In this brief guide, we’ll address the query: “How long can defrosted salmon stay in the fridge?” Also, we’ll explore how salmon should be stored, how salmon should be defrosted, the difference between fresh and frozen salmon, how to tell if salmon has spoiled, and how to cook salmon.
How long can defrosted salmon stay in the fridge?
Salmon can be kept in the fridge for up to three days.
If you have defrosted salmon that you do not plan to eat within three days, you can re-freeze it, though there is a risk of it losing its moisture and having a diminished quality.
Freezing can preserve salmon meat for up to two months, at peak freshness, though it may remain safe to consume afterward.
Freezing extends the shelf-life of many foods, as it completely halts the growth of microbes that cause spoilage, while refrigeration, on the other hand, merely slows the growth. As a result, salmon can spoil if left for too long in refrigeration.
We recommend that our readers anticipate how soon they’ll be able to cook, or otherwise prepare their salmon and keep it from spoiling.
How should salmon be stored?
Salmon should be stored either in subzero temperatures or in refrigeration, depending on how soon our readers have a mind to consume it. This is because salmon will start to spoil if it is left out at room temperature for more than two hours.
Salmon is an oily fish whose meat can spoil quickly.
To store it our readers can follow some basic guidelines.
Ideally, the salmon should be cooked the same day that it is purchased. In the event that this isn’t possible, it can be frozen for later use.
If our readers have defrosted salmon, but do not plan to cook it right away, they can store it in the fridge for one or two days, minding that it is tightly covered in plastic wrap or place it in a sealed container.
If the salmon has been cooked and our readers wish to store leftovers, they may keep it in the fridge for three to four days, though they should be sure to cover it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a sealed container.
How should salmon be defrosted?
Frozen salmon must forcibly be defrosted in the fridge, not on the countertop. Once it has been thawed out, our readers should eat it within 24 hours, but if it can’t be cooked right away, it can be stored in the fridge for up to two days.
Thawing out at room temperature raises the risk of bacteria growing on the surface of the meat and potentially causing food borne illness to those who go on to consume it.
While cooking may destroy the bacteria, it does not necessarily break down the toxins secreted by the bacteria, and as a result, it is possible for those who consume it to experience symptoms of food poisoning.
What is the difference between fresh and frozen salmon?
The differences between fresh and frozen salmon, are that fresh salmon is ideally thoroughly cooked within hours of being caught, cleaned and packed in ice, while frozen salmon is preserved for shipping to retailers and in-land distributors.
Also, frozen salmon can be prepared in more ways than fresh salmon, as frozen salmon is also considered sashimi grade–this means that it can be eaten in raw.
Freezing is convenient for processing, as it destroys the ectoparasites found in salmon, which can infest people who consume contaminated meat.
How can I tell if salmon has spoiled?
Our readers can tell that salmon has spoiled if upon inspection, it gives off a questionable, or otherwise foul smell, if it has changed in colour, if it has a slimy texture, and if it is showing growth of mold or bacteria.
If salmons shows any of the aforementioned signs, it should be promptly discarded, and thrown into the garbage, inside of a tight-sealing bag.
How can I cook salmon?
Salmons can be cooked in many ways, namely, it can be baked, broiled, or grilled. Our readers can also pan-fry it, depending on the recipe they consult.
Frozen salmon must of course, be first defrosted. This can be done through overnight refrigeration, or you can use the microwave, but it must forcibly be cooked immediately after it has been defrosted, as it is highly perishable.
We encourage our readers to consult various recipes, to determine which one best suits their taste and nutritional needs, as well as handle with all the necessary precautions.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we’ve addressed the query: “How long can defrosted salmon stay in the fridge?” Also, we’ve explored how salmon should be stored, how salmon should be defrosted, the difference between fresh and frozen salmon, how to tell if salmon has spoiled, and how to cook salmon.