How long does cooked salmon last in the fridge?
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There is almost always some cooked salmon leftover from your previous dinner, whether you are hosting a party or just making a meal. You may wonder how long does cooked salmon last in the fridge. So, how long can you keep it in the fridge, and is it still safe to consume after that period?
Salmon is tasty and good for the human body in several ways. That is why understanding how to keep it in the fridge and when to do so is critical to ensuring that it retains all the nutritional content and its delightful taste.
Well, you needn’t wait any longer. Here you may find detailed information on salmon, including how to store it properly, to make your life easier.
So, how long can you store cooked salmon in the refrigerator, and why is this so?
Your cooked salmon (or fish in general) can keep in the fridge for up to 4 days if you store it properly. According to the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension’s Food Storage for Safety and Quality study, cooked salmon in the refrigerator lasts for up to 4 days before it becomes unsafe to consume. The reason for this is that the chilly temperature of the refrigerator can only slow down the development of germs rather than completely halting it, as previously stated.
It is thus necessary to consume any leftover fish in under 4 days.
However, several well-known chefs have indicated that you should store cooked salmon in the refrigerator for up to three days, depending on the quality of the fish. You may keep salmon refrigerated for up to three days, depending on how fresh it is. Therefore, three days is still a sound bet.
If you have leftover cooked salmon from a restaurant, we strongly suggest that you eat it within 2 days since you cannot tell how fresh the salmon was before they cooked it. Canned salmon will keep for a longer period in the refrigerator. We may securely store unopened cans of salmon in the refrigerator for up to 6 to 8 months. But, consume opened canned salmon that’s kept in the refrigerator within 3 to 4 days, just as with cooked salmon.
What about smoked salmon, you might wonder?
Is it possible to consider smoked salmon to be cooked? Is the shelf life of raw salmon the same as that of cooked salmon? While the answer is a little technical, the short version is that its shelf life in the refrigerator is determined by the state in which it is packed. We may store standard smoked salmon in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days once opened.
According to reports, unopened containers of smoked salmon may survive up to three times longer in the refrigerator than opened packages. The most prudent course of action is to follow the expiry date printed on the container. However, you may continue to store it for another 2 to 3 days after that, and it will still be safe to eat.
Regardless of the circumstances in which you stored your cooked salmon, it is always preferable and safer to eat any leftovers as soon as possible after preparation.
Important Reminders Regarding Salmon Storage At Room Temperature
Never leave cooked salmon out at room temperature for longer than two hours. Because bacteria and germs have developed on the fish at this stage, your dinner is now dangerous to consume. Two hours is only a guideline for storing your fish at room temperature.
It depends on other elements, such as the weather and environment in your area. We should not leave cooked salmon out in a heated atmosphere for over one hour; thus, eat your fish immediately. What if you’re unsure if you have cooked your salmon properly? Fortunately, there are several indicators that you have cooked the fish thoroughly. Using these indicators, you can identify the best course of action to maintain your salmon’s quality and freshness.
What is the best method to use for the rest of my salmon?
There are several ways to repurpose leftover salmon by creating a new meal. Here are some recipes that you may make using leftover salmon:
1. Soup or chowder by flaking or chopping your salmon filets.
2. As with chicken, pork, or beef, you may create a casserole, noodle, or pasta with your fish.
3. Served with crackers or veggies.
4. Salads with salmon and other fresh vegetables are also an excellent alternative.
Is it possible to reheat my cooked salmon more than twice?
Reheating cooked fish does not have a time restriction, as long as we do it quickly. Reheating them more than once will lose their original texture and taste. If you reheat them incorrectly, the germs might continue to increase.
How To Select Fresh Salmon Of Superior Quality
As stated previously, selecting the finest salmon is critical to maximizing the length of salmon preservation in the refrigerator (or freezer). Thus, consider three characteristics if you want high-quality salmon filets.
#1. Appearance
If the muscle of your fish has cracks, do not purchase it since this shows improper treatment and rotting. When purchasing salmon in non-vacuum packaging, avoid packages that accumulate water inside. Select only salmon that has a vibrant and fresh pink or orange hue.
#2. Aroma
If you get fresh salmon without packaging at your neighborhood market, sniff them first to ensure they smell fresh from the sea. Avoid very fishy, spicy, or sour aromas.
#3. Texture
By touching them, you can feel their texture. If the salmon flesh is fresh and of excellent quality, it should bounce back when gently pressed. You should avoid purchasing any salmon filet that seems to be too sticky or excessively soft.
Nobody likes to get ill after eating anything, particularly salmon, an expensive fish. Therefore, remember these recommendations to store them correctly in your kitchen for longer shelf life and, more importantly, to maintain a healthy stomach.
