In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “how long can smoked salmon stay in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of smoked salmon. Moreover, we are going to discuss the different ways to spot spoiled salmon.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long can smoked salmon stay in the fridge?
Unopened packaged smoked salmon lasts for about 2-3 weeks in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, once opened, smoked salmon lasts for about a week in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in air-tight containers or plastic zipper bags.
It’s worth noting that the values given above are for salmon’s expected shelf life.
What is the best temperature to keep smoked salmon at?
Smoked salmon should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower at all times. Bacterial development is more rapid between the temperatures of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore it’s best to keep your smoked salmon at a lower temperature to keep it fresh for longer.
How long does smoked salmon last at room temperature?
When kept at room temperature, smoked salmon lasts for around 2 hours.
Because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, smoked salmon left out for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
Furthermore, if the surrounding temperature is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the rotting process is accelerated, and smoked salmon left out in the open for more than an hour at such temperature should be discarded.
How long does smoked salmon last in the freezer?
Smoked salmon lasts for 2-3 months in the freezer if wrapped in cling film and stored in an airtight plastic freezer bag, although it is best consumed within 1-2 months for the best quality and taste.
As a result, freezing the smoked salmon extends its shelf life significantly due to the freezer’s low temperature, which inhibits bacterial growth in the salmon.
How long can defrosted smoked salmon stay in the fridge?
If you have defrosted smoked salmon in the fridge then it can be stored in the refrigerator for an additional 3-4 days.
On the other hand, if you have defrosted smoked salmon in a bowl of cold water or the microwave, it is best to reheat and eat it right away.
How to defrost frozen salmon?
When it comes to thawing salmon, there are a few options available, and you can choose any of them based on your preferences.
- The best approach to thaw frozen salmon is to put it in the refrigerator overnight and let it thaw. The thawed salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before cooking and eating.
- You can thaw the frozen salmon in a dish of cold water, but it must be cooked right away.
- Furthermore, if you’re thawing the salmon in the oven or microwave, it’s best to cook it right away.
Is it possible to refrigerate the reheated salmon?
Once the smoked refrigerated/frozen salmon has been reheated, it should never be refrigerated again. Because the temperature of the salmon goes above 40 degrees Fahrenheit when reheated and we know that bacteria develops rapidly between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
As a result, bacteria will make their way into your salmon, and reheated salmon should never be refrigerated, rather it is better to consume it completely or otherwise discard the reheated leftovers properly.
How to vacuum seal smoked salmon?
You may vacuum seal your smoked salmon at home to extend its shelf life. It involves placing the salmon in a plastic zipper bag, eliminating the air, then nearly sealing the bag with a small amount of space remaining while lowering it into water.
After that, start pressing out the bubbles starting from the bag’s bottom and work your way up to the sealed end, closing the bag’s seal.
A vacuum sealer pump can also be used to easily vacuum seal smoked salmon at home.
You can read the health benefits of salmon here.
Can you eat smoked salmon 2 days after the use-by date?
According to the USDA, you should consume smoked salmon before the use-by date, but whether or not you will eat properly stored smoked salmon that is two days past the use-by date (stored at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit the entire time) is totally dependent on your judgment (you should do a sensory evaluation of smoked salmon).
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long can smoked salmon stay in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of smoked salmon. Moreover, we discussed the different ways to spot spoiled salmon.