Can You Freeze Smoked Salmon
Freezing food allows you to keep it for a longer amount of time. So, can you freeze smoked salmon? Below we will go into the details of the different types of smoked salmon, and if each of these types can be frozen. Be sure to check out the details below for all the answers to your questions!
What Is Smoked Salmon?
There are a few different kinds of smoked salmon. The most common types are cold smoked salmon, and hot smoked salmon. Both of these are cured using a smoking process, but one is done with cold smoke and the other is done with hot.
How the Salmon Was Smoked
Cold Smoking. Cold smoked salmon is raw salmon that is infused with cold smoke. This salmon has not been cooked but does have a smoky flavor added to it.
One important thing to note about cold smoked salmon is that it is perishable because it is technically still raw so should be handled carefully.
Smoked Hot. Hot smoked salmon, on the other hand, is salmon that has been brined and cured and is smoked over high temperatures which cooks the salmon, as well as infuses the salmon with a smoky flavor.
How to Store Smoked Salmon
There are several different ways you can store smoked salmon. Let’s look at the different ways below.
Room Temperature. Once it is smoked, your salmon should not be left at room temperature for any longer than two hours before it goes bad.
In the Fridge. Cold smoked salmon can be stored in the fridge in plastic storage bags or sealed in an airtight storage container. Cold smoked salmon may last between one and two weeks when stored properly in the fridge.
However, it’s important to check the salmon over carefully if you are in doubt. Hot smoked, cooked salmon will last between three and four days when stored in an airtight container or sealed in a plastic storage bag in the fridge.
In the Freezer. And yes, smoked salmon may also be frozen if you wish. Freezing smoked salmon allows you to extend the amount of time you can store it safely.
Cold smoked salmon that is stored properly will likely last approximately one month in the freezer. Hot smoked salmon on the other hand may last up to six months when stored properly in the freezer.
For best results, we do recommend enjoying your hot smoked salmon within 2 to 3 months after it has been frozen. After that, it may become freezer burnt and not taste as good.
Now, let’s look at the best way to freeze your smoked salmon. By following these simple steps below, you can enjoy the best results from freezing your smoked salmon.
How to Freeze Smoked Salmon
Step 1: Cut The Fish Into Pieces
We recommend that you first cut the fish into serving-size pieces before freezing them. This will allow you easier access when you wish to use the fish.
Step 2: Prepare Before Freezing Smoked Salmon
To prepare your salmon for the freezer, you will want to place each piece of salmon in a plastic freezer bag, remove any excess air, then seal it tightly.
Another way you could freeze your smoked salmon is to vacuum seal each piece of fish before freezing it. However, if you prefer, the main goal is that you remove any excess air from your salmon packaging so that the salmon does not dry out, or become freezer burnt.
Step 3: Label The Smoked Salmon Packages
Before freezing the salmon, you will want to label and date each package of salmon. Once each package has been labeled, dated, and has the air removed, you can go ahead and freeze your smoked salmon.
Tips for Freezing Smoked Salmon
Keep It Airtight. Is it airtight and sealed securely? For the best results when freezing salmon, you will want to be sure that the salmon is sealed securely, and that any excess air is removed.
Then be sure that the package is airtight so that no other air can get in and expose the salmon. You want to prevent any air from getting in because the excess air will dry out the salmon.
Check the Expiration Date Before Freezing. It is also a good practice to check the expiration date on your package of salmon before freezing it. You want to be sure that it has not expired yet, and there are no other signs that your salmon may have gone bad.
If it is still good, proceed with the steps above to freeze the salmon.
Any Other Ingredients Included with the Salmon. Another tip when freezing smoked salmon is to be sure that you are not freezing salmon with added ingredients.
Salmon freezes the best when it is only salmon that is being frozen in each package.
The Status of the Salmon Prior to Freezing. You also want to check your salmon before it is frozen to be sure that there are no signs that it has gone bad. For best results, you want your salmon to be as fresh as possible when it is frozen.
How To Defrost Smoked Salmon
Now that you know how to freeze smoked salmon, it is also important to know how you can thaw out your smoked salmon after it has been frozen. There are a few different methods you can use to safely thaw frozen smoked salmon.
In the Fridge. The best way to thaw smoked salmon is to thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Simply remove your package of frozen smoked salmon from the freezer and place it in the fridge. Allow it to sit in the fridge overnight or for up to 24 hours for it to fully thaw.
The amount of time it takes to find a fridge may vary depending upon the size of your salmon.
