How to Know if Salmon Is Bad

Last Updated: September 21, 2021 References

When you cook and store it properly, salmon is a delicious and healthy fish. Always check your raw salmon for signs of spoilage before you devote time to preparing a meal. Give up on salmon leftovers that haven't been refrigerated properly, or that are more than two days old. Make sure that your fish is cooked through before enjoying your meal.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Checking Raw Salmon

1
Make sure the fish doesn't have a strong, ammonia-like smell.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Abyssinia Campbell
Executive Chef
Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.} Smell the raw salmon to see if it has a bad odor. If the fish smells pungent, fishy, or ammonia-like, it is probably bad. Fresh salmon should have a very mild scent.^{[2]
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US Food and Drug Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health
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2
Look for a milky coating to indicate the fish has gone bad.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Abyssinia Campbell
Executive Chef
Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.} A sign that raw fish has gone bad is the presence of a white, translucent skin on top of it. Before cooking, inspect your salmon to make sure it doesn't have a milky film on its surface. If you see any kind of opaque film developing on the fish, throw it away.^{[4]
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3
See if the salmon has a weak consistency. Before cooking it, check the consistency of your raw salmon. If the fish feels like it is breaking up while you handle it, throw it away. Fresh salmon should always be firm and hold together.^{[5]
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4
Inspect the eyes for discoloration.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Abyssinia Campbell
Executive Chef
Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.} If you purchase salmon with the head still on, check the appearance of its eyes. Fresh salmon should have bright, clear eyes with a dark pupil in the middle. When the fish has gone bad, the eyes will appear discolored.^{[7]
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- The salmon's eyes should also appear slightly bulging. If the eyes appear sunken in, the fish has likely gone bad.^{[8]
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5
Check if the salmon has a dull, pale color. Check the coloring of your salmon to see if it is still good or not. Fresh salmon should have a bright pink or orange color to it. If your salmon has a pale, dull color, it is likely spoiled.^{[9]
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- Your salmon should also have fine white lines running though it, which indicate freshness.
6
Check the "best before" and "sell by" dates. If you are in doubt about the quality of your salmon, check the "best before" date indicated on the packaging. This date is not a definite prediction of when your fish will go bad, but it will give you a good idea of when it might spoil. You should also check the "sell by" date, which should also be indicated on the packaging.^{[10]
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- As a general rule, refrigerated fresh salmon will keep for one or two days after its "sell by" date.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Seeing If Leftover Salmon is Still Good

1
Check for a foul, sour odor.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Abyssinia Campbell
Executive Chef
Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.} If your cooked salmon has a foul odor, throw it away immediately. A strong, sour smell is a clear indication that your leftover meal has gone bad. If the salmon does not have a mild, appetizing smell, do not eat it.^{[12]
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2
Check for a slimy texture.^{[13]
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Expert Source

Abyssinia Campbell
Executive Chef
Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.} A clear sign that leftover cooked salmon has gone bad is a slimy consistency. If your salmon has lost its thick, flaky texture, it is not worth eating. Throw it away if it has any sliminess to it.^{[14]
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3
Avoid leaving cooked salmon at room temperature for more than two hours. Cooked salmon should be thrown away if it sits out at room temperature for longer than two hours after cooking. Bacteria will begin to grow if the fish is not refrigerated before that point. Always take note of the time you cook salmon, or the time that you order it at a restaurant, and the time you are able to put it into the fridge.^{[15]
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4
Throw away leftovers that are more than two or three days old. Three days after it is cooked, throw out leftover salmon regardless of whether it appears to be spoiled. If you are unsure about the condition of your salmon after two days, dispose of it. The chance of bacterial growth and illness is not worth the risk.^{[16]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making Sure Salmon is Cooked Properly

1
Use your fork to see if the fish flakes. Use a fork to gently scrape through your salmon steak or fillet. When fish is cooked properly, it should break into flakes when nudged. If your fish feels dense or rubbery, it isn't cooked properly.^{[17]
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2
Check to see if your salmon is opaque. To make sure your salmon is fully cooked, cut into it at its thickest point and inspect its color. Fully cooked fish should be opaque. If the salmon appears translucent, it needs to be cooked for longer.^{[18]
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3
Check the temperature of the fish. If you have access to a meat thermometer, use it to test the temperature of your salmon. Place the thermometer in the thickest part of your salmon and let it sit for a minute to get an accurate reading. A well-cooked piece of salmon should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit, or approximately 63 degrees Celsius.^{[19]
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- Use a digital meat thermometer for the clearest possible reading.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I cook already smoked salmon?

C Grace

Community Answer

Smoked salmon does not require more cooking - the smoking process has already cooked the fish. Enjoy warm or cold!
Question

How do I know if canned salmon is bad?

Community Answer

Although it may seem counter intuitive because salmon is a type of fish, if it's still edible it should not smell unpleasantly "fishy" in any way. If your salmon smells somewhat sour or anything like ammonia,, it has gone bad and you need to toss it. Fresh salmon has a mild aroma, or one that smells similar to the sea.
Question

How long does a salmon log last?

Community Answer

It really just depends on your salmon's "best before" and "sell by" date. You should follow the date printed on the package.