Eating leftovers is a great way to reduce food waste and save money. However, it’s important to know how long leftovers, like cooked fish, stay fresh and safe to eat. So, can you eat cooked fish after 5 days? The short answer is yes, you can eat cooked fish leftovers after 5 days, provided they have been stored properly.
How Long Does Cooked Fish Last in the Fridge?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), cooked fish will last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly. However, there are some exceptions that allow cooked fish to be safely eaten even after 5 days in the fridge.
Here are some general guidelines for how long cooked fish lasts refrigerated:
- Fresh fish: 3 to 4 days
- Leftover cooked fish: 3 to 4 days
- Canned tuna after opening: 3 to 5 days
- Smoked fish: 14 days
As you can see, most types of cooked fish should only be kept for 3 to 4 days. However, there are some exceptions that allow it to last a bit longer.
Exceptions That Allow Eating Cooked Fish After 5 Days
Here are some cases where it may be safe to eat cooked fish after 5 days in the refrigerator:
- Frozen cooked fish – Fish that is cooked, then properly frozen can last up to 3 months in the freezer. It should be safe even after being thawed in the fridge for 5 days.
- Salt-cured fish – Heavily salted fish like kippered herring can last up to 30 days refrigerated thanks to the preservative effects of salt.
- Oily fish – Oily fish like salmon and mackerel may keep slightly longer than lean fish thanks to their higher omega-3 fat content.
So if your leftover cooked fish falls into one of those categories, it could potentially last 5 days or slightly more.
Proper Storage for Cooked Fish
To get the maximum safe shelf life out of cooked fish, it needs to be stored properly. Follow these tips for storing leftovers:
- Refrigerate or freeze fish within 2 hours of cooking.
- Store fish in airtight, moisture-proof packaging or containers.
- Keep refrigerated fish as cold as possible, at 40°F or below.
- label leftovers with the date they were prepared or opened.
- Cook fish to safe internal temperatures – at least 145°F for finfish.
Storing cooked fish correctly helps prevent bacteria growth and extends its shelf life. Make sure to practice proper home food safety when handling any cooked seafood.
How to Tell If Cooked Fish Has Gone Bad
Even when stored correctly, cooked fish won’t last forever. Here are some signs that indicate spoiled cooked fish that is unsafe to eat:
- Bad odor – Cooked fish will develop a noticeably unpleasant, rotten, or ammonia-like smell.
- Slimy texture – Slime formation on the flesh is a sign of bacteria growth.
- Discoloration – Grey, dull flesh instead of white or pink.
- Mold growth – Fuzzy mold anywhere on the fish.
Fish that displays any of those characteristics should be discarded right away. Do not taste fish that smells or looks suspicious.
How to Use Up Leftover Cooked Fish
To maximize freshness, try to use up cooked fish within 3 to 4 days. Here are some delicious ways to use up fish leftovers before they go bad:
Sandwiches
Flake fish into a salad, sandwich spread, or topping for toast. Tuna, salmon, and whitefish work especially well.
Fish tacos
Warm up fish in a pan then serve in soft tacos or tortillas with cabbage, avocado, and tangy sauce.
Chowders or stews
Add bite-size pieces of cooked fish to soups, chowders, or hearty stews for extra protein.
Casseroles
Mix cooked fish into tasty casserole dishes like fish pie, cheesy fish rice, or fish lasagne.
Frittata or omelette
Chop up cooked fish and add it to egg dishes for a protein and omega-3 packed breakfast.
Pasta dish
Flake cooked fish over pasta in a creamy sauce, tomato sauce, or olive oil dressing.
Salad topping
Crisp up fish in a skillet then serve warm or cold over leafy green salads.
Fish cakes
Mash fish into fishcakes and pan-fry for a handy way to use up leftovers.
Can You Freeze Cooked Fish?
Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of cooked fish even longer. According to the FDA Food Code, cooked fish can safely be frozen for up to 3 months at 0°F or below.
To freeze cooked fish:
- Let fish cool completely after cooking.
- Portion into airtight containers or bags.
- Remove as much air as possible.
- Label with name and freeze-by date.
- Freeze at 0°F or below.
Thaw frozen fish gradually in the fridge when ready to consume. Do not refreeze fish after thawing.
Tips for Freezing Fish
- Freeze fish in portions for easy thawing.
- Prevent freezer burn by using airtight packaging.
- Add antioxidant-rich lemon juice to help preserve color and flavor.
- Freeze mild-flavored fish like tilapia and bass for up to 3 months.
- Freeze oily fish like salmon and trout for up to 2 months.
Can You Refrigerate Thawed Fish?
Previously frozen fish that has been thawed in the refrigerator can safely be kept for an additional 1 to 2 days in the fridge before cooking.
To safely thaw fish:
- Thaw overnight in the fridge, not at room temperature.
- Cook thawed fish within 1 to 2 days.
- Do not refreeze thawed fish.
With proper thawing and storage, previously frozen cooked fish can still be enjoyed up to 5 days or more later.
Reheating Leftover Cooked Fish
To enjoy cooked fish safely, leftovers should be thoroughly reheated before eating. Follow these tips for reheating fish:
- Reheat fish to an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
- Bring sauces or gravy to a boil when reheating fish in liquid.
- Use the stove, oven, or microwave to reheat fish thoroughly.
- Discard fish if it still smells or looks spoiled after reheating.
Reheating will not make spoiled fish safe to eat. Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming leftovers.
Conclusion
Cooked fish that has been continuously refrigerated can generally be safely eaten within 3 to 4 days. For optimal quality, try to eat leftovers within 3 days. Properly frozen cooked fish can last 2 to 3 months in the freezer. Follow reliable storage methods and check for signs of spoilage before eating fish that is more than 5 days old. With proper handling, many types of cooked fish can be safely enjoyed even after 5 days refrigerated.