How to Thaw Salmon (Different Methods & Tips)

Planning a delicious seafood dinner for your family? Making sure that the salmon is properly prepared is key to a successful meal. If your salmon has been frozen, learning how to thaw salmon correctly is essential to maintain its quality and safety.

The right thawing methods allow salmon to cook evenly by avoiding overcooked edges and undercooked centers. Other important reasons include maintaining salmon’s nutritional value, minimizing the loss of moisture, and reducing the risk of bacterial growth.

In this article, we introduce 3 methods for thawing frozen salmon: refrigerator thawing, cold water thawing, and microwave thawing.

How to Thaw Salmon in the Refrigerator

Thawing salmon in the refrigerator is a safe and effective method that helps maintain the quality and texture of the fish. Compared to faster thawing methods, doing it in the fridge preserves the delicate texture and flavor of the salmon.

Here are the steps on how to thaw salmon in the refrigerator:

1. Remove the frozen salmon from the freezer.
2. Keep the salmon in its original packaging if it's airtight. If not, transfer it to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
3. Place the sealed salmon package on a plate or shallow dish to catch any potential drips.
4. Ensure there is sufficient space in the refrigerator for proper air circulation around the salmon.
5. Allow approximately 8-24 hours for salmon to thaw completely in the refrigerator.
6. Check on the salmon periodically to ensure it is thawing evenly.
7. Ensure the refrigerator temperature is set at or below 40°F (4°C) to prevent bacterial growth.
8. Once thawed, salmon should be cooked promptly within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and safety.

Kyle’s Tips for Thawing Salmon in the Refrigerator

• Thawing in the refrigerator takes time (depending on the thickness of the fillet), so it's best to plan at least one day in advance before you intend to cook the salmon.
• If you decide to store the thawed salmon for a short period before cooking, keep it covered in the refrigerator to maintain its quality. This prevents it from drying out or absorbing any odors from other foods in the fridge.
• After thawing, ensure the salmon smells fresh and has a firm texture. If it smells off or feels slimy, discard it.

Thawing salmon in the refrigerator is a convenient and safe method that preserves the delicate texture and flavor of the fish!

How to Thaw Salmon in Cold Water

Thawing salmon in cold water is a quicker method compared to thawing in the refrigerator, but it still maintains the quality and freshness of the fish if done correctly. Remember to avoid using warm or hot water for thawing, as this can lead to uneven thawing.

Here are the steps on how to thaw salmon using the cold water method:

1. Remove the frozen salmon from its original packaging if it's not airtight. Otherwise, keep the salmon in its sealed packaging to prevent water from seeping in.
2. Place the sealed salmon package or fillet in a large bowl or basin. Check that the container is deep enough to fully submerge the salmon.
3. Fill the bowl or basin with cold water. The water should be cold to the touch but not warm or hot.
4. Submerge the salmon completely in the cold water. If the salmon floats, you can weigh it down with a heavy plate or bowl to keep it submerged.
5. It will help to change the cold water every 30 minutes to maintain a consistent thawing temperature. This also speeds up the thawing process while keeping a safe temperature.
6. Expect it to take approximately 1-2 hours to thaw a small fillet or up to 3-4 hours for larger cuts. Generally speaking, thinner fillets will thaw more quickly than thicker pieces.
7. Once thawed, cook the salmon immediately. Avoid letting it sit at room temperature for an extended period.

Kyle’s Tips for Thawing Salmon in Cold Water

• Check the salmon periodically to ensure it's thawing evenly. If the salmon is not thawing uniformly, you might need to adjust its position or flip it to promote even thawing. Also, check the water temperature by feeling it with your hand. If the water is no longer cold, replace it with fresh, cold water.
• Always practice good hygiene when handling raw salmon. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Moreover, clean all surfaces that come into contact with raw salmon, such as cutting boards, countertops, and utensils, using hot, soapy water.
• For extra cooling, place ice packs around the container or in the water along with the salmon. This helps maintain a consistently cold temperature and can be especially useful in warmer environments.

Follow these tips to optimize the cold water thawing process for salmon so it can be ready for your meal prep!

How to Thaw Salmon in the Microwave

In case you forgot to thaw salmon ahead of time, the microwave allows you to quickly thaw it without having to wait hours as you would with refrigerator or cold water methods. While it’s considered fast, it requires careful monitoring to prevent uneven thawing or partial cooking.

Here are the steps on how to thaw salmon using the microwave:

1. Take the salmon out of its packaging and place it on a microwave-safe plate or dish. Do not leave the salmon in any plastic or foam packaging while microwaving.
2. Set the microwave to the “defrost” setting or use low power (30% power level) if there is no specific defrost setting.
3. Microwave the salmon in short bursts of 1-2 minutes each, depending on the size and thickness of the fillet or steak.
4. Check the salmon after each burst. Rotate or flip it if necessary to allow for even thawing.
5. Continue microwaving in short intervals until the salmon is thawed completely. Be cautious not to overheat or cook the salmon during the thawing process.
6. Monitor the salmon closely during the thawing process. Avoid leaving it unattended to prevent partial cooking or overheating.
7. Once thawed, cook the salmon immediately. Avoid letting it sit at room temperature for an extended period.

Kyle’s Tips for Thawing Salmon in the Microwave

• If your microwave has a specific defrost setting, use it for more controlled thawing. This helps thaw the salmon more gently, which reduces the risk of partially cooking it.
• Inspect progress by checking for any remaining ice crystals or frozen spots. If some areas are still frozen, continue microwaving in short intervals.
• Use a thermometer to ensure the salmon reaches a safe temperature for cooking after thawing. I would recommend a food-safe thermometer, such as a digital instant-read thermometer, for accurate readings.
• With the microwave thawing technique, you only need a microwave-safe plate or dish and the salmon. It’s a straightforward process with minimal cleanup!

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for more tips and information on thawing salmon? Get your questions answered with our FAQs below:

How can I tell if a salmon is fully thawed?

You can tell if the salmon is fully thawed by feeling its thickness and doing a visual inspection. If you feel any ice crystals or hard, frozen areas, the salmon is still not fully thawed. When you look at the salmon, there should be no visible ice or frozen spots.

What should I do if I need to thaw salmon quickly?

Cold water thawing (submerging the packed salmon in cold water) is the best method because it typically results in more even thawing compared to the microwave. However, if you need to prepare a meal on short notice (in less than 1 hour), the microwave is much faster.

Can I refreeze the salmon after thawing?

Refreezing salmon after thawing is generally not recommended due to potential issues with quality and safety. There is a higher risk of bacterial growth if the salmon is thawed and refrozen multiple times. However, if you have cooked the salmon after thawing, you can safely freeze any leftovers.

How do I prevent salmon from drying out during thawing?

Some strategies to keep your salmon moist and flavorful include keeping it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap before thawing, avoiding using warm or hot water while thawing, and cooking the salmon immediately after thawing.

Summary

These three thawing methods for salmon—cold water, refrigerator, and microwave—offer accessible options for anyone planning to cook salmon soon. The best method depends on how much time you have before you need to cook!

If you have some time, thawing salmon in the refrigerator overnight is ideal. Pressed for time and need to thaw salmon in under an hour? Microwaving frozen salmon would be the most realistic choice.

Choosing the appropriate thawing method based on your needs and following the extra tips for each method keeps your salmon delicious!