How long does salmon keep in the fridge?
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “how long does salmon keep in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of both cooked and uncooked salmon in different conditions. Moreover, we are going to discuss the tips to prolong the shelf life of salmon.
Salmon is nutritious and delicious seafood that is packed with proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and many other important micronutrients that are needed for the proper functioning of the body. So if you have bought salmon more than you needed and now are confused about “how long does salmon keep in the fridge”, then you need not worry as we are going to tell you everything you need to know about the shelf life and proper storage of salmon.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long does salmon keep in the fridge?
Cooked salmon can be kept for 3-4 days safely in the fridge if it is stored at approximately 40°F or below in an air-tight container according to USDA. While raw salmon lasts for about 1-2 days if stored appropriately in an air-tight container or vacuum-sealed bag in the fridge.
The meat group itself is perishable and when it comes to fish it is one of the most highly perishable commodities. Therefore extra care should be taken while handling, storing, and cooking salmon.
You should always store salmon in air-tight containers or bags so that it won’t pick up the odor of any other food present in the fridge. Moreover, salmon has a strong odor therefore by putting it in an air-tight container will save your fridge from smelling like fish.
What is the optimum temperature to store salmon in the fridge?
You should always store your cooked as well as uncooked salmon at 40°F or below. Bacterial growth takes place at a faster pace between the temperature of 40°F and 140°F, therefore it is always advised to store your salmon at a lower temperature to preserve its freshness and quality for a long time.
Can you freeze cooked salmon?
Cooked salmon lasts for about 4 months in the freezer when kept in a plastic freezer bag or heavy-duty freezer container.
Can you freeze raw salmon?
Yes, you can freeze the raw salmon. Properly stored raw salmon lasts for about 2-3 months in the freezer. In the case of the pre-packed unopened package of salmon, it is better to wrap it in aluminum foil or thick plastic foil before storing it in the freezer.
Can you freeze smoked salmon?
Yes, you can freeze smoked salmon in a plastic freezer bag or heavy-duty freezer container to preserve it for about 6 months.
Other FAQs about Salmon which you may be interested in.
How long can fresh salmon stay in the fridge?
How long can you keep fresh salmon in the fridge?
How long does salmon stay good in the fridge?
How to defrost salmon overnight?
Salmon can be thawed in the refrigerator overnight. The salmon that is thawed this way, can stay in the refrigerator without going bad for 1-2 days before cooking and consuming it.
How to defrost salmon in hot water?
You should never defrost your salmon in the hot water as it will quickly increase the temperature of the outer parts of salmon to more than 40°F, which will make it more prone to bacterial contamination.
How long does salmon last after being frozen and thawed in a microwave?
If you thaw your salmon in a bowl of cold water or the microwave, it is advised to cook it immediately and properly till its internal temperature rises to 165 °F.
How long does salmon last at room temperature?
Cooked or uncooked salmon both lasts for about 2 hours when kept at room temperature. You should discard the salmon that has been left in open for more than 2 hours as bacterial growth takes place at a faster pace between the temperature of 40°F and 140°F, therefore there are greater chances of the salmon being already contaminated with bacteria when left out for more than 2 hours at the room temperature.
What are the tips to prolong the shelf life of salmon?
- After opening the can, always put the remaining salmon in an air-tight bag or container and place it in the fridge to increase its shelf life.
- Do not open the can or container of the salmon beforehand. Open it when you need to cook it so that no microbes will find their way to the open container of salmon.
- It is advised to always store the salmon on the shelf of the refrigerator rather than the door as there can be a lot of temperature fluctuations at the door of the fridge that can degrade the quality of the salmon.
- Always cook the raw salmon thoroughly till its internal temperature reaches 165 °F.
- In case you want to freeze the salmon, it is best practice to wrap it in heavy-duty aluminum foil or thick plastic wrap before putting it in a plastic freezer bag or heavy-duty freezer container. By doing so you will prevent the freezer burns on your salmon.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long does salmon keep in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of both cooked and uncooked salmon in different conditions. Moreover, we discussed the tips to prolong the shelf life of salmon.
Citations
https://www.yummly.com/dish/981610/buying-and-storing-salmon
