Welcome to my blog post on how to defrost frozen salmon. This is a topic near and dear to my heart, as I love cooking salmon but often find myself in a time crunch. In this post, I will outline the best way to defrost your frozen salmon without damaging it or making a mess in your kitchen. Keep reading for all of my tips and tricks!
Table of Contents
- 1 What is frozen salmon and where does it come from?
- 2 The benefits of eating frozen salmon
- 3 The Best Way to Quickly Defrost Salmon: 3 Best Options To Use
- 4 How Long Does It Take to Defrost Frozen Salmon?
- 5 How to Defrost Frozen Salmon Overnight in the Fridge
- 6 How to Defrost Frozen Salmon in the Microwave
- 7 How to Defrost Frozen Salmon in a Cold Water Bath
- 8 Don’t defrost salmon in warm or hot water
- 9 Great recipes for salmon
- 10 The best ways to cook frozen salmon
- 11 What do you cook with defrost frozen salmon
- 12 Conclusion: How To Defrost Frozen Salmon?
- 13 FAQ:
- 13.1 Do I need to defrost frozen salmon before cooking?
- 13.2 Can you let salmon sit out to defrost?
- 13.3 How long does salmon take to defrost?
- 13.4 How do you quickly thaw frozen salmon?
- 13.5 Can you cook frozen salmon without thawing?
- 13.6 Can you eat raw salmon that has been frozen?
- 13.7 What is the safest way to thaw salmon?
- 13.8 Can you refreeze thawed salmon?
- 13.9 How often should you eat salmon?
- 13.10 How long does it take to thaw frozen salmon in water?
- 13.11 Can you defrost frozen salmon before cooking?
- 13.12 Can I defrost salmon in hot water?
- 13.13 Why You Should Never thaw frozen fish in its vacuum sealed packaging?
What is frozen salmon and where does it come from?
Frozen salmon is a type of fish that is often sold in grocery stores. It is caught in cold waters and then frozen for preservation. Salmon is a versatile and healthy protein that can be cooked in a variety of ways.

The best way to defrost frozen salmon is by placing it in the fridge overnight. If you are in a hurry, you can also defrost it in cold water. Place the salmon filet in a bowl or zip-top bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the salmon is fully thawed. Never microwave frozen salmon, as this will damage the texture and flavor of the fish.
The benefits of eating frozen salmon
The benefits of eating frozen salmon include its nutritional value, convenience, and affordability. Salmon is a healthy source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for your heart health. Frozen salmon is also a convenient option for busy cooks, as it can be defrosted quickly and easily. It is also affordable compared to fresh salmon, making it an economical choice for budget-minded diners.
The Best Way to Quickly Defrost Salmon: 3 Best Options To Use
Defrost your fillets is not an overly complicated process. You can use one of these three methods to ensure you get perfect results every time!
- Overnight in the refrigerator
- The microwave
- A cold water bath
Follow these time estimates to be sure your food is fresh and ready for eating.

How Long Does It Take to Defrost Frozen Salmon?
It really depends on the size and thickness of your fillets. Here is a general guide:
- 1 pound (0.5 kg) salmon: 12 to 14 hours in the refrigerator
- 2 pounds (1 kg) salmon: 24 hours in the refrigerator
- 3 to 4 pounds (1.4 to 1.8 kg): 48 hours in the refrigerator
- 5 to 6 pounds (2.3 to 2.7 kg): 72 hours in the refrigerator
As you can see, how to defrost frozen salmon in the fridge takes a long time. If you don’t have that much time, there are two other methods you can use.

How to Defrost Frozen Salmon Overnight in the Fridge
If you have time to defrost your salmon overnight in the fridge, this is the best method to use. It’s slow and gentle, so it won’t damage the fish.
Here’s how to do it:
- Place your frozen salmon fillets in a sealable bag.
- Submerge the bag in cold water.
- Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold.
- After 6-8 hours, your salmon should be defrost and ready to cook.
How to Defrost Frozen Salmon in the Microwave
If you need to defrost your salmon quickly, the microwave is the way to go. Just be aware that this method can cause uneven cooking and rubbery texture.
Here’s how to do it:
- Place your frozen salmon fillets on a plate.
- Microwave on high power for 2-3 minutes.
- Check the fish and continue microwaving in 30-second increments until it is cooked through.
See also:Â How long to boil salmon
How to Defrost Frozen Salmon in a Cold Water Bath
This is my preferred method for defrost salmon, as it results in evenly defrost fish that retains its moisture and flavor.
Here’s how to do it:
- Place your frozen salmon fillets in a sealable bag.
- Submerge the bag in cold water.
- Let the fish sit for about 30 minutes, or until it is fully defrost.
Once your salmon is defrost, cook it immediately or store it in the fridge for up to two days.

