How Long is Cooked Salmon Good for in the Fridge?

Fish is a hugely popular protein for many all over the world. But, often when there is extra fish leftover after mealtime, cautious consumers throw out their cooked fish. Usually, they’re worried about the dangers of contaminated or spoiled fish and dump it just in case something could be stewing. People are more worried about fish than any other cooked food! 

But, the truth is, it’s perfectly safe to store fish - including storing your salmon in the fridge! This is why salmon and other fish make great proteins for meal prepped dishes! Fish does have a shelf life, and it does spoil faster than other foods. However, it’s totally safe to eat with the proper precautions and procedures. So, today, we’re dedicating our post to exploring the question, “How long is cooked salmon good for in the fridge?” Let’s answer that:

How Long is Cooked Salmon Good for in the Fridge?

Salmon is safe to store in the fridge for up to three days assuming a number of factors. First of all, you ‌must know that your salmon was fresh to begin with. If your salmon had sat in the fridge too long before cooking or was thawed multiple times, it probably isn’t safe to store and eat a few days later. 

Remember, refrigerators don’t stop the formation of bacteria, they simply slow it down. So, putting it in the fridge won’t totally prevent it from going bad, especially if it wasn’t handled well before or has already been frozen a couple times. 

But, if you know you have fresh salmon and you let it thaw in the fridge before cooking, refrigerating your leftovers is no problem. It’ll stay fresh for up to three days, though don’t expect the flavor to be perfect. It is reheated after all! Below, we’ll share how to store cooked salmon and some tips for reheating when you’re ready to indulge a second time. 

How to Store Cooked Salmon

Step One: Let it cool.

Before you store salmon, you need to make sure that your meal has cooled to room temperature. Storing hot food in tight containers traps in moisture and advances the formation of mold and bacteria. So, ensuring you’re putting away room temperature salmon is super important for safe eating a few days later!

Step Two: But don’t wait too long.

That being said, don’t let your salmon sit out forever. Put it away within two hours of cooking to prevent more dangerous bacterial growth. Long story short, don’t store it too early or too late. Log the time that you finish cooking and make sure it’s in the refrigerator before that two-hour mark. 

Step Three: Seal it. 

Next, it’s time to seal it. Put your salmon in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. This will prevent air, the enemy of freshness, from getting inside and ruining the taste and texture of your delicious cooked fish. 

Step Four: Put it in the fridge.

There are two ways of storing salmon. You can store cooked salmon in the freezer or the fridge. But, for the sake of this post, we’ll be discussing the fridge. The best place to store your salmon within your fridge is the bottom drawer. That spot usually remains the coldest. If you know a different part of your fridge is the coldest, store it there. And, don’t forget to date and label the container!  

Step Five: Eat it or cook it within 3 days. 

Finally, eat your salmon within 3 days. After 3 days in the fridge, your salmon could have bacteria that induces food poisoning. But, if you’re within that window, you can definitely feel free to reheat your leftover salmon! Cooked salmon leftover is still delicious and nutritious (even if not as delicious and nutritious as the first time you ate it.) 

To make your leftover salmon taste as fresh as possible, avoid the microwave and cook it on low heat. This will prevent the fish from drying out. Keep it wrapped in foil too! This will ensure a more even cook. And, of course, make sure to eat it sooner rather than later!  

You can store cooked salmon in the fridge for up to three days for a delicious leftover meal!

When it comes to salmon, safety and quality are everything. You want fish that is good for your taste buds, your body, and the planet. So, understanding how to safely handle and cook salmon is super important. Especially for healthy families like yours who eat fish on a regular basis!

Another way you can confirm your salmon is top-quality and totally fresh from the start is to order some of our superior salmon filets. Here at Oshēn Salmon, we deliver both fresh and frozen salmon right to your door - guaranteed seven days fresher than the competition.