In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long does sashimi last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of sashimi. Moreover, we are going to discuss the different ways to spot spoiled sashimi.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long does sashimi last in the fridge?
Sashimi (raw sushi) lasts in the fridge for 1-2 days if kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be kept in a plastic zipper bag or air-tight container on one of the refrigerator’s shelves. But it is recommended to use it within the first 24 hours to enjoy its optimum quality.
It’s worth noting that the values given above are for sashimi’s expected shelf life.
What is the best temperature to keep sashimi at?
Sashimi 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 sashimi at a lower temperature to keep it fresh for longer.
How long does sashimi last at room temperature?
When kept at room temperature, the sashimi lasts for around 2 hours.
Because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, sashimi 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 sashimi left out in the open for more than an hour at such temperature should be discarded.
How long does sashimi last in the freezer?
You can freeze the fish you’ll use to make sashimi to extend its shelf life and keep it fresh for longer, but freezing sashimi after it’s been prepared isn’t recommended.
Raw fish used for making sashimi lasts for 2-3 months in the freezer if 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 sashimi extends its shelf life significantly due to the freezer’s low temperature, which inhibits bacterial growth on the sashimi.
How to defrost frozen raw fish used for sashimi?
You can quickly defrost frozen fish by placing it in the refrigerator overnight, and thawed fish can be stored in the refrigerator for about 1-2 days before consuming it.
If you’re defrosting the frozen fish in a bowl of cold water or on the counter, you should utilize it right away.
How to vacuum seal fish for sashimi?
You may even vacuum seal your raw fish at home to extend its shelf life. It involves placing the fish 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 fish at home.
What are different ways to spot spoiled sashimi?
There are a few clear indicators that indicate if your sashimi has gone bad. To determine if the sashimi has gone bad, look at its appearance, texture, and smell.
Appearance
If you see mold or other organic growth on your sashimi or if you notice the dull color, it’s time to throw it out.
It’s worth noting that you should avoid smelling moldy sashimi since molds can produce mycotoxins, which can disturb your gut microflora and damage your immune system if they enter your body by inhalation.
Texture
If you touch the sashimi and it feels sticky, slimy, or gooey, it’s time to throw it out.
Smell
If you smell something sour or ammonia-like while sniffing your sashimi, it’s time to throw it out.
Lastly, I do not recommend tasting sashimi with a foul odor, but if you are brave (and silly) enough, you will notice a significant change in the texture and mouthfeel of the spoiled sashimi. It will have an off-flavor.
Thus, if the microbes have somehow gotten into your sashimi and spoiled it, the best thing you can do is throw it out.
How to properly store sashimi?
- Sashimi should be stored on one of the refrigerator shelves rather than the door, as there is a lot of temperature variation at the fridge door, which might affect its quality.
- It’s better to keep sashimi on the lowest level of the fridge to avoid it dripping on other foods.
- Because microscopic organisms grow quickly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, it is best to refrigerate the sashimi, within 2 hours it is cooked, in airtight containers to extend its shelf life while keeping its quality.
- Sashimi should be stored in shallow compact containers to allow it to cool quickly.
- If you wish to extend the shelf life of prepared sashimi, keep it in an airtight container in the freezer. Sashimi that has been frozen at 0°C is safe to use for extremely long periods.
You can read how to make salmon sashimi here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long does sashimi last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of sashimi. Moreover, we discussed the different ways to spot spoiled sashimi.