Fresh, raw salmon is like a delicate houseguest—it overstays its welcome fast. In your refrigerator, it’s good for only one to two days after purchase. Yep, that’s it.
Think of it like a carton of milk. You wouldn’t sip milk that’s been sitting out for a week, right? Same logic applies here. Fish is even more fragile than chicken or beef because it starts breaking down the moment it’s caught.
So if you bought that fillet on Saturday, you need to cook it by Monday evening. Tuesday is playing with fire.
Your Nose Knows Best
Here’s a little story. My friend Jen once kept salmon for four days because it “looked fine.” She opened the package, took a whiff, and immediately recoiled. She described the smell as “a wet dog that went swimming.”
Fresh salmon should smell like the ocean—clean and briny, not fishy or sour. If it makes your nose wrinkle, toss it. No amount of lemon juice can fix that.
Also, check for a slimy film. If your fingers slide across the surface like a slug highway, it’s time to say goodbye. Trust your senses; they’re smarter than the expiration date.
How Long Does Smoked Salmon Last? - KitchenVile
