How Long Can Fresh Salmon Stay in the Fridge? Find Out Here

By Olivia Mitchell

September 19, 2025

Fresh salmon is a healthy protein choice, but it spoils quickly if not stored properly.

You might buy salmon for tonight’s dinner, but plans change. Now you’re wondering if it’s still safe to eat tomorrow or the day after.

I’ll show you exactly how long fresh salmon stays good in your refrigerator and the signs that indicate when it’s time to discard it.

In this blog, you’ll learn how to properly store salmon, different types of salmon, how to spot spoilage, and simple tips to keep your salmon fresh longer.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how long salmon is good in the fridge.

How Long Does Salmon Last in the Fridge?

The storage time for salmon depends on how it’s prepared and stored.

Generally, raw salmon has the shortest fridge life of all types. Store it at 40°For below and use within one to two days of purchase.

The clock starts ticking from when the fish was caught, not when you bought it. Always check for a fishy smell or slimy texture before cooking.

Beyond this, various cooking methods, general preparation techniques, thawing methods, and even the initial quality of the fish all contribute to determining the shelf life.

Knowing these factors will help you maximize freshness and minimize food waste.

Let’s explore how various preparation methods impact the refrigerator lifespan of your salmon.

1. How Long Can Cooked Salmon Stay in The Fridge?

Cooked salmon lasts longer than raw because heat kills bacteria. You can safely store leftover cooked salmon in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Ensure that you cool it quickly after cooking and store it in airtight containers. Reheat only once to maintain quality and safety.

Tips for storing cooked salmon:

Cool salmon within 2 hours of cooking
Use glass or plastic airtight containers
Label with cooking date for tracking

2. How Long Can Smoked Salmon Stay in The Fridge?

Once you open the package, the smoked salmon will stay fresh for 5 to 7 days. The smoking process helps preserve the fish longer than raw varieties. Keep it wrapped tightly in its original packaging or transfer to an airtight container.

Check the expiration date as your starting point.

Tips for storing smoked salmon:

Keep in original vacuum packaging when possible
Wrap tightly in plastic if transferred
Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator

3. How Long Can Canned Salmon Stay in The Fridge?

After opening a can of salmon, transfer the contents to a covered container. It will stay good for three to four days in the fridge.

Never leave open canned salmon in the original can, as this can cause a metallic taste and potential contamination issues.

Tips for storing canned salmon:

Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap
Use within 3 days for best quality
Keep away from strong-smelling foods

4. How Long Can Salmon Sushi/Sashimi Stay in The Fridge?

Sushi-grade salmon requires the freshest fish and has the shortest storage time. Use it within one day of purchase for the best taste and safety.

This salmon undergoes special freezing processes to kill parasites; however, it remains highly perishable once thawed.

These timeframes help you plan meals, minimize food waste, and ensure your family’s safety.

Tips for storing sushi-grade salmon:

Buy from trusted sushi suppliers only
Wrap in a damp paper towel, then plastic
Use the same day for optimal safety

5. How Long Does Thawed Salmon Last in the Fridge?

Thawed salmon should be used within 1 to 2 days of defrosting. Once frozen salmon is thawed, it becomes more perishable than fresh salmon because ice crystals damage the fish’s cellular structure.

Never refreeze previously frozen salmon, as this can increase bacterial growth and affect the texture.

Tips for storing thawed salmon:

Pat dry with paper towels before storing
Use within 24 hours for the best quality
Keep at 40°F or below consistently

6. How Long Does Marinated Salmon Last in the Fridge?

Marinated salmon stays fresh for 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator. The acid in marinades can start “cooking” the fish, so avoid marinating for too long.

Most marinades contain ingredients that can break down the fish’s texture if left too long.

Tips for storing marinated salmon:

Marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours maximum
Use glass or ceramic containers for acidic marinades
Discard marinade after use, don’t reuse

7. How Long Does Vacuum-Sealed Salmon Last in the Fridge?

Unopened vacuum-sealed salmon lasts 2 to 3 days past the sell-by date when stored properly in the refrigerator. Once opened, treat it like fresh salmon and use it within 1 to 2 days.

The vacuum sealing removes air and slows bacterial growth, extending shelf life slightly.

Tips for storing vacuum-sealed salmon:

Check seal integrity before storing
Don’t open until ready to use
Store in original packaging when possible

Key Factors that Impact Salmon Freshness

Several factors determine how long your salmon stays fresh and safe to eat.

Air exposure: Oxygen speeds up spoilage and bacterial growth
Storage location: The Coldest part of the fridge works best
Moisture levels: Too much or too little affects texture and safety
Cross-contamination: Contact with other foods or surfaces
Time since catch: Freshness decreases from the moment the fish is caught
Container type: Airtight containers maintain quality longer
Time since catch: Freshness decreases from the moment the fish is caught

How to Tell if Salmon Has Gone Bad?

Fresh salmon has a mild ocean scent. If it smells fishy, sour, or like ammonia, throw it out immediately. Trust your instincts; smell is the most reliable indicator.

Good salmon appears bright with firm flesh. Bad salmon turns dull, grayish, or develops dark spots. The flesh becomes slimy or mushy to the touch.

Whole salmon should have clear, bright eyes and red gills. Cloudy eyes and brown gills mean it’s past its prime. Excessive moisture or milky liquid pooling around the fish indicates spoilage.

When in doubt, don’t risk it; toss questionable salmon to stay safe.

How to Thaw Salmon?

Thawing salmon correctly ensures its safety and preserves its taste and texture.

1. Refrigerator thawing: Move frozen salmon to the fridge 12-24 hours before cooking for slow, safe thawing.

2. Cold Water Method: Submerge the sealed salmon in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until it is thawed.

3. Microwave thawing: Use the defrost setting and cook immediately after thawing to prevent bacterial growth.

Tips to know:

Never thaw at room temperature: This allows bacteria to multiply quickly, making the salmon unsafe to eat.
Cook from frozen: You can cook salmon directly from frozen, but allow for extra cooking time.
Pat dry after thawing: Remove excess moisture with paper towels before seasoning and cooking.
Use immediately: Cook thawed salmon within 1-2 days and never refreeze previously frozen fish.

What Home Cooks Say: Community Experience

Most people agree that fresh salmon only keeps well in the fridge for about 2–3 days before it starts to lose quality.

Some suggested that if you don’t plan to cook it within that time, it’s best to freeze it right away to avoid spoilage. Freezing is also recommended because it helps kill potential parasites in the fish.

However, home freezers don’t freeze as quickly as commercial ones, so thawed salmon can sometimes be slightly drier or have a tougher texture.

One way to prevent this is by wrapping the fish tightly or freezing it in water to avoid freezer burn. Some suggested asking the seafood counter about the fish’s packaging date, as “fresh” salmon can be days old when purchased.

Generally, the community recommended freezing if you won’t be eating it within two days.

Final Thoughts

Storing salmon properly isn’t rocket science, but it makes a real difference in taste and safety. Now you know how long salmon is good in the fridge. Here’s a quick sum up for you: