Can You Microwave Canned Salmon? [Explained]
Salmon is one of my favorite proteins. I like to cook it a few different ways, but one of my absolute favorite methods is to canned salmon. If you haven’t tried it, trust me, it’s delicious! And it’s a great way to get a quick and healthy meal on the table. But what do you do if you’ve got a can of salmon you need to reheat? The good news is that there are several ways to do it! In this article, I’ll share all the different ways you can reheat canned salmon, as well as some tips on how to make it taste its best. The main concern, though, is: Can you microwave canned salmon?
You can microwave canned salmon. But there are a few things you need to know before you do, from how to place it into the microwave to the appropriate time to cook it or what to add to improve its taste a bit more. Alternatively, you can heat canned salmon on the stovetop or in the oven.
Canned salmon is a quick and easy dinner option. And the good news is that there are several ways to reheat it and enjoy it in numerous delicious combinations! Read on to find out more.
How to Microwave Canned Salmon?
So, you’ve got yourself a can of salmon. Good for you! But now you’re not sure what to do with it. No worries, I’m here to help. In general, you can microwave canned salmon, but you’ll need to ensure that it’s in a microwave-safe dish and that you’re not reheating it more than once.
There are many ways to reheat canned salmon, but microwaving it is definitely the quickest and easiest. To do it, first of all, make sure to remove any bones from the salmon before microwaving it. You can also break it into smaller pieces if necessary.
Then, place the salmon in a microwave-safe container, cover it with aluminum foil, and cook it on high for two to three minutes.
If you want to add a little flavor, brush the salmon with melted butter or olive oil before microwaving it.
Is Canned Salmon Supposed to Be Heated?
One question that often comes up is whether you can eat canned salmon straight from the can. The answer is yes, you can, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Canned salmon doesn’t have much flavor or texture, and it lacks the freshness and juiciness of cooked salmon.
Canned salmon ironically works great in recipes that require cooked salmon but not so much as a stand-alone dish. If you want to eat it straight from the can without heating it up, add a few ingredients to give it some flavor.
Try sprucing up your canned salmon with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, or add some diced tomatoes and cucumbers for a simple salad.
You can also eat canned salmon cold, although it may taste like a lump of wet food, which is unpleasant. However, remember to drain the liquid to remove excess sodium, which preserves the salmon. If you like, you can peel off the skin, but don’t throw away the calcium-rich soft bones! You won’t even notice them when you mash them with a fork.
Unless the can is damaged or very old, or unless it specifically tells you to refrigerate or cook it, you can safely eat canned salmon right out of the can. Canning involves heating the food to a temperature that kills all bacterial spores.
How Else to Reheat Canned Salmon?
Not everyone is a fan of microwaves, which is understandable. If you don’t have a microwave or are skeptical about microwaving canned salmon, there are other ways to reheat it.
One thing you can do is remove the fish from the can and put it in a pan on the stove over medium heat. Firstly, pour a small amount of oil into the pan and heat it on medium-high heat. Once the pan has heated up, carefully place the canned salmon in the hot oil. Let it cook for a few minutes until it is heated through.
You can also add some spices, herbs, or garlic for extra flavor. Use a wooden spoon to flip it over and cook both sides evenly. Once cooked, remove from the heat and place on a plate using kitchen tongs or another cooking tool you feel comfortable using. Always use oven mitts or kitchen towels to avoid burns when handling hot pans or dishes.
Alternatively, you could add the salmon to a simmering soup or stew and let it warm up that way. When your soup is finished, carefully remove the salmon and add some more fresh herbs for flavor before serving.
Finally, you can also use your oven if you’re preparing more than one portion of salmon at a time. Wrap canned salmon in foil and bake it in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes until thoroughly heated (make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too dry).
Like with microwaving, make sure that any sauces are added after heating since they tend to become bitter if cooked too long.
How to Serve Canned Salmon?
Once your canned salmon is reheated, it’s time to start serving it up!
For starters, try serving it with a side of greens like spinach or kale salad. Or, if you’re feeling extra creative, mix it up with some roasted vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and broccoli.
To bring out the best flavor in your salmon, add a light drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, or your favorite herbs and spices.
Make sure to stay moderate on the seasoning since you want to enhance the flavor of the salmon, not overpower it.
Canned salmon makes for a delicious addition to a wide range of dishes. You can try adding it to salads or sandwiches for an extra protein boost, or, of course, you can also simply enjoy canned salmon as-is with some crackers and cream cheese, which is one of my favorite ways to enjoy it!
Lastly, you can jazz up canned salmon by adding a tangy vinaigrette dressing or mayo-based sauce. This adds both flavor and texture to the dish. Plus, the added dash of salt helps cut the fishy taste. And don’t forget some freshly cracked pepper – this will brighten up any dish!
Overall, there are plenty of ways to enjoy canned salmon without it tasting (or feeling) like something from a can. With careful reheating and creative serving ideas, you’ll be serving up delicious dishes in no time! Enjoy!
Easy Microwaved Canned Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can Salmon
- 1 tsp Melted Butter
Instructions
- Make sure to remove any bones from the salmon before microwaving it. You can also break it into smaller pieces if necessary.
- Then, place the salmon in a microwave-safe container, brush it with the melted butter, and cover it with aluminum foil.
- Put it into the microwave, and cook on high for two to three minutes.
- Simple as that, your salmon is done!
