Salmon is one of the most versatile fish. It can be cooked in different ways and goes well with many different types of dishes. Salmon is often considered as a part of seafood, but it is not actually fish. It is a type of meat that comes from a fish called salmon. If you are wondering, how long can you keep thawed salmon in the fridge, then read on to find out!
How Long Can You Keep Thawed Salmon in the Fridge?
The length of time you can store thawed salmon in the fridge depends on a few factors. The first thing to consider is whether or not the salmon has been cooked. Uncooked fish should be stored for no more than three days. If it has been cooked, how it was cooked will determine how long you can keep it in the fridge.
If it was poached, smoked, or grilled – you can store it for up to one week. If it was pan-fried, baked, or broiled – then you’ll have to throw away any leftovers once 72 hours have passed from when you first cooked the fish.
Should You Keep Salmon in the Freezer?
The answer is a yes. You can keep raw salmon in the freezer for up to a month. But if you cook it before freezing, then it should be consumed within a week. It is also best if you store frozen salmon in a vacuum-sealed bag or wrap as this will help preserve its freshness and prevent ice from forming on the surface.
People who want to cook fresh salmon should not keep it in the freezer for a long period of time. The reason is that freezing causes ice crystals to form inside the flesh, which can break down the tissue and cause it to dry out.
It is possible to freeze raw salmon if it is iced down quickly and used within a few months. However, freezing will only make the salmon safe for consumption and does not kill any bacteria or parasites that may be present on or in the fish.
How To Thaw Salmon Properly
Thawing salmon in the refrigerator is a process that may take up to 24 hours. To do this, place the frozen fish in the fridge for about 12-24 hours before cooking to ensure it has fully thawed.
If you are in a hurry, the following are the steps for thawing salmon properly. Let the frozen fish sit in a shallow dish of cold water for an hour, changing the water every 15 minutes to keep it cold.
Do not use warm or hot water because this will cook the fish. Once the fish has thawed sufficiently, rinse off any excess water and pat dry with paper towels before cooking to avoid adding excess moisture to your oven or skillet.
Why is Thawing Salmon in the Fridge Better?
We should not thaw salmon at room temperature because it makes it prone to bacterial growth.
Instead, find a cool-ish place in your fridge. A cold spot will be ideal since it is usually at 40 degrees Fahrenheit where bacteria cannot grow.
When you thaw salmon in the fridge, it will not develop any harmful bacteria because of the cold temperature. This is beneficial because it reduces the chance of food poisoning and other such problems that might come from eating raw fish that was not properly prepared.
The other reason you should thaw your salmon in the fridge is that there will be no risk of bacterial growth. When you place your fish on a plate, there’s a chance that bacteria from your hands or surface might contaminate it and cause food poisoning.
Should You Open the Package of Salmon?
There are a variety of reasons that you should or should not open a package of salmon.
Yes, you should open the package if it smells fresh. This is because the pheromones that are released from the fish can fade and become stale. If there is no smell coming from the fish, then it might have gone bad and you should throw it away.
No, don’t open the package if you plan on freezing it for later use. This is because as soon as the food gets frozen, those pheromones will be killed off and won’t help create a “fresh” smell when thawed out later on.
The Proper Way To Store Salmon In The Refrigerator
When storing salmon in the refrigerator, be sure to keep it on a tray or baking sheet. This will prevent the juices from leaking onto other food in the refrigerator.
It is important to store salmon with any skin intact because this helps preserve its flavor and moisture. This is because the skin naturally contains oils that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
If you are planning on eating your salmon within 2-3 days, store it in the original packaging that you purchased it in. If you have leftovers but want to keep them fresh for up to 7 days, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing them in a container or freezer bag.
It is important to have the salmon in the coldest part of your refrigerator which is usually the bottom shelf.
You should never leave salmon out at room temperature as this can cause bacterial growth which can lead to food poisoning.
Unless you are going to cook it within two hours, you should always let salmon come back up to room temperature before cooking.
How to Tell If Salmon Has Gone Bad?
Salmon is one of the most popular fish these days, but not everyone knows how to tell if it has gone bad.
When was the last time you ate salmon? Was it fresh and delicious or did you suspect something was wrong? If you are unsure, don’t worry. Here are some signs that your salmon may have gone bad:
– The fish smells fishy or slimy.
– The fish has a “bloated” look to it (it’s not firm when pressed).
– Color is no longer pinkish, but grayish or brownish in color.
– If the salmon has started to stick together when touched by hand.
If your salmon has any of these signs, throw it out. It may be unsafe to eat.
Final Thoughts
It is a common misconception that thawed salmon should be put in the fridge as soon as it is defrosted. The reality is that you can keep it at room temperature for a few hours before putting it in the fridge.
The reason for this misconception is that people think that bacteria will grow on the fish because it has been defrosted, but if the fish was stored in a clean and dry container then there should not be any bacteria growth.
In general, it is not recommended to store thawed salmon in the fridge for more than three days.