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.
Easy Salmon Recipes to Make for Dinner
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Grilled Salmon FilletHere's a prime example of salmon's ability to transform with strong flavors. A rich glaze of soy sauce, red wine vinegar and lemon soaks into the fish while fresh Parmesan crusts the outside.
Also, explore these sides for salmon, each tailored to enhance your salmon dining experience.
Salmon with Creamy Dill SauceTopped with a creamy dill sauce and lightly spiked with horseradish, this top-rated salmon recipe sounds like a restaurant entree—but you can make it in a little over half an hour. This baked salmon cooks inside a foil packet, resulting in tender fish that won't dry out (not to mention very easy clean-up).
Maple-Glazed SalmonThis quick and easy salmon recipe takes just 20 minutes from prep to serving, without stinting on flavor. The sweet and tangy sauce, made with grapefruit juice, balsamic vinegar and maple syrup, complements the rich, savory fish. Serve with a delicious side dish for salmon.
Salmon with Vegetable SalsaSalmon fillets take just minutes to cook in a skillet. In this recipe, the fish takes a Southwestern slant with a seasoning of lime juice and spicy cayenne pepper. Serve with a quick, fresh salsa that brightens the richness of the fish.
Rosemary Salmon and VeggiesA perk of roasting salmon for dinner? Cooking your vegetable side dish in the same pan! In this recipe, salmon fillet shares seasonings with asparagus and peppers, but chopped cauliflower, sliced zucchini or fresh green beans are delicious alternatives.
Sage-Rubbed SalmonStarting the fish on a cast iron skillet sears the skin, and finishing in the oven results in tender fish. This herb-rubbed salmon recipe takes less than 20 minutes, start to finish! If you're not partial to sage, replace it with another herb, such as rosemary, basil or dill.
Foil-Baked SalmonYou can cook the foil packets in the oven or on the grill, and switch up the seasonings whenever you make it—the super-quick salmon recipe is a template for all kinds of meals. All kinds of citrus, herbs and spices taste great with salmon. Think garlic and butter, rosemary and lemon or a curry spice mix.
Salmon with Horseradish Pistachio CrustLevel up your weeknight cooking with this crispy, crunchy crust of breadcrumbs and chopped nuts. Use pistachios or whichever nut you like (pecans and walnuts are especially good). While the salmon bakes, whip up a quick side dish.
Potato Cheese Soup with SalmonNot every salmon dinner needs to be made with a whole fillet. Try this cozy, comforting soup, made with potatoes, milk and cheddar cheese. Use canned salmon or leftover cooked salmon, flaked with a fork.
Also, try these canned salmon recipes that make some of our all-time favorite pantry meals.
Salmon with Spinach & White BeansGarlicky greens and beans are a delicious complement to broiled salmon. Since the salmon is lightly seasoned, be sure to buy the freshest fillet you can. Here's how to shop for salmon.
Balsamic-Salmon Spinach SaladNeed a healthy, quick dinner? This salad comes together in about 20 minutes. Broiled salmon cooks in about the time it takes to mix a vinaigrette. Add just about any veggies, nuts, seeds or dried fruits you like.
Garlic Salmon LinguineDelicious salmon linguine tastes bright and fresh, but it's made with ingredients you can find in your pantry. Canned salmon is a useful staple to keep on hand, but you can also use leftover cooked salmon too if you have it.
Cajun Boil on the GrillThese spicy salmon packets serve up a complete meal, including perfectly seasoned salmon, shrimp and vegetable sides. The best part? Since each packet serves one, it's easy to scale the recipe up to serve a big party. They taste great with summer potluck sides.
Garlic Lime SalmonCitrus tastes great with salmon: the zesty, acidic fruits brighten and balance the savory richness of the fish. Here, lime and garlic make a simple, flavorful seasoning. Plate this fish with salad, rice and vegetables.
Garlic & Herb Artichoke SalmonIf you love artichokes, bookmark this recipe! While it looks fancy, the dinner comes together quickly thanks to canned artichoke hearts and store-bought cheese spread.
Salmon Grilled in FoilFiring up the grill? Grilled fish cooks super quick. This recipe is ready in under 20 minutes! The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork. See lots of white stuff on top of the fish? It may be overcooked—keep a closer eye next time.
