How Long Does Tasty Salmon Last In The Fridge? The Answer Will Blow Your Mind (2023)
I’m one of those people crazy about this protein! I particularly like smoked salmon. It’s easy to cook aside from being oh-so-delicious. But everyone will benefit from knowing How Long Does Salmon Last In The Fridge?
Salmon is so delicious that I am not surprised that this fish has become so popular. In fact, worldwide consumption of salmon has increased three times since 1980. Fascinating enough, salmon live in both fresh and salt water. Born in freshwater and then after several months to years, Salmon swim to the oceans and are native to both the Atlantic and Pacific.
Salmon Expiration Date – Pantry, Fridge, Freezer
| Salmon | Pantry | Fridge (40 deg F / 4.4 deg C) | Freezer (0 deg F / -18.8 deg C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh | -- | 1-2 Days | 2 months |
| Smoked | -- | 5-7 Days (Once Opened) / 2 Weeks (Unopened) | 3 Months |
| Canned | Commercially Canned - Up to 5 Years Home Canned - Up to 1 Year | Commercially Canned Fish - 3 Days | 3 Months |
| Cooked | -- | 3-4 Days | 3 Months |
| Frozen | -- | Within 3 Days of Thawing | 3-8 Months |
How long does fresh salmon last in the fridge?
salmon in the fridge
Keeping salmon in the fridge isn’t exactly the best way to keep it fresh. When refrigerated, salmon (and other fatty fishes such as mackerel and sardines) can only last for 1-2 days. If you’re lucky, salmon’s freshness can last up to 3 days when it is refrigerated. Be sure to store the salmon package in an airtight container or vacuum seal to retain freshness.
The best way to prolong the freshness of salmon is to keep it in the freezer. Doing so would make the salmon safe to eat up to 9 months past its sell-by date. However, it may not be in its best condition which could impact its texture, flavor, or taste if cooked 2 months after its sell-by date.
Speaking of the sell-by date, don’t worry if you are to cook salmon past the date indicated on the package. As long as you have properly stored salmon, it is safe to use even after the sell-by date.
Storing salmon at room temperature is a no-no. Bacteria can grow quickly at temperatures of 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and consuming spoilt salmon could cause foodborne illness (resulting in symptoms like nausea/vomiting and diarrhea).
When considering how long does salmon last in the fridge, I would err on the side of caution and discard salmon that has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
How long does cooked salmon last when refrigerated?
pieces of fresh salmon and sliced lemon
Cooked salmon can last slightly longer than fresh salmon. Keeping it in the fridge will make it safe for consumption up to 3 days after it was cooked.
In fact, the fresher the salmon is when it was cooked, the longer it would last when refrigerated.
But this doesn’t mean that you should wait for 3 days before eating leftover salmon that you bought from a restaurant. Why? Because you don’t really know how fresh the fish was when it was cooked.
To be safe, consume that leftover salmon you bought from a restaurant within 2 days.
How long can fresh salmon last when in the freezer?
Fresh salmon can be stored in freezer wrap/freezer bags or an airtight container in the freezer. Honestly, frozen salmon will be safe, but the texture and flavor will change if it is sitting a long time in the freezer. It will be best if used within 3-8 months.
The best way to thaw frozen salmon is to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator – let the salmon fillets thaw for a good 8-10 hours (depending on size).
How do you know that salmon is spoiled?
pieces of fresh salmon and sliced lemon on the ice
The easiest way to tell that salmon has gone bad is by smelling it. Sure, it has a ‘fishy’ smell but salmon should not have a bad smell. A sour-like smell is a good indicator that it is time to toss the salmon.
Another sign that salmon has gone bad is when there is a sticky residue outside of it, particularly around the gills. Other signs of spoilage are molds and slimy residue. Fresh or raw salmon is pinkish in color. It should not look dry or discolored at all.
You can also press the salmon with your fingers. If there’s a dimple or depression in the flesh when your hands leave it, then I can say that the salmon you have is rancid.
Don’t even think of cooking spoiled salmon. Spoiled salmon have mold and bacteria that can cause sickness.
As I mentioned earlier, the best way to store salmon is to keep it in the freezer. Wrap it in an aluminum foil/freezer wrap or an airtight container and keep it at 0 degrees. This should surely keep its freshness.
Health benefits of salmon
pieces of fresh salmon
Aside from being very delicious, one reason why salmon is so popular is due to its nutritional value.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Salmon is a very good source of omega 3 fatty acids. This can help improve your brain function including memory. It is also known to reduce risks of heart disease while lowering high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
People with sore joints would also benefit from eating salmon as Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce joint pain intensity and inflammation.
It also has high levels of selenium which is good for the skin. Selenium also promotes healthy hair and strong bones.
Vitamin D
An outstanding trait of salmon is it being one of a handful dietary sources of vitamin D. This vitamin, which we can also get from exposure to the sunshine, promotes a well-functioning immune system. A single 120 gram serving of salmon can yield 400IU of vitamin D, which is the ideal daily intake of the said vitamin.
Yet like most fishes, salmon doesn’t have a long storage life even when kept in the refrigerator.
Conclusion for How long Does Salmon Last in the Fridge
pieces of fresh salmon and sliced lemon on the ice
Salmon is very tasty and delicious; two good reasons it is enjoying a surge in popularity. But like most fishes, it can quickly become spoiled. Storing it in the fridge will only extend its freshness by 2-3 days. Freeze it and you can use it up to 2 months.
If you have a plan to cook Baked Salmon With Lemon Parmesan Shrimp, it’s always better to use high-quality salmon! But if you don’t have time to go to the market and buy new food, then just start with one ready in your fridge. I believe this dish still can satisfy your stomach.
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