How Long Can Cooked Salmon Be Refrigerated?
Salmon is a delicious fish full of proteins and fats. If you have leftover cooked salmon, you may be wondering How Long Can Cooked Salmon Be Refrigerated?
Cooked salmon can stay for 3-4 days in the fridge. However, you should eat it sooner if it starts to turn color or smell bad. To extend the shelf life of cooked salmon, freeze it in an airtight container. Frozen cooked salmon will last for 2-3 months.
In this blog post, I will discuss how long cooked salmon can be refrigerated and give some tips for storing it properly.
How Long Can Cooked Salmon Be Refrigerated?
Just like chicken, fish is a perishable food that can go bad quickly if not stored properly. Cooked salmon will last for 3-4 days in the fridge, but it’s best to eat it sooner than later if it starts to turn color or smell bad.
Factors That Affect How Long Cooked Salmon Can Be Refrigerated
Here is a detailed discussion of the factors that affect how long cooked salmon can be stored in the fridge:
Type of Salmon
Wild-caught salmon will last longer than farm-raised salmon because it is higher in Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are natural antioxidants that help protect the fish from going bad.
Cooking Method
Salmon that has been baked or grilled will last longer than salmon that has been pan-fried. This is because pan-frying uses higher temperatures that can cause the fish to dry out and become overcooked.
Storage Containers
It’s important to store cooked salmon in an airtight container. This will help to keep the fish fresh and prevent it from drying out. Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids are the best options.
The Temperature of Your Fridge
You want to make sure that your fridge is set to the correct temperature. The FDA recommends setting your fridge to 40°F or below to prevent food borne illness.
How to Tell if Cooked Salmon Has Gone Bad
There are a few telltale signs that cooked salmon has gone bad:
The color has changed: Cooked salmon should be pinkish-orange in color. If it starts to turn white or brown, it has gone bad.
The texture has changed: Cooked salmon should be moist and flaky. If it is dry or mushy, it has gone bad.
It smells bad: The fish should have a mild, slightly salty smell. A sour smell is an indication of spoilage.
Bitter taste: The taste of bad salmon will be bitter. If the fish tastes off, it is best to throw it out.
How to Store Cooked Salmon
The best way to store cooked salmon is in an airtight container in the fridge. Airtight containers are meant to keep food fresh by preventing oxygen and other contaminants from entering. This will help to keep the salmon fresh and prevent it from drying out.
Other tips for storing cooked salmon include:
Use a Ziplock Bad
A ziplock bag can be a great option for storing cooked salmon. Just make sure to remove as much air from the bag as possible before sealing it shut.
Wrap it Tightly in Foil
If you don’t have an airtight container, you can wrap the salmon tightly in foil. This will help to keep the fish fresh and prevent it from drying out.
Place it on Ice
If you plan on eating the salmon within a day or two, you can place it on a bed of ice in the fridge. This will help to keep it fresh and prevent it from going bad.
Mistakes You Can Make When Storing Cooked Salmon
Here are the common mistakes people make when storing cooked salmon:
Not Letting it Cool Completely
Many people make the mistake of placing hot salmon directly into the fridge. This can cause the fish to dry out and become overcooked. It’s important to let the salmon cool completely before storing it in the fridge.
Not Using an Airtight Container
Another common mistake is not using an airtight container. A container that lets oxygen in will cause the fish to dry out and become overcooked.
Not Storing It in the Coldest Part of the Fridge
The fridge has different temperature zones, and the salmon should be stored in the coldest part. The doors of the fridge are typically the warmest part, so it’s best to store cooked salmon on a shelf near the back.
Freezing Thawed Salmon
Thawed salmon should never be refrozen. This is because the fish will become tough and dry. Ensure you use a freezer-safe container if you plan on freezing salmon.
Not Eating it within 3 Days
Ideally, cooked salmon should be eaten within three days. After that, it starts to lose its freshness and flavor. If you can’t eat it within that timeframe, you can freeze it for up to six months.
FAQs | How Long Can Cooked Salmon Be Refrigerated
Can I put cooked salmon in the fridge?
Yes, you can put cooked salmon in the fridge. Cooked salmon will last for three to four days in the fridge.
Can I put cooked salmon in the freezer?
You can put cooked salmon in the freezer. The freezer will extend the shelf life of cooked salmon by 6-9 months. You should also place the salmon in a freezer-safe container.
How long does salmon last in the fridge?
Cooked salmon will last three to four days in the fridge. If you have leftover cooked salmon, you can freeze it for up to six months.
How long does cooked salmon at room temperature?
Salmon lasts 2-3 hours at room temperature. After that, it should be refrigerated or frozen to prevent spoilage.
What is the best way to use my leftover salmon?
The best way to use leftover salmon is to make salmon cakes. To do this, mix it with garlic, chopped onion, bread crumbs, an egg, and some mayonnaise. You can also add in some seasonings like salt, pepper, and Old Bay. Form the mixture into small patties and then fry them in a pan until they’re golden brown.
You may also be interested in reading these other articles like, Do Mushrooms Need Refrigeration? and How Long Can Cooked Ham Be Refrigerated?
Final Thoughts
Cooked salmon will last for three to four days in the fridge. If you can’t eat it within that time frame, you can freeze it for up to six months. Be sure to use an airtight container and store it in the coldest part of the fridge. I hope you have enjoyed this post on how long cooked salmon can be refrigerated.
