How to Tell if Salmon Is Bad
Updated: Mar. 13, 2023
Do you know how to tell if salmon is bad? Here's a closer look at the telltale signs for both raw and cooked salmon.
As a former restaurant chef, I love cooking salmon. You can make it on the grill, in the oven or on the stovetop, and it’s easy to find complementary side dishes to create a complete meal. Any salmon special I ran at the restaurant always sold out—whether it was pasta, salad or served simply with a side of potatoes and vegetables.
This fish is a great choice for home cooks, too. Fresh salmon is easy to find and packed full of nutrients, but those nutrients fade as the fish ages. Not only that, but spoiled salmon can make you sick! Here’s how to avoid bad salmon.
How to Tell if Salmon Is Spoiled
Expiration Dates
Packaged salmon should always be stamped with a “sell-by” date, so use that as your guideline for when the fish will expire. But if you buy salmon from the butcher counter, it won’t be labeled with a date. Use the USDA guideline instead: Raw salmon is good for up to two days in the refrigerator. Once cooked, the leftovers will last three to four days in the refrigerator.
Smell
It’s a common misconception that fish should smell, well, fishy. Fresh fish has a neutral odor, and that fishy aroma only grows as the salmon sits in the refrigerator. If you open the package and it smells very strongly (especially if it has a sour or ammonia smell), it’s time to toss it out.
Texture
Before cooking your salmon, gently press a finger into the fillet. Fresh salmon feels firm and moist, and the flesh should spring back after you push into it. When you run your hand along the fillet to check for bones, your hand should glide easily without sticking. Sure signs of spoilage are slimy or sticky residues, or if the flesh feels like it will break when you press into it.
Appearance
There are few things as gorgeous as a fresh piece of salmon. It should have a bright pink-orange color with shiny, silver skin (Learn how to remove the skin from salmon). If the salmon’s skin looks dull and lifeless, or if the flesh has faded to gray, it is probably not fresh. Any dark spots or discoloration are indications of spoilage, as is a milky-white residue on the fillet. (Not the white stuff on salmon you see after it cooks, though; that’s safe.)
If you’re lucky enough to find whole salmon, take a look at the eyes. They should be bright and slightly bulging. If they’re sunken or dull, the salmon will taste as sad as those eyes look.
Knowing when to toss out leftover meat and fish is important. Here’s how to know if ground beef has gone bad.
How Long Does Salmon Last?
When buying fresh fish, we recommend making it the last item that hits your grocery cart. You want to keep it as cold as possible, and walking around the room-temperature store can speed up spoilage. Once you get home, get the fish into the refrigerator as soon as possible and plan to use it within one to two days. After fresh fish is cooked, you’ll have a little longer to use those leftovers: three to four days.
If you can’t use salmon by these dates, place it in a freezer-safe bag and pop it in the freezer. It’s best to use uncooked salmon within three months for best quality, and cooked salmon within six months. (Learn how to tell if freezer-burned food is safe to eat.) Another option is to make smoked salmon, which is good for one to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Also, find out how long asparagus lasts and how to tell if asparagus is bad.
Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce
There's nothing like fresh salmon, and my mom bakes it just right so it nearly melts in your mouth. The sour cream dill sauce is subtly seasoned with horseradish so that it doesn't overpower the delicate salmon flavor. —Susan Emery, Everett, Washington
Salmon with Vegetable Salsa
This salsa salmon recipe is great. You can pair the salsa with grilled chicken breasts and barbecued shrimp kabobs, too. The only fresh ingredient not available in my son's garden was the avocado! Make a double batch of the salsa to serve with crisp tortilla chips. —Priscilla Gilbert, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida
Rosemary Salmon and Veggies
My husband and I eat a lot of salmon. One night, while in a rush to get dinner on the table, I created this rosemary salmon meal. It's a keeper! You can also include sliced zucchini, small cauliflower florets or fresh green beans. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington Here are more baked salmon recipes to try!
Scrumptious California Salmon
California cuisine is all about balancing flavors. This recipe brings out the sweetness in orange juice and honey and balances it with the kick of ancho chili pepper and balsamic. —Dustin Anderson, Fillmore, California Learn all about how to buy salmon.
