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How Long Does Salmon Last in the Refrigerator? Find Out Here!
Salmon is a delicious and healthy fish that many people love to include in their meals. Whether you’ve just bought some fresh salmon or are trying to figure out if it’s still good in the fridge, knowing how long salmon lasts in the refrigerator is key. Nobody wants to waste food, so let’s dive into everything you need to know about storing salmon safely, keeping it fresh, and when to toss it. This guide will cover all the essentials in a simple and easy way to help you avoid any confusion!
How Long Does Fresh Salmon Last in the Refrigerator?
Fresh salmon, like most fresh fish, has a pretty short shelf life when stored in the refrigerator. Typically, raw salmon will last about 1 to 2 days when kept at the right temperature. This short shelf life is mainly due to its delicate nature. To keep your salmon fresh, it’s important to store it properly.
The first step is ensuring that your refrigerator is at the correct temperature, ideally between 32°F and 38°F (0°C to 3°C). If the fridge is any warmer, bacteria can grow quickly, causing the fish to spoil faster. Keeping the salmon in the coldest part of the fridge (usually the bottom shelf) is a smart idea to help it last longer.
Here are a few tips to extend the life of your fresh salmon:
- Keep it tightly wrapped: Make sure the salmon is tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container. This will help prevent air from reaching the fish and causing it to spoil.
- Store it on ice: If you have a cooler, you can store the salmon on a bed of ice to keep it extra cold. This is especially helpful if you don’t plan to eat it right away.
- Avoid opening the packaging: If the salmon is already packaged, try to avoid opening it until you’re ready to use it. This will help maintain its freshness.
If you’re unsure whether your salmon is still good after a couple of days, give it a sniff. Fresh salmon should have a clean, ocean-like scent. If it smells fishy, sour, or off in any way, it’s best to discard it.
How Long Does Cooked Salmon Last in the Refrigerator?
Once you’ve cooked your salmon, it can last a bit longer than raw salmon in the fridge. Typically, cooked salmon will last for 3 to 4 days. The key to keeping it fresh is proper storage. After cooking your salmon, let it cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
Here are a few tips to keep your cooked salmon fresh:
- Cool it quickly: Don’t leave your cooked salmon out at room temperature for too long. Bacteria grow rapidly when food is left out for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if the room is hot. Always refrigerate it promptly to keep it safe.
- Use a shallow container: When storing the salmon, try to use a shallow container instead of a deep one. This will allow the fish to cool more quickly and safely in the fridge.
- Reheat only once: While you can reheat cooked salmon, try to avoid reheating it more than once. Repeated reheating can cause it to dry out and become less appetizing.
Cooked salmon can sometimes last a little longer if it’s stored properly in the fridge, but always check for any changes in color, smell, or texture. If it looks or smells off, it’s time to throw it away.
How to Tell If Salmon Has Gone Bad
It’s not always easy to tell if salmon has gone bad just by looking at it. However, there are a few key signs to watch out for when checking salmon for freshness.
1. Smell
Fresh salmon should have a clean, ocean-like smell. If it has a sour or strong fishy odor, it’s a sign that the salmon is no longer fresh. A spoiled salmon will have a pungent, unpleasant smell that you should never ignore.
2. Color
Fresh salmon has a vibrant, pink or orange color. If the color starts to fade or turn grayish, it may be a sign that the fish is starting to spoil. Salmon that has an off or dull color is likely past its prime.
3. Texture
The texture of fresh salmon is firm to the touch and moist. If the salmon feels slimy, mushy, or dry, it’s probably gone bad. The flesh should spring back when you press it gently. If it doesn’t, that’s another sign of spoilage.
4. Expiration Date
If you’ve bought pre-packaged salmon, always check the “sell by” or “use by” date on the packaging. While this is not a guarantee that the salmon will stay fresh until that date, it gives you an idea of how long it should last. Always use your senses to confirm whether it’s still good.
5. Packaging
If the packaging is bloated, wet, or torn, that could mean the salmon was not stored properly, and it’s likely spoiled. Also, if the packaging appears to have any leaks, bacteria might have gotten in, making the salmon unsafe to eat.
When in doubt, it’s always safer to toss out the fish rather than risk food poisoning. Trust your senses when determining if your salmon is safe to eat!
Can I Freeze Salmon to Make It Last Longer?
Freezing salmon is a great way to extend its shelf life if you’re not able to use it right away. If you freeze fresh or cooked salmon properly, it can last for months in the freezer. Here’s what you need to know about freezing salmon to keep it safe and tasty:
Freezing Fresh Salmon
- Wrap it tightly: Use plastic wrap, wax paper, or freezer-safe plastic bags to tightly wrap the salmon before freezing. The more air-tight you can make the packaging, the better the salmon will freeze.
- Use a vacuum sealer: If you have a vacuum sealer, this is an excellent way to keep your salmon fresh in the freezer. Vacuum sealing removes air, which helps prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze it promptly: The sooner you freeze the salmon, the better. Don’t wait until it starts to go bad—freeze it as soon as you can after buying it.
Fresh salmon can be frozen for up to 6 months, but the sooner you use it, the better the quality will be once it’s thawed.
Freezing Cooked Salmon
You can also freeze cooked salmon if you have leftovers. Just like raw salmon, it’s important to wrap the cooked fish tightly to avoid freezer burn.
Cooked salmon will last in the freezer for about 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, make sure to thaw it safely in the fridge before reheating.
Thawing Salmon
When you’re ready to cook frozen salmon, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Never thaw salmon at room temperature, as this can cause bacteria to grow. If you’re in a hurry, you can also thaw it under cold running water or in the microwave, but those methods can affect the texture of the fish.
Freezing salmon is a great way to extend its life, but keep in mind that freezing doesn’t improve the taste or texture. It’s still important to store it properly in the fridge, even if you plan on freezing it later.
I hope this article helped you understand how long salmon lasts in the fridge and how to store it properly. By following these tips, you can ensure your salmon stays fresh and safe to eat. Always trust your senses, and when in doubt, it’s better to toss it than risk eating spoiled fish. Enjoy your meals and stay safe!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat salmon after 5 days in the fridge?
If your salmon has been in the fridge for 5 days, it’s likely not safe to eat, especially if it’s raw. Cooked salmon can last a little longer but should still be checked for any signs of spoilage.
Is it safe to eat salmon with a strong fishy smell?
A strong fishy smell is usually a sign that the salmon has gone bad. Fresh salmon should have a clean, ocean-like scent. If it smells sour or fishy, it’s best to throw it away.
Do I need to wrap salmon in plastic before refrigerating?
Yes, it’s a good idea to wrap salmon in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent air from getting in and causing it to spoil faster.
Can I eat salmon after the use-by date?
If the salmon is past the use-by date, it’s safer to throw it out, especially if it shows any signs of spoilage. Always check the salmon for color, smell, and texture before eating.
Is it okay to store cooked salmon in the fridge for 5 days?
Cooked salmon can last 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If it’s been stored for 5 days, it’s best to check for any signs of spoilage, such as a change in smell, texture, or color.
Can I freeze cooked salmon?
Yes, you can freeze cooked salmon. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic or foil and store it in an airtight container. It will last in the freezer for about 3 months.
Do I need to defrost salmon before cooking?
It’s best to defrost frozen salmon in the fridge overnight before cooking. If you’re in a hurry, you can use cold water or the microwave, but this can affect the texture.
Is it okay to eat thawed salmon that’s been in the fridge for 2 days?
If the thawed salmon has been in the fridge for 2 days, it should still be safe to eat, as long as it has been stored properly and shows no signs of spoilage.
