NoshQuad Blog Post
How Long Does Salmon Last in The Fridge
April 03, 2024
Delectable salmon dishes necessitate an understanding of how long fresh salmon can be stored in the fridge. To assist you, we present an easy answer to this query alongside a plethora of helpful tips and tricks to keep in mind when handling salmon. Learn about salmon’s shelf life and more!
What Is Salmon?
Belonging to the Salmonidae family, salmon is the collective name given to several species of euryhaline ray-finned fish. Found in tributaries of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, their silvery sides turn various shades during the breeding season. Their pale pink flesh is highly coveted by humans.
Anadromous in nature, salmon thrive in freshwater and saltwater alike. After being born in freshwater, they migrate to the ocean to feed and grow.
If residing near the coast, you might find salmon in local grocery stores or seafood markets.
Types of Salmon
Chinook: The Pacific’s largest salmon species, the ‘King’ boasts the richest flavor and highest fat content. However, it’s also endangered.
Coho: Sporting silver skin, this medium-fatty, anadromous fish is also known as silver salmon.
Humpies: The smallest and most common Pacific salmon, humpies have a low-fat content and flavorful flesh.
Sockeye: These red salmon turn their namesake color as they migrate upstream to spawn.
Salmo: Farmed Atlantic salmon employ advanced techniques to ensure sustainability.
Chum: With the lowest fat content, chum salmon is typically canned and sold frozen abroad.
How Long Does Salmon Last in the Fridge
To maintain freshness, store salmon in the fridge for up to two days. Rinse it thoroughly, pat dry, and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. For added flavor, include lemon slices. Keep the fish in the fridge’s coldest section, around 32°F.
HOW LONG CAN SALMON STAY IN THE FREEZER?
If not consumed within two days, transfer the salmon to the freezer, where it can last up to three months. Follow similar refrigeration steps, but take extra care to ensure air-tight packaging. Store in a labeled freezer bag to track its time in the freezer.
For salmon storage up to eight months, consider vacuum-sealing fresh salmon before freezing.
How Long Does Cooked Salmon Last In The Fridge?
Cooked salmon can last 3-4 days in the fridge when stored and handled properly. The USDA advises consuming leftovers within this timeframe. Store cooked salmon in a sealed container, or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Ensure the cooked salmon is below 40°F before refrigeration. For optimal freshness and flavor, consume it as soon as possible.
How Long Does Raw Salmon Last In The Fridge?
Raw salmon is best stored in the fridge for one to two days after purchase. Past this point, quality may decline. Check the use-by date and discard expired salmon.
Proper storage and handling of raw salmon are essential for maintaining freshness and preventing foodborne illnesses. Remove the original packaging, place the salmon in a sealed container or wrap it in plastic or foil, and store it on the fridge’s bottom shelf to avoid cross-contamination.
How To Choose High-quality Fresh Salmon
When shopping for fresh salmon, consider appearance, smell, and texture to ensure quality.
Appearance: Inspect the fillet for muscle fractures, which indicate rot. Choose salmon with a bright pink or orange hue. Check for water accumulation in non-vacuum-sealed packaging.
Smell: Avoid salmon with strong, sour, or rotten odors. Opt for a clean sea smell.
Texture: Fresh salmon should have a pink color and bounce back when pressed. Steer clear of sticky, soft, or slimy options.
Preserving the Taste and Quality of Salmon
Once you have selected a high-quality fresh salmon, it’s crucial to preserve its taste and quality. Here are some additional tips to help you do so:
Marinate judiciously: While marinating salmon can enhance its flavor, avoid over-marinating, as it can cause the fish to become mushy. Marinate salmon for no longer than 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Cook it correctly: Overcooking can dry out the fish and compromise its taste. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon, which should reach 145°F. Remove it from heat when it’s just about done, as the residual heat will continue cooking the fish.