Salmon with Horseradish Pistachio Crust
Impress everyone at your table with this elegant but easy salmon that's delicious and nutritious. You can substitute scallions for shallots if you like. —Linda Press Wolfe, Cross River, New York
Sage-Rubbed Salmon
If you’ve always thought of sage with turkey, try it with salmon for a little taste of heaven. We serve this with rice, salad and sauteed green beans. —Nicole Raskopf, Beacon, New York
Herb-Roasted Salmon Fillets
My roasted salmon is so simple but elegant enough to serve to company. I make it on days when I have less than an hour to cook. —Luanne Asta, Hampton Bays, New York
Maple-Glazed Salmon
I have a few good recipes for family-favorite, heart-healthy salmon, but this one is always a hit. I serve it this way at least once a week and sometimes more! —David Krisko, Becker, Minnesota
Potato Cheese Soup with Salmon
I started cooking for a harvest crew when I was 10 years old. Now, 40 years later, my husband and I live in the heart of a potato-growing area. One year, this recipe won me a prize! —Nancy Horsburgh, Everett, Ontario
Sesame Salmon with Wasabi Mayo
I created this recipe to mimic the flavors of sushi. It’s remarkably simple and turns out well every time. —Carolyn Ketchum, Wakefield, Massachusetts
Cajun Boil on the Grill
I came up with these everything-in-one seafood packets for a family reunion, since the recipe can be increased to feed a bunch. The foil steams up inside, so open carefully. —Allison Brooks, Fort Collins, Colorado
Salmon with Spinach & White Beans
My husband, Oscar, is a Southerner at heart. This salmon with garlicky beans and spinach won him over at first bite. —Mary Ellen Hofstetter, Brentwood, Tennessee
Balsamic-Salmon Spinach Salad
This salmon spinach salad is really healthy and super fast. It's an absolute cinch to make after a long workday. —Karen Schlyter, Calgary, Alberta
Garlic Lime Salmon
This moist and tender fish is lightly seasoned, so leftovers work well in other recipes. —Gail Uchwat, Sand Springs, Oklahoma
Spicy Salmon Patties
Made with canned salmon, these patties are good hot or cold. I usually serve them on buns with slices of ripe tomato, sweet red onion, and red and green bell pepper. —Barbara Coston of Little Rock, Arkansas
Walnut-Crusted Salmon
Whenever I can get salmon for a good price, I always turn to this simple and delicious recipe. It’s good served with mashed potatoes and fresh green beans, too. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Garlic & Herb Artichoke Salmon
If you’re new to cooking fish (or even if you’re a pro), this no-fail salmon recipe is one you have to try. It’s easy enough for everyday, but also wows at dinner parties. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
Orange Pomegranate Salmon
A colorful, festive salmon dish makes an impressive addition to your holiday table—and it is as delicious as it is beautiful. What will no one guess? How easy it is to cook. I serve this with roasted baby potatoes and asparagus for a showstopping meal that is wonderful for special occasions. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Jamaican Salmon with Coconut Cream Sauce
We try to eat salmon a lot because it's so healthy, and I love thinking of new ways to make it different and delicious. This dazzler is easy and is my go-to meal for company. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Grilled Citrus Salmon
This is a great recipe for summer entertaining. The orange and lemon add a bright burst of fresh citrus flavor. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Caesar Salmon with Roasted Tomatoes & Artichokes
This is my "go to" recipe for quick dinners, family or guests. It's colorful, healthy, easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. The best part is it only calls for five ingredients! —Mary Hawkes, Prescott, Arizona
Salmon and Spud Salad
I headed straight for the kitchen when I decided to pick up a healthier lifestyle. This salmon with veggies proves that smart choices can be simple and satisfying. —Matthew Teixeira, Milton, Ontario
Citrus Salmon en Papillote
Salmon en papillote, or salmon cooked in parchment paper, is so easy to make yet so delicious, elegant and impressive. —Dahlia Abrams, Detroit, Michigan
Crusted Salmon
These delicious salmon fillets are wonderful for company since they take only a few minutes to prepare, yet they taste like you fussed. I receive requests for the recipe every time I serve them. —Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, Utah
Crumb-Topped Salmon
