We’ve all been there. Standing at the fridge, giving the side eye to that salmon filet (or whole fish!), wondering just how long salmon can hang out until it’s no longer a viable meal option. 

We’re definitely no stranger to this dilemma. And it’s not JUST about the possibility of food poisoning. Knowing the lifespan of salmon, whether it’s fresh, cooked, or leftovers, can help you reduce food waste (and keep your fridge from becoming a science lab, because no one wants that).

So let’s dive into it with the short and long of salmon’s freshness timeline, and how you can make sure to maximize it.

The Short & Simple Answer

Let’s get right into it. How long does salmon last in the fridge? When properly stored, raw salmon can play nice in your fridge for 1-2 days before you absolutely HAVE to cook or freeze it. When it comes to cooked salmon, that timeline extends to 3-4 days. But the shelf life of your salmon can vary based on certain factors, so it’s good to have ALL the information. For the sake of food safety, let’s chat about those factors, as well as some salmon storage tips to make sure you get the most out of your fish.

Factors that Affect the Shelf Life of Salmon

The longevity of your salmon is determined by a few different factors:

• Type of Salmon: Smoked salmon lasts longer than raw salmon due to the smoking process.
• The Way You Store It: Salmon should be kept at 40°F or below, and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. You can put it in an airtight container, but the less air exposure, the better.
• Room Temp Roulette: Salmon should NEVER be left out at room temperature longer than 2 hours, as this encourages bacterial growth. And if your salmon is out for a couple hours, you’re going to want to cook it rather than put it back in the fridge. Once it’s exposed to the “danger zone” (between 40°F and 135°F), if it’s not cooked shortly thereafter, you may risk getting food poisoning.

Storing Different Types of Salmon

Raw/Fresh Salmon: There’s not much one can do to extend raw salmon’s short refrigerator shelf life of 1 to 2 days, but you CAN make sure you’re storing it right. To preserve the freshness, make sure your fridge is set to 40°F or below, and keep your salmon in the coldest part of the fridge (the lower, the better–bottom drawer is best!). Also, make sure you’ve wrapped it tightly in plastic wrap, a sealed freezer bag, or an airtight container to protect it from air and moisture. (Though, the less air with it, the better.)

Cooked Salmon: Once you’ve cooked your salmon, it can last 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you’re refrigerating it shortly after cooking, make sure that it’s cooled to room temperature before refrigerating, BUT not left out longer than 2 hours. Place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other fridge odors.

Smoked Salmon: The smoking process of smoked salmon not only adds flavor, but also gives salmon a longer shelf life. In its unopened package, smoked salmon can last up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Once opened, you’ll want to enjoy your smoked salmon within 7 days (of course, within that initial 2 week timeline, not added onto it). Keeping it in its original packaging is your best bet, but if the open packaging exposes it to air, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap is the way to go.

Thawed or Defrosted Salmon: Salmon that’s gone from the freezer to the fridge to thaw can hang out for an additional 1-2 days in the fridge before needing to be cooked. That being said, if you’ve expedited the thawing process by using the cold water method or a microwave, you’re going to want to cook it immediately. Thawing salmon with these quicker methods can put your fish in temps that present the risk of bacterial growth, and it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Signs That Your Salmon Has Gone Bad:

If your salmon has been properly kept within the timeline and temps we listed above, and you’re still finding its freshness questionable, let your senses be your guide to the signs of spoilage: 

• Smell Test: Fresh salmon has a mild, oceany scent. If you sense a sour smell, a strong fishy smell, or if it stinks at all like ammonia, it’s time to let it go.
• Touch Test: Your fish should feel firm to the touch, not a slimy or sticky mess. If your salmon feels like it’s leaving a residue on your fingers, it’s way past its prime.
• Visual Cues: The color of the salmon should be bright throughout. If you see any discoloration, dark spots, or signs of mold, it’s a no-go.