HINT: To thaw your smoked salmon faster in the fridge, you can place the package of frozen salmon in a bowl of cold water and refrigerate it until thawed. This keeps the food safe and helps to speed up the thawing process.
In Cold Water. Another way you can thaw frozen smoked salmon is in a bowl of cold water. To do this method, you will need a large bowl, and fill it with ice-cold water. Add your frozen salmon into the bowl of cold water and place it on your countertop.
Change the cold water every 30 minutes so that the water stays cold, and you do not risk spoiling the food. Continue this process until the salmon is thawed. Once the fish is thawed, you will want to cook the salmon immediately.
In the Microwave. Another method you can use, but it is not our favorite, is to use the defrost function on your microwave to thaw frozen salmon.
To use this method to thaw your frozen salmon, you first want to remove the salmon from its packaging, place it in a microwave-safe bowl, and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave using defrost function until the salmon is thawed. Cook the salmon immediately after thawing.
How Long Does Smoked Salmon Last After Defrosting?
How long smoked salmon lasts after it has been defrosted depends on how you thawed the salmon.
Salmon that was thawed in the refrigerator can stay in the refrigerator for a couple more days. However, if you thawed the smoked salmon in the microwave, or in cold water on the countertop, it must be cooked right away.
Can You Refreeze Smoked Salmon?
The only way that smoked salmon may be refrozen is if it was first frozen when the salmon was raw, then thawed and cooked. After the salmon has been cooked, it may be frozen once more. Otherwise, you should not try refreezing smoked salmon.
Signs Your Smoked Salmon is Bad
There are three main ways you can tell if your smoked salmon is bad. You can also use the expiration date on your package as a reference. But the main ways to tell if it is not safe to eat are as follows.
Smell. Smell the salmon. If there is anything off with the smell, or if it smells rotten or extremely fishy, these are all signs the salmon has gone bad and should not be eaten.
Texture. Next, examine the texture of the salmon. If your smoked salmon is extra slimy, or has an odd feel to it, these are all signs that your salmon has gone bad. Do not risk eating salmon that has an odd texture to it.
Appearance. The final way you can tell if your salmon has gone bad is by examining the appearance of your salmon. If there are any signs of mold, discoloration, or you see anything off, hints of blue, gray, or green, do not eat the smoked salmon.
In short, if you see anything off with your salmon, or are unsure if it is still good, we recommend that you do not risk eating salmon that may be bad.
Of course, you may want to ask someone else’s opinion when you are examining the salmon to see if it is spoiled or not, but we recommend that if you see any of the above signs that your salmon has gone bad, we recommend that you do not risk eating bad salmon.
There are some severe health consequences that you may encounter when consuming food that has gone bad. It can range from as little as an upset stomach to ending up in the hospital. Let’s just say you don’t want to go there. If in doubt throw it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Smoked Salmon Freeze Well?
Yes, as long as smoked salmon is frozen properly, it does freeze well. For details on how to freeze salmon so that you can enjoy the best results after the salmon is frozen, you will want to be sure to check out our step-by-step instructions above on how to freeze salmon properly.
How Long Can You Freeze Smoked Salmon?
How long you can freeze smoked salmon depends on if it is cold smoked or hot smoked. Hot smoked salmon will likely last between three and six months in the freezer, while cold smoke should only be frozen for one month.
How long is smoked salmon good for?
How long smoked salmon is good for depends on how it is stored, and what type of smoked salmon it is. The amount of time each type of salmon is good for depends upon if it is stored at room temperature, in the fridge, or if it is frozen.
Is smoked salmon raw?
Hot smoked salmon is not raw but has been cooked. Cold smoked salmon on the other hand is technically still raw salmon.
How Long Does Smoked Salmon Last in the Fridge?
Smoked salmon may last between one and two weeks when stored properly in the fridge. Smoked salmon on the other hand may last between 3 to 4 days when stored in the fridge.
With both types of salmon, it is very important to examine the salmon thoroughly before eating it, to make sure it is safe to consume.
Can you freeze sliced lox?
Lox, like smoked salmon can be frozen. Unopened lox that is frozen will likely last up to two months in the freezer.
How Long Can You Keep Smoked Salmon Frozen?
Smoked salmon will likely last between three months to six months when it is stored properly in the freezer. Cold smoked salmon on the other hand should only be frozen up to one month.
Can You Freeze Smoked Salmon?
The short answer is yes, you can freeze smoked salmon. Smoked salmon should be stored in an airtight container, so that is not exposed to excess air before it is frozen.
For the best smoked salmon, we recommend filing a few basic steps outlined above that will give you the best results for your salmon after it has been frozen.
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