Raw salmon lasts 1–2 days in the fridge. Cooked salmon lasts 3–4 days.
Those are the numbers that matter most. Here’s the full breakdown, raw, cooked, and smoked plus how to freeze it and thaw it safely.
How long does raw salmon last in the fridge?
Raw salmon keeps for 1–2 days from the date of purchase. Buy it, cook it that day or the next, don’t push it to day 3.
Raw fish has a shorter fridge life than most other proteins because it has high moisture content and bacteria that love cold, wet environments. The USDA recommends cooking raw fish within 1–2 days of purchase, and that’s the right call.
A few storage tips to get the most out of those 2 days:
- Store on the bottom shelf. It’s the coldest part of the fridge, and it prevents drips from contaminating other food.
- Keep it in the original packaging if unopened. Once opened, transfer to an airtight container or rewrap tightly in cling wrap.
- Don’t store near dairy or cooked food. Raw fish odours transfer easily.
| Raw salmon type | Fridge life |
|---|---|
| Whole raw fillet | 1–2 days |
| Raw portions / steaks | 1–2 days |
| Raw salmon from butcher counter | 1–2 days (cook same day if possible) |
How long does cooked salmon last in the fridge?
Cooked salmon lasts 3–4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
One thing worth knowing: reheating doesn’t reset the clock. Cooked salmon you’re eating on day 4 is still 4-day-old salmon after you warm it up. The clock starts from when it was cooked, not when it was last heated.
Cooked salmon is versatile leftover food, cold on salads, flaked into pasta, or eaten straight from the container. All fine within the 3–4 day window.
How long does smoked salmon last in the fridge?
Smoked salmon plays by different rules because the curing and smoking process preserves it significantly longer than raw fish.
- Unopened smoked salmon: lasts until the use-by date on the package, often 2–3 weeks from purchase
- Opened smoked salmon: 5–7 days in the fridge, tightly wrapped or in an airtight container
Once you open the package, the clock starts. Wrap it tightly, smoked salmon dries out quickly when exposed to air.
How to tell if salmon has gone bad
Salmon gives clear signals when it’s past its prime.
Smell is the most reliable test. Fresh salmon smells mild, clean, and oceanic like the sea. Bad salmon smells strongly sour, sour-fishy, or of ammonia. If you get an ammonia hit when you open the container, it’s gone. A mild “fishy” smell is normal; a sharp or sour smell is not.
Texture. Raw salmon that has turned slimy even after rinsing is past safe. Fresh raw salmon feels firm and slightly moist. Slimy = bin it.
Colour. Fresh raw salmon ranges from pale pink to deep orange-red depending on the variety. Grey or brown patches around the edges can indicate age. Combined with a bad smell, they’re a clear sign to discard.
Can you freeze salmon?
Yes raw salmon freezes excellently.
How to freeze raw salmon:
- Pat the fillet dry with paper towel, moisture causes freezer burn
- Wrap tightly in cling wrap (two layers)
- Place in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible
- Label with the date
Freezer life:
- Raw salmon: 2–3 months at best quality (safe longer, but quality declines)
- Cooked salmon: 1–2 months
- Smoked salmon: up to 3 months
One note on sushi-grade salmon: the FDA recommends freezing fish intended for raw consumption at -4°F (-20°C) for at least 7 days to kill any parasites. Standard home freezers typically run at 0°F (-18°C), which is effective but slower, freeze for at least 7 days before consuming raw.
How to thaw frozen salmon safely
Three methods, ranked best to worst:
1. Fridge overnight (best) Transfer the frozen salmon from the freezer to the fridge the night before you need it. It’ll be fully thawed in 12–24 hours. Cook within 1–2 days of thawing.
2. Cold water (faster) Keep the salmon in its sealed bag and submerge in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes. A standard fillet thaws in 30–45 minutes. Cook immediately after, don’t refrigerate for later.
3. Microwave defrost (last resort) Use the defrost setting in short bursts. Cook immediately, microwave-thawed fish must not go back in the fridge.
Never thaw salmon on the kitchen counter at room temperature. The outside warms up into the bacteria danger zone (40–140°F) while the inside is still frozen.
Can you refreeze salmon?
Thawed in the fridge: Yes, once. The texture will suffer slightly but it’s safe.
Thawed in cold water or microwave: Cook it first, then you can freeze the cooked salmon. Don’t refreeze raw salmon that was thawed using these methods.
Frequently asked questions
Can I eat salmon that’s been in the fridge for 3 days? Cooked salmon: yes, 3 days is within the safe 3–4 day window. Raw salmon: no, raw salmon should be cooked within 1–2 days of purchase. Day 3 raw salmon is past its window.
Is it okay to cook salmon that smells a little fishy? A mild ocean or fish smell is normal. A sharp, sour, or ammonia smell is not that salmon has gone off and should not be cooked or eaten.
Can you refreeze thawed salmon? See the section above, it depends on how it was thawed.
How long does salmon last in the freezer? Raw: 2–3 months for best quality. Cooked: 1–2 months. Smoked: up to 3 months. All are technically safe longer but quality declines.
Storage times based on USDA FoodKeeper and FDA guidelines.
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