Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious fish available. It’s rich in protein omega-3 fatty acids and various vitamins and minerals. However like any perishable food, salmon doesn’t last forever. So how can you tell if your salmon has gone bad? Here’s what bad salmon tastes and smells like, along with tips on proper storage and handling.
How to Know if Raw Salmon is Bad
Smell
Your nose often knows first when salmon has gone bad. Fresh raw salmon has a very mild, neutral scent. If you smell anything sour rancid, or ammonia-like, it’s not fresh. This strong fishy odor is caused by bacteria growth breaking down the proteins and fats. If the salmon hits you with a strong fishy stench when you open the package don’t even bother cooking it. The smell won’t go away once it’s cooked.
Appearance
Before you touch, smell, or taste the salmon, inspect its appearance first. Check raw fillets for any dull or grey coloring, dark spots, or drying around the edges. Bright pink/orange flesh means it’s fresh. Next, look for a thick, white, translucent film on the raw salmon. This slimy residue is a sign of bacteria growth.
Texture
Undercooked or spoiled salmon can have an overly soft, mushy texture. Fresh raw salmon holds together when you poke it. If you press a finger into the flesh and it falls apart, it’s too far gone to cook.
Taste
If the salmon passes the sight and smell tests, take a small bite. Fresh salmon has a mild, delicate flavor. If it tastes extremely fishy, bitter, or rancid, it has likely gone bad.
Signs Cooked Salmon Has Spoiled
Smell
Cooked salmon that’s been stored in the fridge may be safely eaten for up to 3-4 days. If you notice a foul, sour odor during or after this time, it’s likely gone bad. Spoiled cooked salmon may have a rancid, sour, fishy or ammonia-like smell.
Texture
When you fork into cooked salmon, it has a naturally flaky texture. After a while, leftover salmon loses this flakiness and develops a slimy consistency. This usually signals it has gone bad.
Taste
If the cooked salmon smells off, a taste test likely isn’t needed. But if you do taste spoiled, rotten salmon, the flavor will be quite unpleasant.
Proper Salmon Storage
To prevent spoilage:
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Keep raw salmon chilled at 40°F or less until ready to use. Put it on ice or refrigerate within 2 hours of purchasing.
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Place the package on a plate to catch leaks before refrigerating.
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Cooked salmon stays fresh for 3-4 days refrigerated in a sealed container.
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Freeze salmon if you can’t use it within 1-2 days. It will keep 2-3 months in the freezer.
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Thaw frozen salmon overnight in the fridge, not on the counter.
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Follow the “2 hour rule” – don’t leave salmon out for over 2 hours at room temperature.
What to Do if You Eat Bad Salmon
Consuming spoiled salmon can cause food poisoning with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever. See a doctor if diarrhea persists over 3 days, is bloody, or you can’t keep liquids down.
The bottom line is: when in doubt, throw it out. Salmon that smells, looks or tastes off should not be risked. Though salmon has many nutritional benefits, food safety must come first. Following proper storage, handling and cooking guidelines will help prevent bad salmon ruining dinner. Trust your senses – if it seems fishy, it probably is!
How to Tell if Salmon Is Spoiled
There are few things as gorgeous as a fresh piece of salmon. It should have a bright pink-orange color with shiny, silver skin. If the salmons skin looks dull and lifeless, or if the flesh has faded to gray, it is probably not fresh. Any dark spots or discoloration are indications of spoilage, as is a milky-white residue on the fillet. (Not the white stuff on salmon you see after it cooks, though; thats safe.) If youre lucky enough to find whole salmon, take a look at the eyes. They should be bright and slightly bulging. If theyre sunken or dull, the salmon will taste as sad as those eyes look. Knowing when to toss out leftover meat and fish is important. Heres
Green Flags To Look For When Buying Salmon ✅
FAQ
How do you know if salmon tastes bad?
Rotten smoked salmon typically has an off or sour smell, indicating spoilage. The taste would likely be unpleasant, characterized by strong, rancid flavors, and it may have a slimy or mushy texture. Fresh smoked salmon should have a rich, smoky flavor with a slight saltiness and a smooth texture.
Can I eat slightly bad salmon?
If your salmon smells very fishy, smells like ammonia, or just smells bad to you, it is likely too old to eat. It may be time to toss it. Fresh salmon should not have a strong odor — it should have a neutral, fresh smell. Some people describe it as smelling like the ocean or like seawater.
How can you tell if cured salmon is bad?
If the fish looks discolored or gray, extra slimy or dry, or has mold or any type of growth, don’t hesitate to throw it out. The USDA outlines the following storage guidelines for smoked salmon from the date of purchase: Cold-smoked, air-packed: 14 to 30 days in the fridge; nine to 12 months in the freezer.
Is grey salmon ok to eat?
Spoiler alert: Don’t discard that thin, grayish layer – it’s a great source of omega-3 fats.