Whether the smoked salmon is bought from the grocery store or smoked at home, there’s no denying that this fish is delicious. The problem, though, is you may find yourself with leftovers. Since you don’t want them to go to waste, can you freeze smoked salmon?
So, can you freeze smoked salmon? Yes, you can definitely freeze smoked salmon. Properly stored, it can be kept fresh in the freezer for 6 months.
Does Smoked Salmon Freeze Well?
Yes, smoked salmon holds up extremely well in the freezer. When it’s smoked, all the moisture has been removed from the fish. This leaves them with just the flesh.
Smoked salmon is a delicious treat, but it needs to be properly stored. This means the fish should be sealed in an airtight plastic bag. The less air that’s in the bag, the lesser the chance of the salmon getting freezer burn.
Also, how long the smoked salmon remains in the freezer will determine their quality. The longer the fish remains in the freezer, the more the smokiness will deteriorate. For that reason, it’s best to consume the fish within 3 months after freezing it.
How To Freeze Smoked Salmon
Freezing smoked salmon is straightforward and doesn’t require much time to prepare them. Just follow the instructions below to freeze your smoked salmons:
Step 1: Cool Down
If you’ve smoked your own salmon, allow it to cool down to room temperature first. Placing the cooked salmon in the freezer while it’s still warm will cause condensation in the storage container. The moisture in the container will cause damages to the salmon.
Also, warm salmon will increase the temperature in the freezer. This will cause other foods around it to defrost.
Step 2: Storage Container
You can either use an airtight container or plastic bag to store smoked salmon in the freezer. Make sure it’s freezer-safe and large enough for the fish to fit in.
Step 3: Layer Up
At the bottom of the airtight container or freezer bag, lay a piece of greaseproof paper.
Then place a slice or two of salmon in the bottom and place another sheet of greaseproof paper on top of it.
Repeat the process until you have filled the container or freezer bag. Make sure to not put too much where it will be too cramped.
Step 4: Label and Freeze
With a marker, write down the date of freezing on the airtight container or freezer bag. If you’re planning to reuse the freezer bag, use paper tape to write the date on. Simply tear a piece of paper tape and tape it to the freezer bag. Then write the date on the tape.
After that, place the smoked salmon into the freezer.
How Long Can You Freeze Smoked Salmon?
You can freeze smoked salmon in the freezer for about 6 months. This will make sure the fish still retain their quality after defrosting.
Typically, smoked salmon would last only 2 months if it’s stored in the fridge. If you need to extend their shelf life a little longer, freezing is the best option to do so.
While smoked salmon will last for up to 6 months in the freezer, it’s a good idea to consume them within 4 months. The longer the fish is stored in the freezer, the more the quality will start to deteriorate.
It’s still safe to eat smoked salmon beyond 6 months, but you won’t enjoy eating it very much.
How Do You Defrost Smoked Salmon?
When it comes to smoked salmon, the best way to defrost them is in the fridge. This will ensure the fish retain their texture and taste.
Remove the fish from the freezer and place it onto a plate. You’ll want to leave the smoked salmon in the freezer bag. This will prevent other foods in the fridge from being tainted with the smell of the fish. Alternatively, you can place a small bowl of baking soda in the fridge to help absorb the smell of the smoked salmon.
Once the salmon has fully thawed, you’ll need to use it right away. Leaving them in the fridge for too long will cause the texture to start becoming soft.
Can You Refreeze Smoked Salmon?
Like most seafood, once you have thawed it, you cannot refreeze it. This goes the same for smoked salmon. Repeated freezing and thawing will likely cause the texture and taste to deteriorate greatly.
To avoid having to refreeze smoked salmon, it’s a good idea to freeze them in small portions. This way, you’ll need to remove what you need from the freezer without having any leftovers and having to refreeze them.
Other Questions about Smoked Salmon
Can you freeze smoked salmon from Costco?
Yes, you can freeze smoked salmon from Costco. It’s best to keep them in the fridge until it’s about to reach the printed date on the package. Then place any leftover smoked salmon into the freezer bag. Lay a sheet of greaseproof paper after each layer. This will help prevent the fish from sticking to each other and make it easier for you to remove them.
Can you freeze hot smoked salmon?
Yes, you can freeze them. To ensure they remain fresh, wrap each fillet in cling film a couple of times. Once wrapped, place them into a freezer bag, squeeze out any excess air, and seal it tightly. Then place them into the freezer. To avoid any major changes to the texture, use the hot smoked salmon within 2 months.