How Long Does Salmon Last In The Fridge?

Got some fresh salmon and worried if it may get spoiled even in the refrigerator? Don’t worry; salmon can stay fresh in the refrigerator for a good time. Let’s see just how long salmon lasts in the fridge. 

If cooked salmon is properly packed in an airtight container and refrigerated at a constant temperature, it may last for 3 – 4 days very easily. Raw salmon purchased from the store may last only 2 – 3 days. 

You only need to properly seal the container and maintain the refrigerator temperature between 32 degrees and 40 degrees. 

Salmon is a type of fish that most people love. Known for its nutrient content, the salmon dish is really delicious and finger-licking. One can pan-fry the salmon, grill it until cooked, and enjoy it with pasta or rice. 

Whenever we buy some salmon, we are always worried about it getting spoiled, and that is why I will share all the information related to salmon and how long it can last in the fridge. Tag along with me as I will share some tips and hacks to ensure the salmon is fresh for extended periods.

How Long Does Salmon Last In The Fridge?

Whenever you purchase salmon from the store, you can check that the package has an expiration date. Firstly, you should always consume the salmon within the mentioned use-by date as salmon is a fish and gets easily spoiled. 

There are situations where your salmon can get spoiled before the expiration date. For this, you have to store the salmon in the refrigerator. If salmon is still packed and not opened, it can last for about 2 days in the refrigerator at a suitable temperature. 

In case the packet of salmon is opened, then storing it in an airtight container is recommended in the refrigerator. Like this, your salmon can stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 – 4 days without any issues.

The package expiration date may pass, but your salmon can still be safe to consume. 

Cooked salmon can also be stored in the refrigerator and can be consumed within 3 – 4 days. Remember, proper storing is the key to keeping your salmon fresh in the refrigerator. 

Type Of Salmon	In Refrigerator
Raw Salmon	2 days
Cooked Salmon	3 – 4 days

How To Store Salmon In the Fridge? 

1. Raw Salmon

When it comes to raw salmon, it gets easily perishable. This is because salmon takes a few days to get to the nearby store; it has already been lying in the refrigerator or freezer. 

By the time it comes to the nearby store, it has spent quite a few days in the refrigerator. 

So, keep the packed salmon in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it in a while. If you wish to store it for the next 1 or 2 days, take the salmon out, wash off any dirt, and pat dry with a paper towel.

 Make sure not to leave any moisture, and then transfer it to an airtight container. This will help you to store the raw salmon for 2 -3 days maximum. 

You can also check the expiration date and consume it before the date passes. Storing in the refrigerator will make sure that no bacteria formation is there or will slow down the process. 

People also suggest adding salt while storing the raw salmon as it will absorb moisture.

2. Cooked Salmon

As I say cooked salmon, I am craving one. Anywho, cooked salmon has a better shelf life than raw salmon. You can simply transfer the leftovers to a clean and dry container, and after making sure that there is no sealing, transfer it to the refrigerator. 

This will ensure that your cooked salmon is fit to be consumed even after 3 days. Keep the cooked salmon on the back shelf where the temperature is coldest and does not fluctuate. 

Can You Freeze The Salmon? 

Freezing salmon is another great option if you wish to store it for longer than a few days. Talking about raw salmon, simply transfer the container to the freezer; this way, your salmon may last up to 3 months. 

The same goes for cooked salmon. If you have properly sealed the container and placed it in the freezer, it can last for a few months. As an extra precaution, wrap the salmon in the foil and place it in the airtight container. Make sure the freezer temperature is constant throughout the period. 

Is It Possible To Refreeze Salmon? 

Yes and No! Let me answer this question correctly. Yes, you can refreeze the salmon, but it is not advised to do so. When you thaw the frozen salmon and try to freeze it again, there is a very high chance that the salmon will get spoiled.

 Salmon is seafood; consuming it after a long period is not advised. On top of that, if you keep freezing and unfreezing it, it can easily get spoiled due to a temperature change. 

One may think that if they properly refreeze, then the salmon is safe to consume later, but you must check for the signs that tell you about spoiled salmon. 

Signs Of A Spoiled Salmon

When salmon is spoiled, one can easily figure it out by simply tasting, smelling, or checking the texture. Salmon is for sure a type of fish, but it does not have that weird fishy smell. You may also see some spots that are nothing but the formation of bacteria, and the taste of spoiled salmon is off. Let’s see one by one how to identify a salmon that has gone bad. 

1. Taste 

Spoiled salmon will taste different, and that, too, not in a good way. Upon tasting, you may feel a rotten flavor. You may also find the salmon to have a fishy taste which is not usual. Rotten salmon may have an ammonia flavor as well. The taste will definitely differ from the fresh one.

2. Smell 

Check for the smell if you do not want to do the tasting. Cooked or uncooked salmon will have a fishy smell that is not fresh. If you smell something rotten, then for sure your salmon has gone bad. Anything different from fresh salmon means something is weird and has probably gone bad. 

3. Texture and Colour

Keep a distance (avoid smelling and tasting) and find out if the salmon is fresh or not. 

If your salmon has a slimy texture, please toss it in the dustbin, as it has for sure gone bad. 

If you see any salmon discolouration, it is also a sign of spoiled salmon. Spoiled salmon may have brown or gray spots that show the formation of bacteria. 

Fresh salmon has a firm texture, and when you check the texture, it is soft, which means moisture is there, and so are the bacteria. Throw it away and avoid any illness from consuming spoiled salmon.

Note: If your salmon has been in the refrigerator for more than a week and passed the expiration date, then toss it in the dustbin, no matter if it tastes fine or smells ok. It is not fit to consume seafood after a long gap. 

What If I Eat The Spoiled One? 

If you consume bad salmon, you may get food poisoning. The severity of illness depends upon the type of spoilage. You can get scombroid poisoning, in which you may vomit, have diarrhea, and feel nauseous. 

In other cases, you can get ciguatera poisoning, in which gastrointestinal problems can arise, followed by skin irritation and fever. It is best in your interest to avoid eating salmon if you feel it is spoiled. Always consume fresh salmon to avoid such problems. 

Conclusion

Salmon is one of the delicious seafood, and this fish’s downfall is its short shelf life. I am sure that whenever you cook salmon, you have a good meal, but make sure that you finish it in one sitting and avoid storing it.

 You can always get a fresh one whenever you crave a salmon dish. In any case, if you still decide to store the salmon, whether in the refrigerator or freezer, follow the proper safety steps mentioned above. 

I will be back with more such conversions and help you with food problems. Until then, make sure that you wash the salmon properly, and do not forget to cook some steamed rice to enjoy the meal. 

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]