How Long Does Cooked Salmon Last in the Fridge? Full Storage Guide
If you keep cooked salmon at 40°F or below, it will last for three to four days in the fridge. It needs to be put in the fridge quickly in a container that keeps air out so it doesn't go bad. The chance of getting sick from food goes up after 4 days.
Learn how to store salmon properly, recognise when it's going bad, reheat it safely, and keep your food fresh and safe.
How Long Does Cooked Salmon Last in the Fridge?
If you store cooked salmon at 40°F or lower, it will last for three to four days in the fridge. Salmon stays fresh and safe longer if you store it in a plastic bag that you can seal or an airtight container that doesn't let air in. Salmon will stay fresh longer if it is stored properly.
Safe Storage Time for Cooked Salmon
How long salmon stays safe depends on proper storage. Quickly cool and put your whole salmon or salmon fillets in the fridge to stop bacteria from growing.
-
Refrigerate Quickly: Put cooked salmon in the fridge within two hours.
-
Wrap Properly: Use plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or a freezer safe bag to keep it fresh.
-
Control Temperature: Keep salmon in the fridge at or below 40°F to slow spoilage.
-
Plan Storage: Once opened, consume smoked salmon within 3 to 5 days if properly sealed. Unopened smoked salmon can last up to 2 weeks or until the 'use-by' date.
Key Factors That Affect Salmon's Shelf Life
Salmon that is fresh, raw, or cooked needs extra care to keep it from going bad and to extend its shelf life.
-
Good Handling: Handling raw salmon carefully prevents cross contamination.
-
Airtight Storage: Cover salmon tightly to block air and keep it moist.
-
Away from Other Foods: Keep salmon away from strong-smelling foods to maintain a mild scent.
-
Prevent Freezer Burn: If freezing, wrap salmon well to avoid freezer burn and preserve quality.
Can I Eat Salmon 5 Days After Cooked?
If stored only in the fridge, cooked salmon is not safe to eat after 5 days. If frozen promptly after cooking, it can last several months. When you cook salmon, how long does salmon last? The time is only 3 to 4 days. If that happens, bacteria can grow on the fish and make it unsafe, even if it smells good. For longer storage, fresh salmon needs to be eaten right away or frozen.
Safety Risks of Eating 5-Day-Old Cooked Salmon
After four days, salmon can become dangerous because bacteria can grow on it. Being safe is better than being sorry.
-
Short Lifespan: Cooked salmon is only good for up to four days in the fridge.
-
Foodborne Illness Risk: Old salmon can cause food poisoning.
-
Signs to Watch: Sour smell, slimy surface, grayish or green color.
-
Frozen Salmon Option: Freeze leftovers to maintain a longer shelf life.
When It’s Better to Toss It Than Taste It
If you see signs that something is going bad, it's best to throw it away. If the salmon is bad, the recipes won't taste good.
-
Bad Odor: If salmon smells sour or strong, discard it.
-
Texture Change: A sticky or slimy feel points to bacterial growth.
-
Color Loss: Fresh salmon turns dull or green when spoiled.
-
Avoid Risks: It’s safer to discard defrosted salmon if unsure about freshness.
How Do You Know if Cooked Salmon Has Gone Bad?
Salmon that is fresh looks clean, smells mild, and has firm flesh. Salmon that has been spoilt smells, feels, and looks different. By recognising these signs, you can stop the growth of bacteria and avoid getting sick from food.
Visual Signs of Spoiled Cooked Salmon
Salmon that has been cooked should look moist and flaky. If the colour and feel of the salmon's skin change, it's bad.
-
Color Fading: Gray or greenish spots show spoiled salmon.
-
Dry Surface: A chalky or very dry look means it's no longer fresh.
-
Excess Moisture: Water pooling around salmon is a spoilage sign.
-
Mold Spots: Fuzzy white or green spots mean immediate discard.
