A lot of people are asking – can you freeze smoked salmon? If you are one of them, read this post and we’ll be sharing with you some of the valuable insights that you should know.
More importantly, we will also let you know the proper handling and storage of smoked salmon, making it possible to prolong its shelf life.
Smoked salmon is not only delicious, but it can also be used in more ways than one. For instance, you can use it in a sandwich, on the top of the noodles, in your salad, in a pasta, or as a side.
Can You Freeze Smoked Salmon And What Is The Best Way To Do It?
With this, the next time you have leftover smoked salmon, do not just throw it anywhere but know how it can be stored properly and use it even after several days.
Yes, You Can Freeze It!
If you do not have the time to read the rest of this post, let me tell you one thing now – YES, it is perfectly alright to freeze smoked salmon.
If you want to know how to do it right, be a little patient and keep on reading so that you will know the answer.
Like in the case of any other fish, freezing smoked salmon is highly recommended for long-term storage as it will be an effective way to preserve its flavor and texture.
Even the smoked salmon you can see in the frozen section of the supermarket will still taste good if you cook it the right way.
Smoked salmon, when it is in the pantry, will last for one to two weeks. On the other hand, when it is in the fridge, it can last five to seven days.
Lastly, if it is in the freezer, it will last six to nine months, especially if you pay attention to proper storage.
It is important to note, however, that when you freeze smoked salmon, the taste and silky texture can be affected, which is why it would be still best to consume it fresh.
If you have no other choice but to keep, on the other hand, just freeze it so that it will last longer than keeping it in the pantry.
Doing It Right
While we have now established the fact that you can indeed freeze smoked salmon, it should be noted that it should be done properly. With this, here are some of the most important considerations that you should keep in mind:
- Cut the smoked salmon into small and thin pieces, which will make it easier to have it defrosted once it is time to remove it out of the freezer.
- Before wrapping, it will also be best to first have it brushed lightly with olive oil on the surface. This is going to help preserve its moisture and flavor, even after being frozen.
- Once they are sliced, have it placed in a plastic wrap, or two layers of the latter. Make sure that they are arranged properly. Cover it with plastic and aluminum foil, which will help in the prevention of freezer burn .
- Put it inside a plastic bag with an airtight seal or a plastic container, depending on what is available. Before placing it inside the freezer, make sure to mark it with the current date so that you will easily know until when it is going to remain fresh.
See? From the steps mentioned above, it seems like freezing smoked salmon is an easy thing to do! It does not require a lot of effort on your end.
Thawing Smoked Salmon Properly
Now that you know how to freeze your smoked salmon properly, the next thing that you must do is to be familiar with how it can be thawed.
Thawing it properly will be crucial in making sure that freezing will not alter its physical properties, specifically its texture and taste.
One of the most important things that you have to keep in mind is that it should never be thawed at room temperature or in warm water. Doing the latter will have a negative impact on the texture of the salmon.
The best way to have it thawed is to remove the number of slices that you need and place it inthe refrigerator with a temperature of at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
This should still be inside, but not in the freezer. Wait until it completely thaws before having it consumed or cooked the way you want to.
Once it is thawed, make sure to consume the salmon immediately. If not, there is a high risk of bacterial growth, which will be a significant risk for your health.
Conclusion
By now, I hope that you are no longer wondering can you freeze smoked salmon. Yes, you can do it, as it is shown above, but see to it that the following things are kept in mind:
- It should be frozen in a tightly sealed packaging so that air will not penetrate inside and to avoid the possibility of freezer burn.
- Make sure that the temperature of the freezer remains consistent. Re-freezing is not recommended.
- Have it thawed inside the refrigerator, but never at room temperature or in warm water.
Did you enjoy reading this post? Is there anything else that you would like to add? Feel free to leave a comment below.
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