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Have you ever gone to the grocery store and seen those beautiful, glistening fillets of salmon on sale? You might be tempted to buy them, but then you remember that you don’t have a lot of time to cook this week. What do you do? Can you freeze salmon?
The answer is yes, you can freeze salmon. But how long can you freeze salmon? And what’s the best way to freeze it so that it doesn’t get freezer burn? Keep reading for answers to all your questions about freezing salmon.
What We Don’t Know About Frozen Salmon?
The truth is, we don’t know exactly how long frozen salmon will last. Studies have shown that it can still be safe to eat after a year in the freezer, but the quality may start to decline after only a few months.
It all depends on the type of freezer you use, as well as how often you open and close it. So, the best way to go is to follow the guidelines in your freezer’s manual.
How Long Can You Freeze Salmon?
Most experts suggest that you can safely store salmon in the freezer for up to 6 months. This is assuming that your freezer is at 0°F and there is no moisture or ice buildup inside.
If you are using a regular domestic freezer, then it’s best to consume the salmon within three months of freezing it.
Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon has already been cooked, which means that it can last longer in the freezer than raw salmon. Smoked salmon will usually last for up to 9 months in the freezer before starting to lose its flavor and texture.
Canned Salmon
Canned salmon is already cooked, so it can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 year. Just make sure to check the expiration date on the can before you freeze it.
Raw Salmon
Raw salmon can last for up to 6 months in the freezer. However, its quality may start to decline after only a few months so it’s best to try and use it within 3 months of freezing it.
How Long Can You Freeze Salmon? – Liliana Kitchen
Can Salmon Be Refrozen?
The fact is, you should never refreeze salmon once it has been thawed. When frozen food is thawed, bacteria can start to grow and the food will become unsafe to eat.
How To Freeze Salmon Properly?
The best way to freeze salmon is by wrapping it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help to keep out moisture and ice crystals, which can cause freezer burn.
You should also make sure to label the package before freezing it so you know when it was frozen and how long it’s been in the freezer.
Instructions
- Select only fresh salmon fillets that are free from any signs of spoilage or freezer burn.
- Rinse the fillets under cold running water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Place the fillets in a single layer on a tray or plate lined with wax paper or parchment paper, leaving enough room between each fillet so they don’t touch.
- Place the tray in the freezer for 30 minutes to flash-freeze the salmon. This will help them keep their shape and not stick together when frozen.
- Once the salmon is frozen, transfer it to a sealed container or freezer-safe bag and label it with the date of freezing.
- Store the salmon in the freezer for up to 6 months for best results.
Tips And Reminders
- When freezing salmon, always use high-quality freezer bags or airtight containers and label them with the date of freezing.
- Make sure to thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight before cooking it. Never thaw it at room temperature as this can cause bacteria to grow on the fish.
- Consume frozen salmon within 6 months for best results.
How To Freeze Salmon Properly?
Can Salmon Go Bad In The Freezer?
Yes, salmon can go bad in the freezer if it has been stored for too long or was not properly frozen. To ensure that your salmon stays safe to eat, make sure to follow the instructions above and consume the fish within 6 months of freezing it.
If you notice any signs of spoilage such as a slimy texture or a rancid smell, do not eat the salmon and discard it immediately. For more detail-oriented signs, you can look at these most common telltale symptoms here:
Texture Changes
Frozen salmon will usually have a softer texture when thawed compared to fresh salmon, but this is normal. The texture of frozen salmon should still be firm and not mushy or slimy. If the texture feels odd, chances are, it is time to throw them out and not eat it if you don’t want something bad to happen to your stomach.
Scent
Salmon should always have a mild, ocean-like smell. If your salmon has an off scent, do not consume and get rid of it as soon as possible.
Visual Changes
Frozen salmon should still have a bright, pinkish-orange color. If there are any discolored or grey spots on the food, it is best to not eat it and throw it away.
How To Thaw Frozen Salmon Safely?
Thawing the frozen salmon from the freezer in the right manner not only reserves the best quality of the fish (maybe not at the best as the fresh one, about 90 – 95%), but also does not break down the nutrition and possibly turn the fish bad. Here are the different processes of thawing frozen salmon:
Thaw In The Fridge
The best way to thaw frozen salmon is to place it in the refrigerator overnight. This method of thawing will preserve the texture, flavor, and nutrition of the fish the best. Make sure that the salmon is sealed tightly in an air tight container or plastic bag before placing it in the fridge.
