Since nothing lasts forever, even your delicious cooked salmon from last weekend’s dinner party won’t stay in the fridge for always. If you don’t consume it within a reasonable period, it’ll definitely go bad.
That brings us to the ultimate question – how long does cooked fish last in the fridge? Generally, cooked fish can last up to four days in the fridge.
To learn more in detail, just read on!
How long does cooked fish last in the fridge?
Cooked fish can easily last for about three to four days in the fridge. In case you wish to extend its longevity by a few more days, you always have the option to store it in the freezer.
If the fish was cured in salt or smoked prior to cooking, it could last for more than four days. For instance, smoked salmon typically lasts for about a week when you refrigerate it.
How to tell if cooked fish is bad?
You can easily tell if cooked fish has gone bad using your sense of sight, smell, and taste. The obvious thing you should do first is to check if there are any signs of spoilage.
Look out for any discolorations, appearance of molds, etc. If the cooked fish looks exactly like before and you can’t tell if it’s bad, give it a quick whiff!
If it smells unusual or gives out a foul odor, it is time to toss it in the trash. The last thing you can do to check the quality of the cooked fish is by tasting it.
Just pinch the fish a little and taste it. If it tastes nothing like before, immediately discard it!
What determines how long cooked fish last in the fridge?
Here are some factors that can affect the longevity of cooked fish:
- Storage method
- Quality of fish before cooking
- Whether the fish was cured before cooking
- Type of fish
- Fridge temperature
Can you freeze cooked fish?
Yes, you can definitely freeze cooked fish. Freezing cooked fish can make it last for around three to four months.
How to properly store cooked fish?
Always make sure to store cooked fish in an air-tight container and ensure that it is vacuum-sealed. Then, you can simply store it in the fridge.
The ideal fridge temperature for storing cooked fish is below 40°F. If you want to freeze it, you can store it in a heavy-duty freezer bag before putting it in the freezer.
Conclusion:
Fish is extremely delicious and nutritious. Hence if you don’t want to toss the leftover in the trash and you’re wondering if you can store it for future consumption, you totally can!
However, follow the above guidelines for storing cooked fish, and it can conveniently last for up to four days in the fridge.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish_as_food
- https://www.thekitchn.com/how-long-does-fresh-fish-stay-good-tips-from-the-kitchn-219413
- https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/How-long-can-you-keep-cooked-fish-in-the-refrigerator