Every dish has a shelf life; some can be stored at room temperature for a while, some in the fridge, and others in the freezer for up to six months. However, we can store almost all dishes in the fridge with a few exceptions. How long does cooked salmon last in the refrigerator?
Well, it is possible to store it, but for how long and how to do it, I will explain in the article. However, you must follow the proper procedure, or it can spoil even in the fridge. In this article, I will not only tell you how to store it but also how to store it properly.
- The Short Answer: 3-4 Days
You can store it for 3-4 days, but the condition is that you must store it properly as per the given instructions, and you should not eat it after 4 days. Four days is enough, but if you eat it later, you could get sick, and as I always say, safety first.
Contents
Everything About Salmon Storage
I have repeatedly repeated that proper storage is essential, but do you know why? It’s because it is a delicious dish that contains protein and three fatty acids. And did you know that seafood spoils very quickly? So if you do not store it properly, just like other foods, it will spoil quickly.
Why Proper Storage Matters
- Prevents bacteria shift
- It keeps salmon fresh for longer
- Keeps good taste and texture
- Prevents food waste
- It keeps you safe from food poisoning
How to Store Salmon Fish Properly: Easy Tips
Friends, our next topic is how to store this safely. You need to pay close attention to the instructions given to you.
The most important point is that you should not store it at a high temperature; you need to let it cool down and then store it.
For this, you can take plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Just make sure to cover it well. You can use:
- Aluminum foil
- plastic wrap
After that, please place it in the coolest part of your fridge; in my opinion, the back area is the coolest part of the fridge. You should keep your fridge’s temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
I always write the date on the packet or container after storing anything, so do not forget to include that as well. This helps us know when we stored it, and we can consume it before it goes bad.
Although you can store it for 4 days, you should check it once after 3 days for any signs of spoilage. If you see any signs, do not use it.
Best Storage Container for Salmon?
- Tight-lidded glass containers
- Plastic containers with snap-on lids
- Freezer-safe bags (preferable for freezing)
- Aluminum foil (double-wrapped)
Things You Should Avoid
Do not store the salmon at room temperature for over two hours; it will spoil. You need to store the salmon in a container overnight, and do not give it to anyone open—otherwise, it won’t last even a day and will go bad.
I clarified this point above, but I’m repeating it: after cooking, do not make the mistake of storing it improperly. Leave it at room temperature to cool for no more than two hours.
Some people try to save space in the fridge by stacking one item on top of another, but when you store the salmon, do not place any other container or food.
Always store it in the coolest part of the fridge. I recommend storing it in the back area of the refrigerator and not in the door because the temperature there is uneven.
Do not use uneven containers. If you use them for your dinner, they might break, and once opened, we should not pack the salmon at all.
Signs of Bad Salmon: How to Know
Look
Fresh Salmon Should Be
- Light pink in color
- Moist but not slimy
- Free from dark spots
- Clear of any white film
Bad salmon may appear:
- Gray or greenish
- Dull or dark
- Moldy
- Slimy
- Dried out
- Discolored
Smell
The qualities of fresh salmon include:
- Almost no smell
- Mild, clean scent
Bad salmon
- Very fishy
- Sour
- Rotten
- Like ammonia
- Unpleasant or strong
How to Freeze Cooked Salmon
I highly recommend that if any recipe has the option for freezing, then freeze it. It’s a great option. In Salman’s case, we can also freeze Salman to increase its lifespan.
Step-by-step process to freeze salmon
If you want to store or freeze something in the fridge, the process is the same: you should never freeze hot recipes; otherwise, they will spoil. If you want, you can remove the skin first.
After that, cut it into small pieces as desired. Since we will be freezing it for an extended period, we need to pay more attention to safety, as the chances of spoilage are also higher.
First, cover it with plastic wrap and then add a layer of aluminum foil. Put it in an airtight container after that. You can use plastic wrap or any container, but remove as much air as possible from whatever you use. Lastly, label it with the same label you used when storing it, then place it in a safe freezer area.
Freezer Storage Times
- Optimal quality: 2-3 months
- Maximum time: 6 months
Use during the first three months is ideal.
How to Consume Leftover Salmon
| Cold Dish | Hot Dish | Dishes & Spreads |
| Add to green salads | Make salmon patties | Salmon dip |
| Make salmon salad (like tuna salad). | Add to pasta dishes | Salmon spread for bagels |
| Use in pasta salads | Salmon cake | Salmon pâté |
| Add to grain bowls | Mix Into Rice Dish | – |
Storage Durations for Various Salmon Types: A quick Overview
Uncooked salmon
- Fresh: one to two days
- 1-2 days to thaw
- Marinated for one to two days
Salmon cooked
- Normal cooking: three to four days
- Opened smoked salmon: 3–4 days
- Opened canned salmon: one to two days
- 3–4 days for leftover salmon dishes
Particular Situations
- Two weeks for vacuum-sealed raw salmon
- Smoked salmon, unopened: two to three weeks
- 6–8 months for unopened canned salmon
Related FAQs
How would you know that the cooked salmon has spoiled?
You can see, smell, and feel spoiled cooked salmon. Some possible signs include a sour smell, discoloration, or a slimy feel. If it manifests any of the above characteristics, it’s time to toss out the cooked salmon.
Can you freeze cooked salmon?
Absolutely. Cooked salmon can last up to 3 months when frozen, if it is tightly sealed.
Does cooking salmon preserve the fish better than raw salmon?
Yes, cooking prolongs the shelf life significantly; raw salmon will last only 1-2 days, but cooked salmon will last up to 4 days.
What makes cooked salmon not last as long in the fridge?
The initial freshness of the fish, the storage temperature, air exposure, and cross-contamination with other foods
Can I reheat the Store cooked salmon?
Reheating is safe if the salmon has been appropriately stored and reached an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) before consumption.
Summary
As for cooked salmon, it is safe to consume it for 3-4 days when stored in the refrigerator. Seal it tightly, and you should always look out for signs of spoilage before consuming it. If you are interested in keeping it longer, you can store it in the freezer for up to three months.
Note that these storage times are only possible if you properly store your salmon. You should also always use your judgment to verify whether or not the salmon is still okay to eat. Putting some fish in cold water storage is always advisable to avoid any inconveniences later on.
By following these guidelines, you can savor your salmon without poisoning yourself and reduce the amount of food that goes to waste. The best thing about using salmon is that it’s versatile and convenient to consume several meals weekly if properly stored.