If you enjoy cooking with salmon and want to keep them longer, it’s essential to know how long is salmon good for in the fridge. Are there any differences in keeping time between uncooked and cooked salmon? In this post, we’ll explore how long salmon last in the fridge, freezer and some signs that salmon has gone bad.
How Long Is Salmon Good For In The Fridge?
Salmon is good for 1 up to 4 days in the fridge. It must be kept cold at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the best temperature. The time it takes may differ depending on whether it’s raw or cooked. The salmon can be bad in the fridge if you keep it longer recommended time.
How long is salmon good for in the fridge after cooking?
Once you’ve cooked salmon, it is good for about 1-2 days in the fridge. Store cooked salmon in the refrigerator at 40°F or less. Wrap it carefully in plastic wrap and then cover it with aluminum foil. For added flavor, you can place lemon slices before wrapping. Store salmon in the coldest drawer of your refrigerator.
How long is salmon good for in the fridge uncooked?
Fresh salmon (uncooked salmon) can be stored in the fridge for about 3-4 days (USDA) before losing quality. It must be kept cold at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. One tip to keep salmon fresher and enhance its flavor is to use a special salt seasoning process. This method helps extract excess moisture from the salmon. After the process, simply rinse off the salmon to remove the salt and pat them dry.
How Long Is Salmon Good For In The Fridge After Thawing?
After thawing, salmon should only be kept in the fridge for 1-2 days. It’s important to cook or freeze the salmon before the second-day ends, as eating afterward may not be good. You should be sure to use or store the thawed salmon promptly to ensure its freshness and safety.
You may put salmon in the refrigerator overnight to safely thaw it. The salmon can also be thawed using the cold-water thawing technique by putting it in a leak-proof plastic bag and cold water for about 30 minutes.
How Long Is Salmon Good For In The Freezer?
The best time to store salmon in the freezer is 3 months. When properly stored, frozen fresh salmon can remain good for about 9-12 months. While you can keep it in the freezer for longer, its quality may start to decline after the 12-month mark. Use the same procedures you would use for refrigeration when storing food in the freezer, but pay special attention to ensuring the salmon is wrapped tightly in plastic and foil.
How To Identify Bad Salmon

Pay attention to the fish’s appearance, texture, and smell to tell if salmon is bad. These will help you make decisions when purchasing or consuming salmon. You also should know the date on the package to ensure your salmon is fresh.
- Salmon that’s old or spoiled may look dull or grayish instead of the bright pink hue of fresh salmon.
- Watch out for dark spots, mold, or other white, filmy residues on the surface of the salmon.
- Check the eyes of a whole salmon; if they appear sunken or filmy, it may indicate spoilage.
- Pay attention to the shape; if the salmon is slightly curved rather than straight, it could be a sign that it’s gone bad.
- Press into the filet and see if the flesh springs back into place and feels firm. It may be spoiled if it feels mushy or is about to fall apart.
- Look out for slimy or sticky residues, which can be spoilage indicators.
- If the salmon smells strong, salmon has gone bad.
- Watch out for any hints of ammonia or rancid, as these are clear signs of spoilage.
FAQs
How long is the smoked salmon good for in the fridge after opening?
After opening, smoked salmon can be safely stored in the fridge for about 3-5 days. This also depends on the type of smoked salmon used and how it is stored after being opened. Honey-smoked salmon must be eaten five days after opening, but organic-smoked salmon should be eaten two days after opening.
Can I put raw salmon in the fridge for 3 to 5 days?
You can keep your raw salmon fresh in the fridge for up to three days. But for safety, you shouldn’t store salmon in the fridge for 5 days.
How long is salmon good for in the fridge after sell by date?
Salmon should be consumed within 1-2 days in the refrigerator after the sell-by date if it shows no signs of spoilage. However, if the salmon appears discolored or has developed a slimy texture, it is regardless of the sell-by date.
References:
- FDA.gov – https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/selecting-and-serving-fresh-and-frozen-seafood-safely#:~:text=Store%20Properly&text=If%20seafood%20will%20be%20used,store%20it%20in%20the%20freezer.
- USDA – https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/How-long-can-you-store-fish
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