The recommendation is to eat the sushi 4 hours after being prepared, and you can always keep the rest in the fridge, where it will remain between 1 to 2 days depending on its preparation. Additionally, you can freeze the sushi, extending its life for 2 or 3 days maximum.
Now that you know what conservation methods you can use, I invite you to keep reading to learn how to conduct each.
Keep sushi in the fridge
If you have had a craving for sushi but bought more than you could eat in a single day and decide it is best to leave the rest for the next day, you can use this method. The flavor of sushi will be lost over the hours since some of the ingredients used in this delicious dish tend to be damaged quickly.
Follow the steps below to keep sushi in the fridge.
- Step 1. Order the sushi rolls.
Order the remaining sushi one after the other until it forms a single roll.
- Step 2. Wrap in plastic wrap.
Place them on plastic wrap, wrap and seal them like candy, and ensure they are well sealed.
- Step 3. Place in an airtight container.
Please place them in a container with an airtight lid to keep them isolated from the air in the refrigerator.
- Step 4. Store in the fridge.
Make a space in the fridge and store it. In this way, raw sushi will remain in good condition for 24 hours, while cooked sushi with fried shrimp and smoked salmon (check my guide to learn how to store salmon here), among others, can last 1 or 2 days well refrigerated.
How to freeze sushi
Can sushi be frozen? Yes, although it is not the most recommended method, since you will lose the sushi’s original texture and flavor and will not be able to extend its shelf life much more, freezing the sushi is not the best option.
However, if you still want to do so, follow these steps to freeze the sushi properly.
- Step 1. Wrap in plastic wrap.
Wrap each roll in plastic wrap, making sure they are completely sealed.
- Step 2. Place in an airtight container.
Please place them in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag.
- Step 3. Store in the freezer.
Once in the container or bag, store in the freezer. When eating, place them in the refrigerator until completely thawed.
This way, you can store sushi in the freezer for 2 to 3 days.
Tips for preserving sushi
Sushi is a dish prepared to eat immediately after serving. Its ingredients can vary between raw and cooked foods, so its shelf life may depend on its preparation. Still, it is always recommended to eat before 4 hours, mainly if it contains raw fish.
When storing sushi, you must consider that it will not maintain its flavor and texture when freshly prepared; even so, it will be ready for consumption if you do it correctly.
Here are some things to keep in mind when storing sushi:
- You should not store sushi if you have added any type of sauce.
- If the sushi is wrapped in seaweed, it will take on a chewy texture if not eaten at that moment. (how to store seaweed here)
- Regardless of the storage form, the avocado will turn dark, so I recommend removing the sushi before storing it. (avocado storage here)
- It is not recommended to freeze sushi if it has vegetables or shrimp since they will begin to crumble when thawed. (How to store shrimp here)
- Fried sushi will lose its crunchy texture and soften when refrigerated.
How to tell if sushi is bad
Before consuming any food, you must ensure it is in good condition; sushi is no exception to this rule. The ingredients used to prepare this delicious dish are susceptible to breaking down quickly, so it is essential to ensure they are in good condition before eating them. Here are some signs that sushi is terrible.
- Sushi pieces do not usually have a strong smell, so you should not consume them if they give off a fishy smell or some other strange smell.
- If it disintegrates easily, it has begun to lose water.
- It must have a bright color. If, otherwise, its color is opaque, you must discard it.
How long does sushi last?
| Product | Duration |
| Raw sushi in the fridge | 24 hours |
| Sushi cooked in the fridge | 1 to 2 days |
| Sushi in the freezer | 2 to 3 days |
What is the best way to store sushi?
When preserving sushi, the best method is to store it in the fridge. Inthis way, it will maintain the flavor and texture better, although, in the same way, it will lose its quality little by little.
If you expect to keep it for a longer time, regardless of whether it loses its texture a little, you can keep it frozen for a maximum of three days. This way, you can eat it later more calmly without fear that you can have poisoning.
If you liked reading about how to preserve sushi, I invite you to continue reading our posts, where you will find all kinds of helpful information regarding the conservation and storage of food.