Reheat carefully: When reheating cooked salmon, do so gently to prevent drying. Use a low heat setting, cover the fish to keep moisture in, and avoid microwaving, as it can cause uneven heating.
Use leftovers creatively: Don’t let leftover salmon go to waste. Create salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes using cooked fish.
Observe food safety practices: Always wash your hands before handling salmon, and use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw fish to avoid cross-contamination.
Salmon’s Nutritional Benefits
Salmon is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it contributes to heart health, reduces inflammation, and supports brain function. It also provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Incorporating salmon into your diet can contribute to overall health and well-being, making it an excellent addition to your culinary repertoire.
How long is cooked salmon good for?
The duration for which cooked salmon remains good relies on storage methods. At room temperature, it’s safe for under two hours. Refrigerating cooked salmon at 40°F or lower retains its freshness for 3 to 4 days. Freezing at 0°F or lower extends its viability up to three months.
How To Reheat Salmon
Three primary methods exist to reheat cooked salmon: microwave, oven, and grill. See the details for each below.
Microwave
Microwaving salmon is a last resort. Place salmon on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 30-second intervals, checking in between. Continue until the internal temperature reaches around 165°F.
Oven
Preheat the oven to 300°F, place salmon in a baking pan, and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Grill
Cover the salmon with aluminum foil or brush with butter, and grill at 300°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How can I reheat my cooked salmon without making it too tough and dried?
The oven is the ideal appliance to reheat cooked salmon without rendering it tough and dry. Preheat the oven to 300°F, place the salmon in a baking pan, and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for around 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Optionally, brush with butter before reheating.
How to Properly Store Salmon
Fresh salmon offers the best taste after cooking. Purchase fresh or frozen salmon, with frozen options often being more cost-effective.
Refrigeration
Store salmon at 32°F, achievable by placing it on a bed of ice in the fridge. Transfer the fish to a sealed plastic bag, immerse the bag in water (excluding the seal), and place it on a pan of ice in the refrigerator for up to two days before cooking.
Freezing
Freeze salmon in an airtight container, vacuum-sealed bag, or sealed freezer bag with the air removed. Cooked fish lasts up to three months, and raw fish lasts between three and eight months at 0°F or lower.
Defrosting
Defrost frozen salmon in the refrigerator overnight, in a bowl of cold water (changing the water every 30 minutes), or using the microwave’s defrost function. If microwaving, cook immediately.
Is Your Salmon Spoiled?
With Your Eyes, Inspect
Initially, employ your sight to meticulously examine your salmon. Observe if your salmon exhibits discoloration, a grayish hue, blemishes, or mold. Additionally, assess if your salmon appears slimy or exhibits a milky texture. Encountering any of these signs indicates your salmon is no longer suitable for consumption.
Employing Your Fingers to Probe
An alternative approach to determine salmon spoilage involves touching the fish. Should your salmon exhibit a slimy or gooey texture, it has unfortunately gone bad.
Utilizing Your Nostrils to Sniff
Furthermore, sniff your salmon to discern any peculiar odors. If your salmon emits a musty, rotten, or simply off-putting scent, it is highly probable that it has spoiled. Upon detecting an unpleasant odor, promptly discard the salmon and refrain from consuming it.
Taste Test with Your Tongue
If your salmon passes the aforementioned examinations, you may proceed to taste your cooked salmon. Nevertheless, if the flavor seems off, discontinue consumption immediately.
Expiration Date of Salmon
An additional method to ascertain salmon spoilage involves inspecting the package’s expiration date. While your salmon might spoil before the date, this serves as an indicator of how long your salmon could potentially last if stored correctly.
What Happens if You Eat Bad Salmon?
Eating spoiled salmon can result in various health issues, ranging from mild to severe. Scombroid poisoning may occur, with symptoms appearing 20-30 minutes after consumption, including facial flushing, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Ciguatera poisoning is another potential risk, with symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress, muscle aches, headaches, itching, numbness, and temperature fluctuations.