Often we catch enough of our delicious Northwest salmon to send some to Michigan for my sister to enjoy. This crisp, lemony recipe is a tasty way to enjoy it. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington
Garlic Salmon Linguine
The garlic-seasoned main dish calls for handy pantry ingredients, including pasta and canned salmon. I serve it with asparagus, rolls and fruit. —Theresa Hagan, Glendale, Arizona
Crispy Fish & Chips
A British pub classic turns crown jewel when you add horseradish, panko and Worcestershire. You can also try it with a white fish like cod or haddock. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Oven-Barbecued Salmon
Late last summer, the South Carolina heat drove me indoors and away from my grill. So I changed my favorite grill recipe to be made in the oven with just as tasty results. —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
Lemon Basil Salmon
My husband came up with this easy, foil-packet recipe for flaky, fork-tender salmon. This recipe is a winner. —Marianne Bauman Modesto, CA
Speedy Salmon Stir-Fry
Salmon is a staple where I live, so I tried it in a stir-fry. My recipe has an orange glaze, but I like it with lime, too. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Asian-Style Salmon Packets
My husband and I love salmon, so I'm always looking for fun ways to change it up. We both love the blend of heat and citrus, plus the foil packet makes for easy cooking and cleanup! —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Salmon with Spinach Sauce
You won't have to fish for compliments with this tasty recipe. Poaching is a quick and healthy way to prepare an entree as delicate as fish, keeping it moist and tender while cooking. And the flavorful spinach sauce adds a pretty green accent to the pink salmon. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Speedy Salmon Patties
I combine seven easy ingredients for this salmon patty recipe. When I was a girl growing up on the farm, my mom often fixed these when we were late in the field. These salmon cakes are also tasty with chopped green peppers added to the mixture. —Bonnie Evans, Cameron, North Carolina
Slow-Cooker Salmon
I love this slow-cooker salmon recipe because it's healthy and almost effortless. The salmon always cooks to perfection! —Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York
Salmon with Root Vegetables
This cozy hash is loaded with protein and healthy fats that keep you going on busy days. We've been known to devour it at breakfast, lunch and dinner! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Easy Smoked Salmon
A magazine featured this recipe years ago, and it's still my favorite salmon. Just add crackers for a super simple yet elegant appetizer. —Norma Fell, Boyne City, Michigan
Sweet-Chili Salmon with Blackberries
My garden is often my cooking inspiration. Because I have a large berry patch, I especially enjoy using just-picked berries in savory dishes to add natural sweetness and sometimes a bit of tart. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Salmon Veggie Packets
I feel the spirit of Julia Child when I make lemon-pepper salmon en papillote (in parchment). It’s the first French recipe I learned, and the delightful little packages are family-friendly. —Renee Greene, New York, NY
Pistachio Salmon
This simple salmon gets its crunch from a coating of crushed pistachios, panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Add steamed veggies and rice and it's dinnertime! —Anthony Oraczewski, Port St. Lucie, FL
Asian Salmon Tacos
This Asian-Mexican fusion dish is ready in minutes! If the salmon begins to stick, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water to the pan. —Marisa Raponi, Vaughan, Ontario
Ginger Salmon with Brown Rice
Oh what fun it is to prepare a heavenly salmon with only five ingredients. My dressing serves as a glaze and a flavor-booster for the rice. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Salmon Dill Soup
This is the best soup I have ever made, according to my husband, who loves salmon so much that he could eat it every day. It's a treat for both of us, so when I get some, I try to make it a very special dish like this one. —Hidemi Walsh, Plainfield, Indiana
Mesquite Salmon
Mesquite wood chips give this fish dish a smoky flavor. If using a charcoal grill, add wood chips directly to the coals. If using a gas grill, wrap the chips in a foil pouch; poke several holes in the pouch and place it on the rock grate. —Jeri Kilpatrick, Hoodsport, Washington