Speedy Salmon Stir-FryOnce you learn how to make a simple stir-fry, you can adapt the technique to just about any fish, poultry, meat and vegetable combination you can dream up. This salmon stir-fry calls for a bag of frozen vegetables for convenience, but you can use any fresh vegetables you like.
Jamaican Salmon with Coconut Cream SauceSome of our favorite dinners are made in our trusty 13x9 pan. They're quick to prep, simple to bake and clean up quick. This simple salmon dinner has a Jamaican touch thanks to a sweet-and-sour seasoning made with sour cream, coconut and lime.
Caesar Salmon with Roasted Tomatoes & ArtichokesThis five-ingredient salmon dinner channels the best flavors of a Caesar salad. The fish bakes alongside a tomato, pepper and artichoke salad, making it an effortless sheet-pan dinner.
Crusted SalmonFancy dinners don't have to be fussy! This salmon dinner is a prime example; simply coat salmon fillets in a sweet-and-savory crust and bake. They'll be ready in 10 minutes. Serve with a salad or vegetable side.
Crispy Fish & ChipsMake the British takeout favorite in your home kitchen—this copycat recipe takes just 30 minutes to make. Since the fish is baked instead of fried, you get all the crispy coating without the heavy fat.
Asian Salmon TacosThis quick salmon recipe is the ultimate fusion food: Asian-spiced salmon served taco-style in tortillas. It's a simple twist on Taco Tuesday.
Lemon Basil SalmonFresh, flavorful lemon basil salmon cooks up tenderly in a foil packet. You can make this recipe on a gas or charcoal grill, or even turn it into a campfire recipe.
These top-rated salmon recipes are a sure thing for dinner.
Salmon with Spinach SauceYour Instant Pot, can make for a very fast cooking method for salmon. Poaching salmon preserves moisture, resulting in a delicate and tender fish every time. Serve with crusty bread and a fresh salad.
Slow-Cooker SalmonSalmon cooks so quickly, it seems impossible to cook in a slow cooker, but the gentle, low heat is a great match for succulent salmon. This recipe is ideal for a large piece of salmon—cook the whole filet and slice before serving. Don't remove the skin; that's a common mistake when cooking fish.
Salmon with Root VegetablesRoot vegetables are notorious for taking a long time to cook, so here's a handy trick: dicing them into bite-sized pieces means they'll cook in about 20 minutes. This healthy one-pan recipe calls for a mix of root vegetables, but you can use whichever ones you like.
Sweet-Chili Salmon with BlackberriesSalmon and blackberries might sound like a strange combination, but berries taste great in savory dishes. This sweet, spicy salmon recipe is sure to break you out of a cooking rut.
Salmon and Spud SaladSmart cooks take advantage of kitchen shortcuts like cooking all your vegetables in a single pot of water. Add the vegetables in order of longest to shortest cooking times. This healthy salmon recipe is easy to adjust to your season or your tastes; swap out whichever veggies you have on hand.
Herb-Roasted Salmon FilletsRosemary and thyme are a classic flavor combination, and one that pairs well with this roasted salmon dinner recipe, which comes together in 30 minutes. Serve alongside an easy steamed veggie, like asparagus or green beans.
Sesame Salmon with Wasabi MayoLove spicy food? This salmon has a bit of a bite thanks to the wasabi mayo. The lemon juice will cut some of the heat from the wasabi and enliven this otherwise simple dish.
Grilled Citrus SalmonLemon and oranges brighten up this yummy grilled salmon. If your fish has any whiff of fishiness before cooking, soak it in milk for half an hour or so, which will neutralize that flavor. Discard the milk, cook as usual, and the citrus will really shine through.
Crumb-Topped SalmonThis salmon dinner has all the markings of a fish-and-chips takeout: a crispy, buttery crust, flaky fish and bright lemon flavor. The difference? Heart-healthy salmon is baked, not deep-fried. It's a lighter take on comfort food.
Oven-Barbecued SalmonCrave barbecue but don't want to fire up the grill? Try this baked salmon. Adjust the simple homemade barbecue sauce to suit your spice tolerance, or make it even quicker by using bottled sauce. (These are our favorite store-bought barbecue sauces.)
Salmon Veggie PacketsFrench food has a reputation for fussiness, but many French techniques are simple to master and guarantee delicious results. Baking salmon en papillote (in parchment) allows salmon to cook gently, protected from direct heat, sealing in moisture and flavor. Dinner is so simple, you'll have plenty of time to prepare a French dessert to serve afterward.