Thaw In Cold Water
Another way to thaw frozen salmon is to submerge it in a bowl of cold water. Make sure that the bowl is big enough and has enough cold water to cover the fish. This method will take around 20 minutes for 1-inch thick fillets, and about 40 minutes for 2-3 inch thick fillets. Change out the water every 10 minutes in order to keep the water cold and make sure the fish is thawed evenly.
Thaw In The Microwave
You can thaw frozen salmon in the microwave but this is not recommended, as it can cause the fish to cook unevenly and lose its flavor. If you choose to use your microwave to thaw the salmon, make sure to cook it right after.
Thaw In Room Temperature
The last method of thawing frozen salmon would be to leave it at room temperature. This is not recommended either, as it can cause bacteria to grow on the fish, which can make you sick if consumed.
>> You can take a glimpse at this simple tutorial here to know how to thaw (defrost) frozen salmon:
How Long Can You Store Raw Salmon?
It is best to consume raw salmon within 1-2 days of purchase. Raw salmon can also be frozen for up to 6 months, but it is not suggested since the texture and flavor of the fish will degrade over time.
If you are going to freeze your raw salmon, make sure that it is properly sealed in an airtight container or plastic bag and that there is no air left inside. This will help to preserve the texture, flavor, and nutrition of the fish.
Can You Eat Salmon That’s Been Frozen For A Year?
It is highly recommended that you do not eat salmon that has been frozen for a year or longer. The texture and flavor will have likely degraded, and eating it could make you sick. It is best to consume the salmon within 6 months of freezing to ensure that it is still safe to eat.
If you have any doubts about the safety of the salmon, discarding it is the best option rather than eating it. This will ensure that you do not contract an illness from consuming expired or spoiled food.
Common Mistakes When Freezing Salmon
When freezing salmon, make sure to take the proper steps in order to properly preserve the food. Here are some common mistakes that people make when freezing salmon:
- Not Sealing It Properly – Make sure that the container or plastic bag you use to store the salmon is sealed tightly with no air remaining inside.
- Leaving Salmon Out In Room Temperature Too Long – Do not leave the salmon out at room temperature for too long as this can cause bacteria to grow on the fish, which can make you sick if consumed.
- Not Labeling The Containers – If you are freezing multiple containers of raw salmon, make sure to label them so that you know when they were frozen and how long they should be stored in the
- Not Thawing The Salmon Properly – When thawing frozen salmon, make sure to do it in the refrigerator or with cold water rather than leaving it out at room temperature or thawing it in the microwave.
Common Mistakes When Freezing Salmon
Some Salmon Recipes For Your Dinner
- Smoked Salmon Cakes
- Crunch Spicy Salmon Roll
- Ginger Dill Salmon
- Pit Boss Smoked Salmon
- Smoked Salmon On Traeger
FAQs For “How Long Can You Freeze Salmon?”
How do you tell if salmon has gone bad in the freezer?
If the salmon has been in the freezer for more than 6 months, it is best to trash it. You can tell if the salmon has gone bad by looking at its color and texture. If there is any discoloration or a slimy texture, throw the fish out as it is no longer safe to consume.
Does salmon go bad if you freeze it?
Salmon will not go bad if it is frozen, but the texture and flavor of the fish may degrade over time.
What is the best way to freeze salmon?
The best way to freeze salmon is to wrap it tightly in an airtight container or plastic bag. This will help preserve the flavor, texture, and nutrition of the fish for up to 6 months.
Is it safe to freeze salmon?
Yes, it is safe to freeze salmon as long as it is done properly. Make sure that the fish is tightly sealed in an airtight container or plastic bag before freezing.
Can you freeze salmon before cooking?
You can freeze salmon before cooking it. And just like I mentioned earlier, you can wrap the salmon in an airtight container or something similar and put it in the freezer for later use.
Can you freeze salmon twice?
It is not recommended to freeze salmon twice, because the texture and flavor of the fish will become worse over time. If you had already frozen the salmon once, it is best to toss it out and buy fresh salmon instead.
Can you get food poisoning from frozen salmon?
It is possible to get food poisoning from frozen salmon if it has been sitting in the freezer for a long time (more than 6 months). After that point, the fish has likely degraded and can cause you to get sick. It is best to dispose of any frozen salmon that has been sitting in your freezer after this time period.
Conclusion
Freezing salmon is a great way to store it for future use. There are several ways to thaw the fish, but taking the time to do it correctly can help ensure that your salmon will taste as fresh and delicious as possible. Make sure to always check the expiration date before consuming and discard any expired or spoiled food.
With these tips, you can store and enjoy salmon safely and deliciously! As always, be sure to follow us at Lilianakitchen.com with a huge number of topics about the food world that you wish you had known sooner!
