Grilled salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy dinner option that our whole family loves. But we don’t always finish it all in one meal Which got me wondering – how long can you keep leftover grilled salmon in the fridge before it goes bad?
I did some research to find out the shelf life for grilled salmon stored in the refrigerator. Here’s a complete guide with storage times, tips to keep grilled salmon fresh longer, and how to tell if it has spoiled
How Many Days Will Grilled Salmon Last in the Fridge?
The optimum fridge life for leftover grilled salmon is 3 to 4 days. According to food safety experts, grilled salmon that has been properly refrigerated and stored can stay fresh for up to 4 days before the risk of spoilage becomes too high.
Here are the general guidelines for how long grilled salmon will last in the fridge:
- 3-4 days: Best quality and freshness
- 5 days: Maximum recommended storage time
- 1 week: Potentially unsafe to eat due to increased risk of bacteria growth
I recommend consuming grilled salmon within 3 to 4 days for the best flavor, texture, and safety. Once you go past 5 days, proceed with caution. And toss out any grilled salmon that has been in the fridge for a full week.
Does Grilled Salmon Last Longer in the Freezer?
Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of grilled salmon if you don’t think you’ll eat it within 3-4 days. According to the FDA, frozen grilled salmon stays safe and retain good quality for 2-3 months in the freezer.
To freeze grilled salmon:
- Let cool completely after cooking
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer bag
- Squeeze out excess air
- Label with date and contents
- Freeze right away at 0°F or below
Once thawed, use leftover frozen grilled salmon within 3-4 days. Do not refreeze previously frozen salmon.
Proper Storage for Grilled Salmon Leftovers
To get the maximum freshness and shelf life out of leftover grilled salmon, proper storage is key. Follow these tips:
-
Store grilled salmon in airtight containers or plastic wrap. This prevents exposure to air and bacteria.
-
Refrigerate grilled salmon promptly, within 2 hours of cooking. Don’t leave it out at room temperature.
-
Place grilled salmon in the coldest part of the fridge, usually the bottom shelf.
-
Use grilled salmon leftovers within 3-4 days for optimal safety and quality.
-
Check for spoiled signs like off smells or slimy texture. When in doubt, throw it out!
How to Tell if Grilled Salmon has Gone Bad
Trust your senses when determining if grilled salmon has spoiled in the fridge. Rely on these signs:
-
Strong, fishy odor – Fresh grilled salmon has a mild, pleasant scent. Foul odors indicate spoilage.
-
Slimy texture – The flesh should still look moist and firm, not slippery.
-
Discoloration – The color should still be light pink. Grey, green or brownish hues are a red flag.
-
Dry, flaky flesh – Small flakes are normal but the salmon shouldn’t be overly dried out.
When inspecting leftovers, look for changes in appearance, smell, or texture. Your nose knows! If it seems at all off, err on the side of caution and throw it away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about storing grilled salmon in the refrigerator:
How should I reheat grilled salmon?
Gently reheat grilled salmon leftovers in the oven, microwave, or skillet over low heat. Do not reheat more than once.
Can you freeze grilled salmon marinated in lemon or lime juice?
Yes, but the high acidity may start to cook the salmon. Consume marinated grilled salmon within 2-3 days for best quality.
What are the signs of salmonella poisoning from spoiled grilled salmon?
Nausea, vomiting, fever, stomach cramps, and diarrhea occurring 12-72 hours after consumption. See a doctor immediately if symptoms appear.
Does grilled salmon coated in barbecue sauce last as long in the fridge?
No, bbq sauce and other sugary sauces can cause quicker spoilage. Eat bbq salmon within 1-2 days.
Can I prepare a big batch of grilled salmon for meal prep?
Yes, portion into individual 3-4 oz servings in airtight containers. Eat within 3-4 days for food safety and maximum freshness.
If grilled salmon was frozen, how long after thawing can I keep it in the fridge?
Consume thawed frozen grilled salmon within 3-4 days. Do not refreeze previously frozen salmon.
The Bottom Line
Grilled salmon should keep for 3 to 4 days maximum when stored properly in the refrigerator. Freeze for longer storage or toss leftovers showing any signs of spoilage. Following these simple guidelines will help ensure your grilled salmon stays safe, tasty and healthy to eat!
Thawed Or Defrosted Salmon
When thawing frozen salmon in the refrigerator, it can safely remain there for up to one to two days before cooking or consuming. When thawing the salmon, you’ll want to place it in a shallow dish or tray to catch any potential drips and prevent cross-contamination with other foods in your fridge.
One of my favorite breakfast treats and a great addition to scrambled eggs, smoked salmon is a bit more forgiving compared to fresh varieties. Smoked salmon undergoes a curing and smoking process, which extends its shelf life compared to fresh salmon. Unopened packages of smoked salmon can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Once opened, tightly wrap the remaining smoked salmon in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and use it within three to four days for the best quality and flavor.
If you have marinated salmon, the storage time will depend on the ingredients used in the marinade. Generally, marinated salmon can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to two to three days. However, its best to consume it as soon as possible to enjoy the flavors at their peak. If youre unsure about the ingredients used or the duration of marination, its best to follow the shorter storage time to ensure it doesn’t go bad.
I love using canned salmon for quick and easy meals. It’s easy to keep on hand, and can be used in a ton of different dishes from salads, salmon cakes, or salmon sandwiches. And, canned salmon has a much longer shelf life compared to fresh salmon. Unopened canned salmon can last for 6 years and still taste good. After that, while the salmon may be safe to eat, the quality will start to diminish.
If you’ve opened your canned salmon, it should last for 1-2 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to transfer the salmon from the can to an air-tight container – never store opened canned items in their original cans. Once the can has been opened, the increased air exposure can cause the tin from can to transfer to the can’s contents.
Beyond the basic types of salmon above, here are answers to a few other frequently asked questions about storing salmon:
Two things will give it away – how it looks, and how it smells. Fresh salmon has a beautiful reddish pink color, appears shiny and has a mild scent. Fresh salmon should also be firm and will bounce back when pressed. On the other hand, salmon that is past it’s prime will look a bit gray and could even have a white residue on it. It will also smell very fishy, or may even smell sour. If your salmon looks or smells like this, it’s probably a good idea to toss it.
Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Failure to do this can leave the salmon exposed to air and can cause it to spoil. Keep the salmon in the coldest part of the fridge – this may be in the very back of the fridge or in the bottom drawer. Do not eat salmon that has been stored in the fridge for more than 2 days. Freeze salmon if you are not going to eat it within the recommended time frame. Thaw frozen salmon properly before cooking it.
Frozen salmon will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer, but the quality of the salmon will decline over time. To freeze salmon, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to label the bag with the date you froze the salmon. You can also have your salmon vacuum-sealed, which will allow you to store it for up to eight months in the freezer. When you are ready to thaw frozen salmon, place it in the refrigerator overnight. You can also thaw salmon in the microwave, but it is essential to cook it immediately after thawing. Note that thawed salmon should not be refrozen.
If the salmon was thawed appropriately, it’s perfectly fine to refreeze it, as long as it hasn’t gone bad (see the note above to know how to tell if your salmon has gone bad), and is repackaged safely. So there you have it. An easy guide to how long you can safely keep salmon in the refrigerator and some good tips on how to safely store it.