To reduce the risk of foodborne illness, store salmon correctly and check for spoilage signs before consumption. Discard immediately if mold or a rancid smell is present or if the salmon has been cooked or frozen before spoiling. Canned salmon, if unopened and undamaged, remains safe to eat for up to three years. However, it’s best not to consume it if there’s mold or a rancid smell in the fish or its container.
If you experience any symptoms after eating spoiled salmon, seek medical advice as soon as possible to minimize potential risks associated with foodborne illnesses. Proper storage and handling of salmon, as well as paying attention to spoilage signs, will help prevent unwanted health issues and ensure that you enjoy delicious and safe salmon dishes.
How Long Does Smoked Salmon Last in the Fridge
Smoked salmon typically lasts for two weeks in the fridge, provided it’s unopened and stored at the right temperature (below 40°F/4°C). Once opened, it’s best to consume smoked salmon within a week.
How Long Does Uncooked Salmon Last in the Fridge
Uncooked salmon should be consumed within 1-2 days of purchase. Always store uncooked salmon in the coldest part of the fridge, preferably wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
How Long Does Fresh Salmon Last in the Fridge
Fresh salmon, when properly stored in the fridge, can last for 1-2 days. To keep it fresh, place it in a sealed container or wrap it in plastic before placing it in the coldest part of the fridge.
How Long Does Thawed Salmon Last in the Fridge
Thawed salmon, when stored in the fridge, can last for 1-2 days. It’s important to keep the thawed salmon in a sealed container or plastic wrap to prevent contamination from other foods.
How Long Does Vacuum Sealed Salmon Last in the Fridge
Vacuum sealed salmon can last up to two weeks in the fridge, as long as it remains unopened. Once opened, it’s best to consume the salmon within 1-2 days.
How Long Does Smoked Salmon Last in the Fridge Once Opened
Once opened, smoked salmon should be consumed within one week. To maintain its quality, a store opened smoked salmon in a sealed container or wrapped it in plastic in the fridge.
How Long Does Salmon Last in the Fridge After Thawing
Salmon that has been thawed in the fridge should be consumed within 1-2 days. Make sure to keep it in a sealed container or wrapped in plastic to prevent contamination.
Conclusion: How Long Does Salmon Last in The Fridge
Understanding how long salmon lasts in the fridge and practicing proper storage techniques are crucial for maintaining its freshness and taste. By selecting high-quality fresh salmon and following the tips provided, you’ll be able to enjoy this delicious and nutritious fish for weeks and even months to come. Whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight dinner or a gourmet feast, salmon is a versatile and satisfying choice that’s sure to impress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can raw salmon last 4 days in the fridge?
It’s not recommended, as raw salmon should be consumed within 1-2 days of purchase.
Is salmon good after 7 days in the fridge?
No, salmon should be consumed within 1-2 days of purchase or thawing.
Can I eat raw salmon after 5 days in the fridge?
It’s not advised, as raw salmon should be consumed within 1-2 days of purchase.
Is salmon good after 7 days?
No, salmon should be consumed within 1-2 days of purchase or thawing.
Can I eat 4-day-old raw salmon?
It’s not recommended, as raw salmon should be consumed within 1-2 days of purchase.
Can I cook raw fish after 4 days in the fridge?
It’s not advised, as raw salmon should be consumed within 1-2 days of purchase. Cooking salmon that has been in the fridge for 4 days may not be safe.
How long can you keep salmon in the fridge for 4 days?
Although it’s possible to store salmon in the fridge for 4 days, it’s not recommended. Consume raw salmon within 1-2 days of purchase to ensure freshness and safety.
Can I eat salmon I bought 4 days ago?
It’s not advised, as raw salmon should be consumed within 1-2 days of purchase. If you must eat it, thoroughly cook the salmon to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.
Related Article:
Cooked Salmon
High-quality Fresh Salmon
Raw Salmon
SALMON
