Discover How Long Can Cooked Fish Stay in the Fridge (Safe Storage Guide)

Cooked fish is tasty, light, and easy to enjoy the next day.

But many people ask the same question: how long can cooked fish stay in the fridge?

The short answer is simple.

Cooked fish can stay in the fridge for 3 to 4 days if stored the right way.

In this guide, you will learn how long cooked fish lasts, how to store it, how to tell if it has gone bad, and how to keep it safe for your family.

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How Long Can Cooked Fish Stay in the Fridge?

Cooked fish will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

This applies to:

• Baked fish

• Grilled fish

• Fried fish

• Steamed fish

• Broiled fish

The key is temperature.

Your fridge should stay at 40°F (4°C) or lower.

At this temperature, bacteria grow slowly.

After 4 days, it is safer to throw it away.

Even if it looks fine, harmful bacteria may still be present.

Why Only 3 to 4 Days?

Fish is delicate. It spoils faster than beef or pork.

Fish has:

• High moisture

• Soft texture

• Natural oils

These make it healthy to eat but also easy for bacteria to grow.

Once fish is cooked, bacteria can still grow if it is not stored well.

That is why proper storage matters.

How to Store Cooked Fish the Right Way

If you want your cooked fish to last the full 3 to 4 days, follow these steps.

First, let the fish cool slightly.

Do not leave it out for more than 2 hours.

If the room is hot, refrigerate it within 1 hour.

Next, place it in an airtight container.

You can also wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or foil.

Then store it in the coldest part of your fridge.

Do not place it in the door.

The temperature changes too much there.

Keeping air out helps slow down spoilage and keeps your fish tasting better.

Can You Freeze Cooked Fish?

Yes, you can freeze cooked fish.

Cooked fish can stay in the freezer for 2 to 3 months.

After that, the taste and texture may change.

Wrap it tightly in freezer-safe wrap or use an airtight container. 

Remove as much air as possible.

When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Do not thaw fish at room temperature.

How to Tell If Cooked Fish Has Gone Bad

Even if it has only been a few days, always check your fish before eating.

Here are signs cooked fish has spoiled:

• Strong sour smell

• Slimy texture

• Dull or gray color

• Mold spots

If the fish smells very “fishy” or sour, throw it away.

Fresh cooked fish should have a mild smell.

When in doubt, do not taste it.

It is better to be safe.

What Happens If You Eat Bad Fish?

Eating spoiled fish can cause food poisoning.

Symptoms may include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Stomach pain

• Diarrhea

• Fever

Symptoms can start within a few hours.

If symptoms are severe, seek medical help right away.

Does the Type of Fish Matter?

Yes, but not by much.

Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel may spoil a bit faster than lean fish like cod or tilapia.

Still, the safe rule is the same.

All cooked fish should be eaten within 3 to 4 days.

If you enjoy grilling different types of fish, you may also like trying simple backyard meals.

Check out these Easy Gas Grill Recipes Anyone Can Try for Tasty Meals for new ideas that are simple and full of flavor.

What About Smoked Fish?

Smoked fish lasts about the same time once opened or cooked.

If it is fully cooked and stored in the fridge, eat it within 3 to 4 days.

Always check the package for storage instructions.

Safe Cooking Temperature for Fish

Proper cooking helps kill bacteria before storage.

Fish should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

If you want to better understand safe meat temperatures in Celsius, you can read What Is the Perfect Temperature of Cooked Meat in Celsius?.

It explains safe internal temperatures in a clear and simple way.

If you grill or smoke fish often, using a clear temperature guide can help you cook it safely every time.

The Easy Function Meat Temperature Guide Magnet is a simple tool that sticks to your grill or fridge.

It shows safe internal temperatures for fish, chicken, beef, and more.

This helps prevent undercooking and keeps your meals safe.

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Tips to Make Cooked Fish Last Longer

While the 3 to 4 day rule stays the same, these tips help keep it fresh during that time.

Store fish quickly after cooking.

Use airtight containers.

Keep your fridge cold.

Avoid opening the container too often.

If you grilled fish outdoors, make sure your grill grates are clean before cooking.

Old food stuck on grates can affect flavor and safety.

A bristle-free grill cleaning tool, like the Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper, helps clean your grill safely without metal bristles.

Clean cooking surfaces mean better food and safer leftovers.

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Quick Storage Chart

Here is a simple guide:

• Cooked fish in fridge: 3 to 4 days

• Cooked fish in freezer: 2 to 3 months

• Left out at room temp: No more than 2 hours

This applies to most types of fish.

Final Thoughts: How Long Can Cooked Fish Stay in the Fridge?

Now you know the answer.

Cooked fish can stay in the fridge for 3 to 4 days when stored properly at 40°F or below.

Always store it in an airtight container.

Check for smell and texture before eating.

When unsure, throw it out.

Food safety is simple but important.

If you want to cook fish perfectly every time, make sure your grill is clean and your meat reaches the right temperature.

Click the image to check out our Easy Function products and explore tools that help make grilling and food safety easier.

P.S. We regularly publish new recipes and grilling tips. Here’s the most recent one: (Should You Buy Grill Baskets for Veggies? Here's the Answer)