Don’t defrost salmon in warm or hot water
When defrost salmon (or any fish), it’s important to use cold water. If the water is too warm, it will start to cook the salmon, and you don’t want that.
Warm or hot water can also cause the fish to lose its moisture, making it dry and tough. So stick to cold water when defrost your salmon.
Great recipes for salmon
Now that you know how to defrost salmon, you’re probably wondering what to do with it. Here are a few of my favorite recipes:Honey Glazed Salmon
- This recipe is super simple and only takes a few minutes to make. The salmon is cooked in a delicious honey glaze and comes out tender and flaky.Lemon Dill Salmon
- This is one of my all-time favorite salmon recipes. The fish is cooked with a lemon dill sauce and comes out moist and flavorful.Cedar Plank Salmon
- Cooking salmon on a cedar plank is a great way to infuse it with flavor. This recipe also includes a delicious honey glaze that takes the flavor up a notch.So there you have it
- Three different ways to defrost salmon, as well as three great recipes to try.
The best ways to cook frozen salmon
The best way to cook frozen salmon is by baking it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the frozen salmon filets on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. You can also pan-fry frozen salmon by heating a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the frozen salmon filets and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
What do you cook with defrost frozen salmon
One of the best things about salmon is its versatility. Whether you’re in the mood for a healthy salad or a hearty meal, salmon can be cooked to suit your needs. Some of my favorite recipes that include defrosted salmon are:
-Salmon burgers with avocado mayo
-Lemon dill salmon with roasted vegetables
-Asian salmon with rice and vegetables
-Grilled salmon with mango salsa
-Baked salmon with honey glaze
These are just a few of the delicious possibilities that open up to you when you have some defrosted salmon on hand. I hope this has inspired you to give it a try yourself! Thanks for reading.

Conclusion: How To Defrost Frozen Salmon?
As you can see, there are several different ways that you can defrost your salmon. The best method to use depends on the amount of time you have and your personal preferences. Just be sure to avoid using warm or hot water, as this can cause the fish to lose moisture and become tough. Experiment with different methods and recipes until you find the perfect combination for you. Thanks for reading! Written by Dhtavern
FAQ:
Do I need to defrost frozen salmon before cooking?
Don’t stress out about thawing your salmon. Yes, there’s no need to move it from the fridge before cooking if you realize that not all of its ice has melted and then panic trying hurry up so as not have any seafood leftovers! Simply leave what is currently in room temperature until shortly before serving time–it’ll be just fine thanks for being fresh caught local product instead of frozen unheard off somewhere far away.
Can you let salmon sit out to defrost?
To help keep your seafood fresh, it is best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Cut open any vacuum seal package and place on a plate or shallow pan so that you can catchesurprise leaks! Be careful not too let these delicate fishes suffer through cold temperatures while they’re still frozen solid – 8-10 hours should do nicely for full fillets (with head), but remember: Not all species need such extensive chilling times; check labels before purchasing if unsure about proper handling instructions.
How long does salmon take to defrost?
If you keep your fridge at safe temperatures, there’s no need to worry about bacterial growth. Next cover the salmon and move it into storage until needed; this method can take 12-24 hours depending on how big a cut of fish (or other foods) that are being cooked with!
How do you quickly thaw frozen salmon?
If you need to thaw your salmon quickly, the best method is to place it in the microwave. Cook on high power for 2-3 minutes, then check the fish and continue microwaving in 30-second increments until it is cooked through.
Can you cook frozen salmon without thawing?
Yes, you can cook salmon from frozen. The cooking time will be about 50% longer than if the fish was thawed first.
Can you eat raw salmon that has been frozen?
Yes, you can eat raw salmon that has been frozen as long as it is sushi-grade or has been flash-frozen immediately after being caught. Avoid eating raw salmon that has been stored in the freezer for more than two months.
What is the safest way to thaw salmon?
The safest way to thaw salmon is in the refrigerator. This method takes the longest, but it ensures that the fish will not be exposed to any potentially harmful bacteria.
Can you refreeze thawed salmon?
Yes, you can refreeze thawed salmon as long as it has not been cooked. cooked salmon can only be frozen one time.
How often should you eat salmon?
The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice a week. Salmon is a great option because it is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
How long does it take to thaw frozen salmon in water?
It takes about 30 minutes to thaw frozen salmon in water. Be sure to use cold water so that the fish does not start to cook. Once the salmon is thawed, cook it immediately or store it in the fridge for up to two days.
Can you defrost frozen salmon before cooking?
Yes, you can defrost frozen salmon before cooking. The best way to do this is in the refrigerator, although you can also use the microwave or cold water. Be sure to cook the salmon immediately after it is defrosted.
Can I defrost salmon in hot water?
No, you should not defrost salmon in hot water. Hot water can cause the fish to start cooking, which will make it dry and tough. Stick to cold water or the refrigerator for best results.
Why You Should Never thaw frozen fish in its vacuum sealed packaging?
When fish is frozen, it releases water as ice crystals. If these ice crystals are not removed, they can cause the fish to become dry and tough when thawed. Thawing the fish in its vacuum sealed packaging will not allow the ice crystals to escape, resulting in a less than ideal texture. It’s better to thaw the fish in a bowl of cold water or in the refrigerator.
Echo Reed is the owner and head chef of darkhorse restaurant. She has been working in the culinary world for over a decade, and opened her own establishment in 2018. Echo is known for her unique style and approach to cooking, which has won her critical acclaim from food critics and diners alike.