How to Store Salmon Safely (Fresh, Raw, and Leftovers)

Seafood is unforgiving. A great fillet can turn questionable fast if you don’t store it properly. These are the exact rules we follow in the test kitchen to keep salmon safe, fresh, and ready to cook—whether you’re serving it raw or roasting it for dinner.

🧊 How to Store Fresh Salmon (Before Cooking)

1. Keep it cold — 32–38°F

Colder than your normal fridge zone.
Store salmon on the bottom shelf, where temperatures stay stable.

2. Use a tray + paper towels

Set the fillet on a plate or tray lined with dry paper towels.
This wicks moisture away and prevents mushy flesh.

3. Wrap loosely

You want airflow—not suffocation.
Plastic wrap plus a loose foil tent keeps the surface protected without trapping humidity.

4. Cook within 1–2 days

Seafood doesn’t wait around. The clock starts as soon as you buy it.

🥶 Can You Freeze Salmon?

Yes—especially if you’re using it for raw dishes like tartare or poke.

Freeze at 0°F for at least 24 hours to reduce parasite risk in wild-caught salmon.
Thaw slowly in the refrigerator, never on the counter.
Texture stays best if you freeze once, thaw once, cook soon after.

Frozen salmon that’s been handled well is often better than “fresh” fillets sitting in a case for days.

🍣 How to Store Salmon for Raw Preparations

If you’re making tartare, poke, or crudo:

Buy salmon the same day you serve it
Keep it chilled right up until prep
Dice right before serving
Never store mixed tartare
Discard leftovers — raw seafood is not a “next-day” meal

Raw dishes are simple but demand respect. Temperature and freshness matter more here than anywhere else.

🍽️ How to Store Cooked Salmon

Wrap tightly or store in an airtight container
Refrigerate for up to 3 days
Reheat gently in a warm skillet or low oven
Do not microwave — it dries out instantly

Great ways to use leftover salmon:

Salmon cakes
Rice bowls
Pasta dishes
Salads
Sandwiches
Fried rice

Good storage habits keep your salmon safe and dramatically improve texture and flavor. It’s one of the fastest ways to cook better without buying anything new.