Smell and Texture Red Flags
Salmon is not safe to eat because it smells bad and feels sticky. Trust your senses at all times.
-
Smell Test: Fresh salmon has a mild scent, not a sour smell.
-
Sticky Texture: A slimy surface is a major warning sign.
-
Softness: Fresh salmon and marinated salmon should stay firm; mushy texture is unsafe.
-
Thawed Salmon: Never refreeze thawed salmon if it smells or feels off.
Can I Reheat Cooked Salmon?
If you follow the right steps, you can safely reheat cooked salmon. It is important to keep the salmon moist and not let it dry out. Even though you can use a microwave, it works better to reheat slowly at a safe temperature.
Best Methods to Reheat Salmon Safely
When you reheat salmon the right way, it stays soft and juicy. If you use the right tools, you won't damage the texture.
-
Oven Method: Wrap salmon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and heat at a low temperature.
-
Microwave Method: Cover salmon with a damp paper towel and heat it in short bursts.
-
Cold Water Thaw: If frozen, thaw salmon in cold water before reheating to avoid uneven cooking.
-
Grill or Stovetop: Gently reheat over low heat to maintain peak freshness.
Tips to Preserve Moisture and Flavor When Reheating
Limiting air contact and keeping moisture inside the fish are key to keeping salmon fresher after reheating.
-
Cover Well: Always cover salmon tightly to prevent exposure to air and drying out.
-
Add Moisture: Brush lightly with olive oil or add a splash of water before reheating.
-
Use Safe Temperature: Reheat slowly to a safe internal temperature without overcooking.
-
Prevent Exposure: Reheating quickly at high heat can ruin the salmon's texture and flavor.
What FullyHealthy Can Do for You
FullyHealthy is a reliable online store that helps people who have to follow certain diets. We are focused on providing high-quality foods that are free of allergens and safe for people who are sensitive to food. Each like the Alaskan Pink Salmon by Wild Planet is carefully chosen to make sure it fits strict diet requirements without any unknown ingredients.
FullyHealthy’s Mission to Support Special Diets
FullyHealthy works with small brands that believe in clean, healthy food. They help customers find safe foods easily without checking dozens of labels.
-
Shop With Confidence: Every product is reviewed for diet safety, like for AIP or gluten-free needs.
-
No Guesswork: Clearly labeled foods help prevent exposure to unsafe ingredients.
-
Help Small Brands: Support small food businesses making high-quality options.
Recommended FullyHealthy Products to Enhance Your Salmon Dishes
Foods are available that can help you make healthier and more delicious salmon recipes.
-
Organic Coconut Sugar: A natural sweetener perfect for glazes.
-
Date Sugar: A safe, mineral-packed sugar alternative.
-
Sealable Bags and Wraps: Keep cooked salmon good by sealing out excess air.
-
Large Bowl Sets: Useful for preparing marinated salmon or handling raw fish safely.
Final Thoughts
For food safety, cooked salmon should be eaten within three to four days. To keep salmon from going bad, always store it right away after cooking it. Put it in containers that won't let air in and put them in the coldest part of the fridge. Don't forget that you need to be careful with even fresh fish like raw salmon and smoked salmon. To find out how long salmon lasts, read the use-by and expiration dates.
FAQs
How long should I eat salmon immediately after cooking?
You should refrigerate salmon immediately within two hours and eat it within 3 to 4 days.
How can salmon be safely stored for best results?
Keep salmon tightly wrapped in foil or plastic and place it in the coldest part of the fridge to keep it safely stored.
Can I keep smoked salmon up to two days before eating?
Opened smoked salmon should be consumed within 3 to 5 days, while unopened smoked salmon can be stored until the 'use-by' date.
What matters more: expiration dates or use by date?
Both expiration dates and use by date are important to know how long salmon lasts safely in the fridge.
Where should I place salmon for best quality in the fridge?
Always put salmon in the coldest part of the fridge to maintain peak freshness and best quality.
Leave a comment