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How Long Does Vacuum-Sealed Salmon Last In The Freezer?
Vacuum-sealed salmon can last for several months in the freezer, but the exact shelf life will depend on the quality of the salmon and the conditions of storage. In general, vacuum-sealed salmon can last for about six to eight months in the freezer when stored at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below
Typically, raw salmon at your local supermarket will only be safe to store for 1 to 2 days after you buy it. Salmon is safe to eat past its use-by date as long as it has been stored properly or frozen. Once frozen and defrosted, salmon can stay refrigerated for 1 to 2 days before cooking.
If your frozen salmon is over one pound, you will need to take it out of the freezer 24 hours before cooking. If your salmon weighs more than 1 pound, remove it from the freezer approximately 24 hours before cooking the dish.
It should take at least 12 hours for the frozen salmon to fully thaw in its own right in the fridge. If you are unsure of the length of time that your salmon has been in the fridge, it is best to err on the side of caution and throw it away. If your salmon has been sitting in the fridge longer than a day or two, then it is likely not going to be as fresh as you want. If you would like to keep your salmon for a longer period of time, you can keep it in the freezer up to six months, and even up to two years, if you do not plan on using it any time soon.
| Temperature | Shelf Life |
| 60-68°F | 2 hours |
| 32-34°F | 1-2 days |
| 0°F (Freezer) | 6-12 months |
You can safely store salmon longer in the freezer for around 9-12 months, but you will notice the quality drop off after the 12 month mark. You start losing quality the moment you defrost the salmon, so either cook or re-freeze as soon as possible. Thawing Salmon correctly is important, because this also can impact how long it takes to cook salmon, as well as the resulting taste/texture.
I am not a fan of the following methods, because the microwave heat transfer risks hazardous, uneven thawing of the frozen fish, and it is very prone to bacteria growth. If you are in a rush and you do not have the time to let salmon defrost naturally or to defrost it in cool water, then choose The following method. Taking the salmon out of the container and placing it into a microwave oven may help defrost the salmon more quickly.
When you are ready to defrost individually wrapped frozen fish (either in the fridge or in water), remove it first from its vacuum-sealed package. When you open the package for thawing, it will expose individually wrapped frozen fish to oxygen, which will arrest the spores and prevent them from producing the vegetative cells that create the toxins. You should never thaw a frozen fish in its vacuum sealed packaging as this will make the fish worse.
By the way if you’re interested in How Long Can Leftover Chicken Stay In The Fridge, then check out this article.
Once you have thawed your fish, you can either prepare it right away or keep it in the fridge up to two days. If you are planning on thawing vacuum-packed fish before eating, you are encouraged to immediately remove the package. If salmon products are vacuum sealed inside of plastic bags, put it in the sink with cold water until it has thawed.
When shopping for wild BC Salmon, make sure that any vacuum packing or plastic wrap is intact. Vacuum sealing is recommended on all types of fish, but particularly on salmon, tuna, swordfish, mackerel, sardines, herring, and anchovies.
Properly preserved fish can last months, if not years, because the process of vacuum sealing makes sure no air is allowed to infect the shape or taste of the food. When sealed correctly inside a plastic freezer bag, a meaty fish like tilapia can be frozen for six to eight months. When frozen using traditional methods — either storing them in plastic bags or freezer-safe containers — your fish will last three to six months, but when using a vacuum-sealing device, you could be increasing the shelf life of your caught catch by years. Smoked salmon stored in the vacuum sealer for two or three weeks, or frozen for two or three months, will keep two or three months.
To learn about Can You Eat Fish 2 Days After The Use By Date, then check out my another article.
To get the best results, keep the freezer set at 0 degrees F., and store the salmon frozen the right way: drained, dried, and in vacuum sealed bags. Be diligent and allow plenty of time for frozen salmon to properly defrost, so its flavors and nutrients stay intact. You will want to remove as much water as possible from the previously frozen salmon (How to Remove Water From Salmon) in order to preserve its quality, texture, and taste.
Seasoning salmon with salt will prolong the shelf life of your raw salmon, and this specific process will enhance its flavor, too. Keep your fish frozen right after you receive it so that it maintains freshness and has a longer shelf life.
It is important to note that fish quality can diminish the longer it is stored in a cooler. If you keep food in the freezer for an extended time, it will lose quality. Salmon needs to be kept refrigerated from when it is caught until you prepare to cook it, otherwise, you get a generally limp, odorous fish. It is essential that you cook the salmon immediately, as it deteriorates if left to cook undercooked for long periods.
Make sure you are keeping the fish out of a dangerous temperature range (41-135F) in which salmon can develop bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends cooking vac-sealed salmon to an internal temperature of 145degF to kill the bacteria.
Can you eat salmon that has been in the freezer for 2 years?
For a period of about nine months, frozen salmon will remain completely safe for consumption if it is adequately preserved and kept in the freezer. However, once the product has been processed, it should remain safe to consume for an extended period of time. Keeping salmon at 0°F at all times, as long as the package is not damaged, will guarantee that salmon will stay good for an indefinite period.
How do you know if vacuum sealed salmon is bad?
Whenever a fish develops a slimy film, loses its colour, or smells sour, it’s time to get rid of it, whether it has a messy film, dull colour, or stale smell. Let the salmon taste if everything is okay from an appearance and smell standpoint. You can eat it if it tastes good. You should discard it otherwise, as it has passed its prime.
Is it OK to eat expired frozen salmon?
As long as the packaging is undamaged, salmon that has been kept frozen at 0°F at all times will remain good for an endless amount of time. Salmon retains all of its nutritional value even after being frozen. The meat may have some areas of dryness from freezer burn, but it is still safe to eat.