Meal prepping protein sources like salmon is a great way to save time and money throughout the week. However, to avoid wasting food or accidentally consuming spoiled salmon, it’s important to understand how long prepped salmon can stay fresh and safe to eat.
How Long Does Fresh Salmon Last in the Fridge?
Fresh, raw salmon that has been refrigerated can generally last in the fridge for 2-3 days. Here are some general guidelines for salmon fridge life:
- Fresh salmon in the fridge will stay good for about 2-3 days from the purchase date.
- Store-bought fresh salmon that is properly sealed and kept cold at 40°F or below can safely last for 2-3 days after the sell-by date.
- Vacuum-sealed fresh salmon can last in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Smoked salmon that has been opened can last 3-4 days.
- Cooked salmon keeps for 3-4 days when stored covered in the fridge.
The exact shelf life depends on a few factors like the freshness of the salmon when purchased and how well it has been stored and handled. Signs that salmon has gone bad include a fishy odor, slimy texture, or discolored flesh.
Does Meal Prepping Salmon Change How Long it Lasts?
Yes, meal prepping your salmon can impact how many days it stays fresh compared to preparing it just before eating. Here’s an overview:
- Raw salmon that is prepped in advance will typically last 1-2 days in the fridge.
- Cook salmon in advance and it can keep for 3-4 days refrigerated.
- Prepped salmon can be frozen for 2-3 months for maximum freshness.
The reason meal prepped salmon doesn’t last as long is because the salmon is handled more which exposes it to more potential bacteria. Cutting it into portions, cooking, cooling, and storing leads to more opportunities for spoilage.
Tips to Extend Meal Prep Salmon Fridge Life
You can get the most shelf life out of your meal prep salmon by following safe storage methods:
- Portion salmon into individual airtight containers or resealable plastic bags.
- Refrigerate at 40°F or slightly below.
- Make sure cooked salmon cools quickly before refrigerating.
- Freeze meal prep salmon portions to keep longer.
- Thaw frozen salmon safely in the fridge overnight before eating.
- Avoid overfilling the fridge which can hinder cooling.
- Consume refrigerated salmon within 3-4 days, frozen within 2-3 months.
How to Know if Meal Prep Salmon is Bad
Check your prepped salmon carefully before eating to check for signs of spoilage. Here are some ways to identify salmon that has gone bad:
- Appearance: The salmon looks discolored or has an unusual hue. The flesh looks very dull instead of glistening.
- Texture: The salmon feels overly soft, mushy, or slimy to the touch.
- Smell: A pungent “fishy” or ammonia-like odor is noticeable.
- Taste: The salmon tastes very fishy, bitter, or sour.
Prepared salmon that exhibits any of those characteristics should be discarded. Always rely on your senses, especially smell, when determining if prepped salmon is still safe and fresh enough to eat.
How to Store Meal Prep Salmon
Proper storage methods help meal prep salmon stay fresher for longer. Follow these tips:
Raw Salmon
- Wrap raw salmon fillets tightly in plastic wrap or place in airtight containers.
- Store ready-to-cook salmon in the coldest part of the fridge, 40°F or below.
- Lay salmon flat in fridge. Stacking can crush the flesh, damaging texture.
- Use raw prepped salmon within 1-2 days for maximum freshness and quality.
Cooked Salmon
- Let cooked salmon cool completely before covering and refrigerating.
- Divide into shallow airtight containers so it chills quickly.
- Make sure containers are sealed to prevent freezer burn if freezing.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze for 2-3 months if not using right away.
Avoid thawing and refreezing salmon more than once, as this decreases quality.
Can You Freeze Meal Prep Salmon?
Freezing is a great way to preserve meal prep salmon for several months. Here are some freezing tips:
- Make sure salmon is very fresh when freezing for optimal quality.
- Freeze salmon in an airtight container or resealable plastic freezer bag.
- Portion salmon into the desired meal sizes before freezing.
- Avoid overfilling bags or containers.
- Remove as much air from freezer bag as possible.
- Label bags with contents and freeze-by date.
- Freeze raw salmon at 0°F or below.
- Freeze cooked salmon within 1-2 hours of cooking.
Properly frozen salmon can last for 2-4 months in the freezer before starting to decline in texture and flavor. Make sure to thaw frozen salmon safely in the fridge overnight before using.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Salmon?
Previously frozen salmon that has been thawed in the fridge can be safely refrozen without compromising freshness too much. To refreeze thawed salmon:
- Make sure thawed salmon still smells fresh and looks normal.
- Refreeze thawed salmon within 1-2 days for best quality.
- Refreeze in airtight freezer bags or containers.
- Avoid refreezing salmon more than once, as texture can degrade.
Refreezing thawed salmon is safe as long as it was thawed properly in the fridge and hasn’t been left out at room temperature for extended periods. The texture may become slightly softer after refreezing.
Can You Eat Spoiled Salmon?
It is not recommended to eat salmon that has spoiled. Consuming spoiled, bacteria-laden salmon can cause food poisoning and digestive issues. Signs salmon has gone bad include:
- Slimy, sticky texture
- Grey, dull flesh
- Strong fishy smell
- Ammonia odor
- Discoloration
- Mold
Discard any salmon with those characteristics. The harmful bacteria that produce those signs of spoilage can cause foodborne illness if the fish is eaten, even if thoroughly cooked. It is not worth the risk.
Salmon Safety Tips
Follow these safe salmon handling and prep tips:
- Wash hands, prep surfaces, utensils before and after.
- Thaw frozen salmon in the fridge, not room temp.
- Marinate salmon in the fridge.
- Use thawed salmon within 1-2 days.
- Cook salmon to 145°F minimum internal temperature.
- Refrigerate cooked salmon within 2 hours, 1 hour if over 90°F ambient temperature.
- Discard salmon with an unpleasant odor or appearance.
- When in doubt, throw it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if prepped salmon has gone bad?
Signs of spoiled prepped salmon include an unpleasant fishy, ammonia-like smell, slimy texture, discolored or dull flesh, or grayish hue. Discard any salmon with those characteristics.
What happens if you eat spoiled salmon?
Consuming spoiled salmon can cause food poisoning, with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. In severe cases it can even be life-threatening.
Can you get sick from eating slightly bad salmon?
Yes, you can get sick from eating salmon that is just starting to spoil and harbors high levels of bacteria. Even cooking the suspicious salmon thoroughly may not make it safe for consumption.
How long does cooked salmon last in the freezer?
Properly stored cooked salmon can last 2-3 months in the freezer before losing quality. Place in airtight bags or containers for max freezer shelf life.
Can you refreeze thawed prepped salmon?
Yes, you can safely refreeze thawed meal prep salmon for up to 1-2 more times if it was thawed properly in the fridge and hasn’t been left out too long. The texture may degrade slightly.
Conclusion
When handled safely, meal prep salmon can stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. Freezing extends the shelf life of prepped salmon to 2-3 months. Follow proper storage methods, check for signs of spoilage, and consume refrigerated salmon within 3-4 days or frozen salmon within 2-3 months for the best safety and quality. With smart preparation and storage, you can enjoy delicious salmon throughout the week with your meal prep.