3 years. Check the best before date on the can.
- Once opened, remove salmon from the can, store in an airtight container in the fridge and use within 3-4 days. You can freeze canned salmon for up to 3 months.
HOW LONG does CANNED FOOD last? Survival Tip
FAQ
How long can opened canned salmon stay in the fridge?
Check the best before date on the can. Once opened, remove salmon from the can, store in an airtight container in the fridge and use within 3-4 days. You can freeze canned salmon for up to 3 months.
How long can opened salmon stay in the fridge?
How long do canned fish last after opening?
How can you tell if canned 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.