The freshness of fish is something you don’t want to gamble with due to the risk of scombroid poisoning, which comes with a wealth of terrible side effects beyond the normal “food poisoning” ones you’d expect, including itchy rashes, dizziness, headache, and difficulty breathing. So, when in doubt, throw it out!!

How to Maximize Salmon’s Shelf Life by Freezing

Freezing salmon is great way to go if you want to extend its shelf life for longer periods of time. The best way to keep it from getting freezer burn and to preserve the freshness of the salmon is to double layer it. Wrap your salmon tightly in plastic wrap and then put in a heavy-duty freezer bag. To maintain the best quality, make sure to squeeze as much air out of the freezer-safe bag as possible. You can keep salmon in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

When thawing, opt for the fridge for the safest bet. If you need to thaw it faster, use a microwave or the cold water method (and change that cold water out every 30 minutes). Never use hot water to thaw your salmon. And if you are using a faster method, make sure to cook it immediately after.

Creative Ways To Use Up Salmon Before It Goes Bad

Forgot that you needed to cook that fresh salmon filet until JUST THIS MOMENT? Here are some recipe ideas to make sure that beautiful piece of fresh fish doesn’t go to waste:

1. Salmon & Creamy Spinach with Mushroom Sauce: Imagine tender salmon nestled in the most amazing creamy sauce, mingling with fresh spinach and earthy mushrooms. Packed with vitamins and amino acids, it’s also a mood booster!
2. Seared Salmon with Magical Butter Sauce: An easy recipe with crispy edges, slathered in a sweet and savory butter sauce. And it only takes a few ingredients!
3. Miso Salmon: An easy, no fuss, full-flavored dish to pair with rice, quinoa or even on top of mashed potatoes. Also, the marinade and sauce for this Miso Salmon dish is made of 3 easy-to-find Japanese ingredients available at most supermarkets: Miso, Mirin, Saké.
4. Seared Salmon Salad with Baked Crispy Chickpeas & Fresh Strawberry Vinaigrette: The crispy chickpeas in this are SO easy to make and really give this salad a nice crunch. The fresh strawberry vinaigrette also adds a slight sweetness that makes it irresistible!
5. Open Faced Salmon Sandwich with Sweet Mustard Sauce: What could make salmon even more perfect than a 15-second Dijon mustard sauce, accompanied with egg, avocado, tomato, and greens over seedy bread (or grainy grains!)?

FAQs

Can I vacuum seal salmon to extend its shelf life?

Vacuum sealing is a great way to extend the shelf life of salmon because it removes the air that can speed up spoilage, but it won’t extend the life of raw salmon in your fridge, so it’s best to vacuum seal salmon when you need to freeze it, where it can be stored for up to 3 months.

What are the health benefits of salmon?

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial to your heart health and can reduce your risk of heart disease. It’s also packed with the protein, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs. 

What’s the safest way to thaw frozen salmon?

Salmon is best thawed in the refrigerator. If you need a faster way, in the original salmon package (or a resealable plastic bag), place the salmon in a bowl of cold water, and change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold and from growing bacteria. Avoid thawing salmon in hot water or at room temperature.

How should I repurpose salmon leftovers?

You can re-love your salmon leftovers by turning them into salmon cakes, adding them to pasta dishes, or mixing them into salads.

What should I do if my salmon smells a bit off but looks okay?

Trust your nose. If your salmon has an off smell, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it out. The smell of salmon is a reliable way to tell if it may be spoiled, and risking foodborne illness just isn’t worth it.

Swim On, Salmon Lovers!

Now that you know how to properly store your salmon and how to check it’s freshness, you have everything you need to ensure that you and your family stay safe when consuming this delectable little fish. 

And now, we want to hear from you! What’s your favorite salmon dish? Do you have a favorite family recipe? What’s the best salmon dish you’ve ever tried? Was it homemade or from a restaurant? (And if it was from a restaurant, I need to know the name! I love a good salmon dish!)

Leave us a comment! We always love hearing from you. 

 

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