If you have larger eyes like salmon, keeping it in the fridge will help you. There are some storage techniques that can help you keep salmon for longer times. The main question is how long does salmon last in the fridge, and we all know what happens if you’re cooking salmon for your weeknight meals. In a perfect world, you’d bring the exact amount of salmon you need.

Preparation is key

Prepare your salmon for storage like a Michelin star chef!

“If you want to enhance the conservation of your salmon, numerous people are not aware that it all begins with the first stages of preparation!”

To keep your salmon fresher for a longer period, Chef Executive Yamazaki Nobu, one of our Michelin Chefs, recommends using salt to extend the shelf life of your raw salmon. Additionally, the special process of flavor enhancement used by Taro Sushi’s owner and Chef Executive will also contribute to the overall improvement of your salmon’s taste.

Nobu prepares salmon by following step-by-step instructions on how to properly prepare it. He will start by rinsing the fillets and patting them dry, then removing all the excess salt from the pan. This process naturally extracts any excess moisture from the salmon, enhancing its umami flavor. Whether Nobu is preparing salmon for Omakase evenings or dinner, he will cover the fillets with salt and place them in a pan or tray in the fridge.

After your salmon is properly defrosted, keep the uncooked salmon in the refrigerator until it is time to prepare.

Now, the bag in the fridge is ready to be stored. First, seal the bag below the waterline and then seal it again to ensure that all the air is removed and the creases in the bag are minimized. While the seal remains open, slowly lower the bagged salmon into the water, making sure that the piece of salmon is bigger than the piece of water. The best way to do this is to fill a large bowl with water and place your salmon fillet in a sealable plastic bag.

To address this issue, place your salmon fillets or whole salmon on the top and fill a spacious roasting pan or a similar container with an ample amount of ice. The optimal temperature for a fresh, raw salmon is approximately 38 degrees Fahrenheit, which is not the temperature at which most home refrigerators are set. It is recommended to store it in the refrigerator at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Now the question is, how long can the salmon last in the fridge?

Is no direct answer to this because the freshness and quality of salmon depend on various factors such as proper storage and handling. To ensure the highest quality, we flash-freeze the salmon on the same day it is caught, upending the traditional supply chain. This process keeps the salmon at its peak freshness and quality with minimal handling. However, due to the long supply chain for overseas processed salmon, it may take 4-5 days for the salmon to reach your local store. Therefore, it is recommended to consume the salmon within 1-2 days after purchasing it from your local supermarket to get the freshest seafood possible.

Make Sure to Get Fresh Salmon

Before you worry about how to store your salmon, the key to keeping its quality high is to buy longer, great tasting salmon. If you want to set yourself up for success,

When buying a fresh salmon fillet, search for vibrant, orange-red coloring and a decent amount of marbling. The fillet should feel firm when touched. If you notice any signs of cracking, breakage, or “flaking” of the meat, or if any salmon fillets appear chalky or dry, it is best to avoid them.

Avoid the hassle of dealing with a seafood clerk and save a trip to the grocery store by joining our waitlist for Copper River Salmon this summer! We deliver straight to your door, eliminating the traditional supply chain and allowing consumers to access the highest quality salmon directly from the Alaskan fishermen.

Can I refreeze previously frozen salmon?

If you want to refreeze previously thawed salmon, it is possible to do so safely. However, in order to maintain its flavor, texture, and quality, you may want to remove as much moisture as possible from the salmon (How to remove moisture from salmon).

Preserve your salmon by correctly storing it in a vacuum-sealed bag or container.

Storing Frozen Salmon: How long will frozen salmon be good in the freezer?

If you’re keeping salmon in the freezer, you’ll have a much longer duration.

Following the completion of 12 months, you will observe a decrease in the standard, but it is possible to securely store your salmon in the freezer for a longer duration. Preserved salmon can endure for approximately 9-12 months in the freezer.

For optimal outcomes, ensure that your frozen salmon is thoroughly washed, dried, and stored in an airtight bag before placing it in the freezer set at a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Thankfully, we have taken out the hassle for you, as our salmon arrives fully frozen and ready to be placed in your freezer for storage, ensuring perfection when the door is opened.

(Read: Defrosting Frozen Salmon 101).

Should I put cooked salmon in the freezer?

If you don’t think you’ll use your cooked salmon within three to four days, it’s safe to store it in the fridge. However, you can also safely pop it in the freezer for further storage under one condition: it has not been left unrefrigerated for more than an hour.

How long is cooked salmon good for, in the fridge?

As per the USDA, you can securely keep cooked salmon in the refrigerator for a duration of three to four days.

How to Tell if Salmon is Bad

There are a few things you should finally watch for when you store, prep, cook, or reheat salmon to ensure it hasn’t gone bad.

Dispose of the salmon if the flesh feels tender (as opposed to firm). Raw salmon should not have any signs of discoloration, an excessively slippery texture, or a pungent odor.

If you’re working with cooked salmon, it’s a good rule of thumb to toss it just if it’s been in the fridge for more than three or four days and it starts to look slimy or has an “off” smell.

Read: How to Determine if Salmon is Spoiled).