Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious types of fish. It’s rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and various vitamins and minerals. However, like any type of fish, salmon is perishable and can go bad if not stored properly. Many people wonder how long salmon will last in the refrigerator and if it’s still safe to eat after several days. This article will provide a thorough answer to the question “Is salmon good in fridge for 5 days?”. We’ll look at the shelf life of fresh salmon, signs of spoiled salmon, and tips for maximizing freshness. With the right storage methods, salmon can retain both its safety and quality for 3-4 days in the fridge.
How Long Does Salmon Last in the Fridge?
The exact shelf life of salmon depends on a few factors:
Fresh vs Frozen
Fresh salmon that has never been frozen will last 1-2 days max in the fridge. Fresh fish is highly perishable. Salmon that has been previously frozen and properly thawed will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Freezing helps kill some bacteria and parasites, extending the shelf life slightly.
Storage Method
Properly storing salmon is key for preservation. Wrap fresh salmon fillets tightly in plastic wrap or place in a shallow airtight container. Storing in an air-tight environment prevents moisture loss and slows bacteria growth. Make sure your fridge temperature is set to 40°F or below.
Quality and Freshness
The fresher salmon is when you first store it, the longer it will keep. Salmon that is just starting to spoil will have a shorter fridge life of 1-2 days. Make sure you purchase sushi-grade salmon that looks glossy, firms, and bright in color. Fish that smells fishy or ammonia-like is past fresh.
Here is a table summarizing how long salmon lasts in the fridge:
| Salmon Type | Refrigerator Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Fresh, never frozen | 1-2 days |
| Previously frozen | 3-4 days |
| Cooked salmon | 3-4 days |
| Smoked salmon | Up to 2 weeks |
So fresh salmon will last around 3-4 days max in the fridge. How can you tell if salmon has gone bad and is unsafe to eat after 5 days?
Signs Salmon Has Gone Bad
Although not a guarantee of safety, here are signs that indicate your salmon has spoiled and reached the end of its shelf life:
Fishy Odor
Fresh salmon has a mild, neutral odor. Rancid salmon gives off a pungent fishy, ammonia-like smell. This occurs as bacteria grow and protein breaks down. If it smells unpleasant, it’s best to discard it.
Slimy Texture
Salmon flesh should feel firm. A slippery, slimy texture is a sure sign of spoilage.
Discoloration
The salmon flesh should retain its natural pink-orange hue. Grayish, brownish or yellowish discoloration indicates the growth of mold and bacteria.
Dry Appearance
Dehydration happens as salmon spoils. If the fillets or steaks look shriveled up or dried out, they are past prime condition.
Trust your senses. If salmon seems off in smell, texture or appearance after 5 days in the fridge, it has exceeded its shelf life. It’s not worth risking food poisoning.
Tips for Maximizing Freshness
To help your salmon stay fresher for longer, follow these storage tips:
Purchase Sushi-Grade Salmon
Seeking out high-quality, sushi-grade salmon ensures you’re starting with the freshest fish possible.
Keep Salmon Cold
Store salmon on ice or nestled on ice packs during transport to maintain cool temperature.
Use Leak-Proof Storage
Wrap salmon fillets tightly in plastic wrap or store in airtight containers. This prevents moisture loss.
Place Salmon on Low Shelf
The bottom shelf of the refrigerator is coldest. Keep salmon here.
Thaw Safely
Thaw frozen salmon in the fridge, not at room temp. Once thawed, use within 1-2 days.
Rinse Before Use
Rinse salmon under cold water and pat dry. This removes bacteria from the surface.
Is Previously Frozen Salmon Good After 5 Days?
Salmon that has been properly frozen and thawed can keep for 3-4 days in the fridge. The freezing process kills some bacteria, extending its shelf life slightly compared to fresh. That said, once thawed, the fish will only stay fresh for another 3-4 days. After 5 days in the fridge, previously frozen salmon tends to develop an off odor, sticky texture and dull color as it starts deteriorating. It’s generally better to freeze salmon in individual portions so you can thaw just what you need.
Can You Eat Cooked Salmon After 5 Days?
Cooked salmon that has been continuously refrigerated will keep for 3 to 4 days. Prolonged cooking helps destroy contaminants. Store leftover cooked salmon in a sealed container to prevent refrigerator smells from transferring. After 5 or more days, cooked salmon tends to dry out and become unappealing in texture. Even when it seems edible, it’s safer to throw out cooked seafood after 4-5 days. Bacteria can grow even on cooked fish.
Conclusion
For maximum safety and quality, fresh salmon is only good for 1-2 days in the fridge. Frozen salmon that has been properly thawed will last around 3-4 days. Signs that salmon has spoiled after 5 days include a fishy odor, slimy texture, dull color and dry appearance. To prolong freshness, store salmon tightly wrapped in leak-proof packaging, keep at 40°F or below, and rinse before use. Previously frozen salmon and cooked salmon also have a shorter fridge shelf life of just 3-4 days. When in doubt, remember the old adage “when fish smells bad, it is bad.” Discard salmon after 5 days in the fridge to avoid foodborne illness.