Can you freeze cooked salmon?

In this article, we will answer the question “Can you freeze cooked salmon?” and discuss how to freeze cooked salmon. We will also discuss the benefits and drawbacks of freezing cooked salmon and how to safely reheat it.

Can you freeze cooked salmon?

Yes, you can freeze cooked salmon. Nevertheless, there is a difference in taste based on the preparation method. 

Salmon that has been prepared with the fewest extra ingredients, such as sauces and seasonings, freezes the best. Place cooked salmon on the sides or bottom of the freezer for instant freezing to get the best results. 

What are the ways to freeze cooked salmon?

To freeze cooked salmon, first allow the food to cool down to room temperature before putting it in the freezer. Cooked fish should not have any additional steam draining from it, since this will create moisture that encourages the development of microorganisms. In order to freeze cooked salmon (1,2,3):

• Divvy up the ingredients into serving portions. Maintain the fish’s form by cutting it with a sharp knife. To maintain the fish’s aesthetic attractiveness for future plating, prevent it from disintegrating.
• Wrap each item of food in parchment paper before putting it in the freezer at -18 °C. Make sure to use food-grade parchment paper that won’t soak up the fish’s juices. When the fish is frozen, parchment paper prevents it from sticking to the bag.
• The bags can be gently squeezed or straw can be used to sip out any remaining air.
• Seal and date each bag before discarding it.
• They can be placed on the bottom or on either side of the fridge. Bags put at the bottom of the stack should be the last ones to be eaten. Don’t stack heavy frozen objects above the salmon to avoid squashing it.

Is Cooked Salmon Good for Freezing?

If properly preserved, cooked salmon may be frozen for a long time. As with most other foods, frozen salmon will lose its taste and texture. 

This is why I advise freezing them in a freezer bag first, and then covering them in aluminum foil. As a result, the cooked salmon will be protected from contamination by air (1).

Can You Freeze Cooked Salmon for a Long Time?

Cooked salmon may be stored in the freezer for up to six months. To keep the fish fresh for so long, they will need to be carefully preserved. The quality of grilled salmon begins to diminish after six months (1,4). 

The longer time the salmon remains frozen, the less flavorful and tender it will be. However, cooked salmon is still safe to consume after that period of time (1,3). Besides that, it won’t taste as good, that’s why it is recommended to eat frozen cooked salmon within 4-6 months (4).

What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Freezing Cooked Salmon?

Benefits of freezing cooked salmon

• Freezing prevents the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that lead to food deterioration and spoilage (6).
• Salmon’s high protein content, omega-3 fatty acids, and different vitamins and minerals are all preserved by freezing (5,6). 
• Additionally, freezing extends the shelf life of food since it slows down enzymatic activity and lipid oxidation, which makes convenient long-term storage possible (5,6). 
• Freezing cooked salmon is also very convenient and might save you some time and work when preparing future meals.

Drawbacks of freezing cooked salmon

• When salmon is frozen the water inside of the fish’s cells crystallizes into ice, which may damage the cellular structure. These ice crystals melt during thawing, changing the texture, so the cooked salmon may become slightly softer or drier compared to its original state (5,7).
• Additionally, freezing may cause a minor loss of flavorful freshness. This happens because the freezing procedure may have an impact on some volatile molecules that give food its fresh flavor (1). 

How to Safely Reheat a Cooked Salmon?

The salmon may be reheated in a variety of ways after it has safely thawed in the refrigerator. Remember, do not thaw frozen food at room temperature since it can lead to bacteria growth (8). 

Now, here are some ideas to get you started when reheating cooked salmon (9):

Microwave

Microwave reheating of salmon is not recommended. It will alter the taste and texture of the food. The only exception is if you’re running short on time and have no choice but to use a microwave. Take a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a lid, and cook the fish in the microwave for a few minutes. 

Adjusted to the lowest power setting, between 3% and 40%. Microwave the fish for 30 seconds at a time, then remove it from the microwave and set it aside. Flip the fish over every 30 seconds. Ensure that the salmon is cooked thoroughly before moving on to the next step.

Toaster

Reheating cooked salmon in a toaster oven or bigger oven is an option. The toaster oven provides equal heating throughout, unlike the microwave. In a toaster oven, cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it. Make sure it’s at least 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it’s warmed, keep an eye on the fish every 10 minutes.

Oven

Preheat the oven to 275 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The fish should be placed on a baking sheet and baked in the oven. Cook the fish for 10 minutes at a low temperature. Keep an eye on it every three minutes to make sure it’s still heated.

Skillet

If the scent of the fish doesn’t bother you, reheating the salmon in a pan is an alternative. Heat a skillet over low heat. The salmon is then fried in olive oil. Make sure the salmon is heated evenly by checking on it every three minutes while it is covered in the pan with the lid. In order to avoid flaking, flip the fish. In around 5-6 minutes, your salmon should be done.

Conclusion

In this article, we answered the question “Can you freeze cooked salmon?” and discussed how to freeze cooked salmon. We also discussed the benefits and drawbacks of freezing cooked salmon and how to safely reheat it. 

Reference

1. How long can you store fish?. USDA, 2023.

2. Doughikollaee, E.A. Freezing / Thawing and Cooking of Fish. Scientific, Health and Social Aspects of the Food Industry, 2012.

3. Leftovers: The Gift that Keeps on Giving. USDA, 2020.

4. Food labeling and product dating. USDA.

5. Dawson P, Al-Jeddawi W, Remington N. Effect of Freezing on the Shelf Life of Salmon. Int J Food Sci. 2018.

6. Freezing and Food Safety. USDA, 2013

7. Zhu, Z., et al. Measuring and controlling ice crystallization in frozen foods: A review of recent developments. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 2019, 90, 13-25.

8. The Big Thaw – Safe Defrosting Methods. USDA, 2013

9. Cooking – Food Safety for Moms to Be. FDA, 2018.