Salmon is not meant for having long exposure to air. It will make the salmon go bad rather quickly. So, if you are not ready to serve it yet, you should freeze it the right way- as explained in this article.
Can You Freeze Salmon? Yes, you can freeze salmon. You can freeze it for up to 3 months straight without losing its taste. Place the salmon in vacuum-sealed bags and put them in your freezer. Do not forget to write the date on the bags so that you do not store them for more than three months.
Above was a short answer but there is a lot more that goes into freezing salmon properly. What is the complete process and nuances involved? Glad you asked. This guide will help you know exactly that in great depth.
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How to Freeze Salmon
- Cut salmon into small pieces. The size of the pieces should be according to your regular servings. It will allow you to take out only the necessary portion whenever you want to.
- Place the cut salmon in a vacuum bag. Alternatively, you can use freezer sealed bags as well.
- Mark the date of the day you freeze salmon on the bags. It is to ensure that you consume the frozen salmon within three months.
- Put the bags in the freezer part of your fridge. Make sure the freezer temperature remains between 0 to 4 degrees celsius.
- You may stack the salmon bags on top of each other if your freezer is in a pinch for space. It does not make a difference.
How Long Can You Freeze Salmon For
Fresh, smoked, and canned salmon have different shelf lives.
For fresh salmon, three months is an optimal freezing duration. Freezing for a duration longer than three months may preserve the salmon from rotting but will not be able to maintain its taste. So, you shouldn’t freeze fresh salmon for more than three months.
For smoked salmon, six months of freezing duration is possible. Smoked salmon is already well cured, giving it a longer shelf life and making it less prone to deteriorating. You can store it for six months straight but not any longer with a proper freezing regimen.
For canned salmon, follow the instructions printed on the package. As a general rule of thumb, consume canned salmon before the best by date. Canned salmon is already aged, so I recommend against freezing it for long.
How to Thaw Salmon Safely
Whenever you are ready to consume your frozen salmon, you must give it a few hours to thaw completely first.
The safest way to thaw salmon is by removing it from the freezer part of your fridge and placing it in the refrigerator part of your fridge for a few hours. Thawing this way will maintain the taste of the fish.
Alternatively, you can place the frozen salmon in a pan full of cold water. Coldwater will thaw the salmon slowly but will not kill its taste.
If you hurry and can not wait for hours to consume your salmon, you can thaw it in the microwave on a low setting. However, this is the least recommended way as it may compromise the taste of the salmon.
How to Know if Salmon Has Gone Bad
Whenever you consume your frozen salmon, even during the recommended duration, do a quick check for if the salmon is still safe to consume.
Smell and taste salmon to know if it is in good condition. If you experience any strong smell and any sourness in taste or no taste, do yourself a favor and do not consume the salmon.
If you find yourself in doubt about the smell and taste of the salmon, there is a good chance that the fish is not safe to eat. Just throw it into the bin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about freezing salmon. They will help you understand the topic better. Here you are:
Can You Freeze Fresh Salmon?
Yes, you can freeze fresh salmon. I would advise you in favor of doing so and against eating fresh. Fresh salmon may contain some parasites, bacteria, and other toxins. So, either cook it well or cure it by freezing it at least overnight before eating. However, it is all about personal preference.
Can You Freeze Smoked Salmon?
Yes, you can freeze smoked salmon. You can do it the same way you do it for fresh salmon. Smoked salmon comes with a higher freezing life. You can store it for up to 6 months. However, the longer you store it, the more it will lose its taste.
Can You Freeze Store Bought Salmon?
Yes, you can freeze store-bought salmon. The instructions for freezing it are printed on the can. However, I strictly advise against freezing the opened cans. Freezing, thawing, and refreezing is harsh process that ruins the taste of the salmon.
Can You Freeze Cooked Salmon?
Yes, you can freeze cooked salmon. It is a great alternative for canned salmon. If you are always in a rush, you can cook a large amount of salmon in a burst of work and freeze it for up to 3 months. Every time you need a quick snack, take a small portion out, thaw it and use it. However, avoid refreezing any leftover salmon.
Does Freezing Salmon Ruin It?
No, freezing salmon for the recommended duration, which is three months, will not ruin it. Most salmon you buy in the market are caught, cured, and frozen for many days before they hit the store’s shelves. You are doing the same thing at home, which is perfectly ok.
Can You Freeze Salmon Summary
Now that you know that you can freeze salmon, the safe freezing duration, and the right way of doing this, it is time to take better care of your salmon and consume it with the best taste possible.
Frozen salmon in small portions and several bags. It will allow you to thaw only as much frozen salmon as you are ready to consume. Refreezing salmon is not what I recommend to my readers. It will kill the taste of the fish.
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