Ginger Salmon with Brown RiceThis fast salmon recipe calls for just five ingredients. Store-bought salad dressing does double duty as both glaze for the salmon and sauce for the one-pan rice side dish. Weeknight dinner has never been easier.
Salmon Dill SoupNeed a cozy dinner on a chilly night? Try this salmon soup, with its creamy, rich blend of potatoes, mushrooms and salmon. A sprinkle of dill brightens up the hearty bowl, but you could also use parsley or cilantro.
Mesquite SalmonIf you love smoked salmon, don't miss out on this mesquite-flavored grilled salmon. A sweet, yet tart, dipping sauce balances the smoky fish. Don't throw out the leftover sauce! You can use it as a sandwich spread.
Air-Fryer Salmon PattiesThe air fryer makes crispy, savory salmon patties in a jiffy. This recipe uses a nice shortcut: saltine crackers in the crust, which are easy to crumble and already salted.
Maple Bourbon SalmonRich maple syrup, bourbon and walnuts make this salmon recipe the perfect fall dinner. Serve with your favorite fall side dish and open a cozy wine to sip on while you enjoy this sweet salmon.
Honey-Mustard Glazed SalmonA quick sauce of mustard, brown sugar and honey takes seconds to stir together, but infuses salmon fillets with abundant flavor. This recipe calls for 10 fillets, making it ideal for dinner parties, but you can scale down to suit your needs. Leftover salmon keeps well in the fridge for a few days; use it in soups, casseroles or to top salads.
Orange Soy Salmon with RiceA sweet and tangy Asian-inspired sauce makes this salmon recipe pop. Best of all, it's ready in just 20 minutes. Steamed broccoli makes a speedy side dish to match.
Salmon Mousse CanapesNeed a fast appetizer? Try this simple salmon mousse, made with smoked salmon and cream cheese. Serve on cucumber slices or as a dip alongside crackers and crudité.
Citrus-Marinated SalmonDelicate fish is quick to absorb the flavor of a marinade: you can set this one up just 30 minutes before cooking. Orange, lemon and lime juice pack big citrus flavor, while earthy herbs ground the brightness. Serve with a grilled side dish.
Feta Salmon SaladInspired by the flavors of perennially popular Greek salad, this salad is delightful at lunch or dinner. Feel free to add additional vegetables to the salad, as well as toppers like seeds, toasted nuts or chickpeas.
Cilantro-Topped SalmonFor an unexpected twist on salmon, try this Southwestern-inspired dish. The zesty lime, jalapeno and cilantro sauce tastes great with plain rice, or serve the salmon on tortillas a lá fish tacos.
Special Salmon SteaksWith a French-inspired sauce of butter, lemon and parsley, this salmon tastes indulgent and special, but it's simple enough to make any night of the week. Serve with a salad, or lean into the decadence with mashed potatoes.
Salmon Salad SandwichesHave leftover cooked salmon in the fridge? Whip up these tasty sandwiches! Shredding carrots into the mix adds both crunch and sweetness. You can also use canned salmon.
Lemon Herbed SalmonTossing breadcrumbs with herbs, lemon zest and Parmesan cheese lends an instant update to plain breading. This mixture tastes delicious on salmon, as well as chicken and pork.
Smoked Salmon Bites with Shallot SauceThese bite-sized pastries look fancy enough for a high tea party, but they come together in half an hour! Use frozen puff pastry for a flaky base, stir together a zippy sauce and top with smoked salmon.
Baked Salmon PattiesLove salmon patties but trying to cut down on fat? Try these baked salmon cakes. The trick for the perfectly round shape? Cook the salmon in muffin tins to hold the shape.
Sheet-Pan Soy-Ginger Salmon with VeggiesIt takes about 20 minutes to set up this all-in-one sheet pan supper, and then you just slide it into the oven and let it roast! A delicious ginger-soy sauce infuses the fish and vegetables with plenty of flavor.
Pistachio SalmonThis recipe relies on a classic breading mixture to add flavor and crunch to salmon fillets. The simple salmon is delicious served over a fresh salad, alongside steamed vegetables or even on top of rolls.
Bourbon-Glazed SalmonAdding bourbon in a salmon glaze provides both sweetness and a lovely caramelized coating to the fish. This recipe looks fancy, but it's ready in less than 30 minutes.
