can you cook salmon from a can

Can You Cook Salmon from a Can? The Complete Guide

Canned salmon is a pantry staple that offers convenience, affordability, and nutrition. But can you cook salmon straight from the can? The short answer is yes! Canned salmon has already been pre-cooked during the canning process. This makes it safe to eat right out of the can without further cooking. However, heating it enhances the flavor and gives it a more appetizing texture. With simple cooking methods like baking, pan-frying, or microwaving, you can take canned salmon from dull to delicious in minutes.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about cooking canned salmon. You’ll learn how to choose the right type of canned salmon, prep it for cooking, and then transform it into tasty meals and snacks. Let’s dive in!

Choosing Your Canned Salmon

Walk down the canned fish aisle of any grocery store and you’ll see quite a few options for canned salmon. Here are some tips for choosing the best can for your needs:

• Go for wild-caught salmon if you can, as it has better flavor and nutritional value than farmed salmon Look for terms like “Alaskan” or “Pacific” on the label

• Opt for boneless, skinless varieties if you want the convenience of salmon that’s ready to be flaked and eaten. With bones and skin, extra prep is needed.

• Consider the salmon species. Pink salmon has a mild flavor while sockeye and chinook have a richer taste. Coho has an orange-red flesh.

• Check the ingredients list. Some canned salmon contains added flavors, salt, or preservatives. Go for the simplest options.

• Pay attention to sustainability certifications like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) blue fish label.

Prepping Canned Salmon for Cooking

Once you’ve selected your can, prep is easy. Here are the quick steps:

• Remove the lid and drain off any liquid from the can.

• Give the salmon a rinse under cool water to remove excess saltiness if desired.

• Flake the salmon into bite-size pieces using a fork, removing any bones or skin.

• Pour off any liquid that accumulates as you flake.

And that’s it – your salmon is ready to cook! No need to thaw or chop like you would with fresh salmon fillets. With the prep work done, let’s look at cooking methods.

Cooking Canned Salmon on the Stovetop

One of the quickest and easiest ways to cook canned salmon is to sauté it in a skillet on the stovetop. Here’s how:

• Heat 1 tbsp oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.

• When hot, add the drained flaked salmon. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, gently stirring occasionally.

• Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon juice, or any spices you enjoy.

• Cook until heated through, then serve while hot.

The sautéed salmon pairs perfectly with rice or pasta, roasted veggies, or greens for a simple yet satisfying meal.

Baking Canned Salmon

The oven provides another great option for heating up canned salmon and adding flavor.

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.

• Place drained salmon flakes on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil or melted butter.

• Season as desired. Lemon pepper and dill are classic combinations.

• Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly browned.

Baked salmon is wonderful in salads, tacos, wraps, pizza, pasta, or eggs. Get creative with the recipes!

Microwaving Canned Salmon

When you’re in a real rush, the microwave provides the quickest way to heat canned salmon.

• Place salmon flakes in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or water to prevent dryness.

• Microwave on HIGH for 60-90 seconds, until heated through.

• Let rest for a minute before eating.

Microwaved salmon is great for quick sandwiches, bowls, and other weekday meals. While not as flavorful as oven or stovetop methods, it gets the job done fast.

Now Let’s Make Some Delicious Meals!

Armed with easy cooking methods, you can now transform canned salmon into all kinds of delicious dishes. Here are just a few meal ideas to get you inspired:

• Salmon burgers or patties – Combine salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, onions, and seasonings. Pan fry for amazing salmon burgers.

• Salmon salad – Flake salmon over greens, tomatoes, avocados. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon.

• Salmon tacos – Mix salmon with peppers, onions, corn, cilantro, lime, and chili powder. Stuff into warmed tortillas.

• Pasta in creamy salmon sauce – Sauté salmon in cream with garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Toss with hot pasta.

• Eggs with salmon – Add flaked salmon to scrambled eggs or omelets. Grate in some cheese too.

• Salmon fried rice – Sauté salmon with rice, peas, carrots, garlic, ginger, and eggs.

The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to repurposing canned salmon into tasty new dishes. Let your imagination run wild in the kitchen!

Storing and Freezing Leftover Canned Salmon

As long as you store it properly, leftover canned salmon will keep for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Transfer any unused portion to an airtight container after opening. You can also freeze cooked canned salmon for longer storage. Here are some tips:

• Let salmon cool completely before freezing to prevent excess moisture from forming ice crystals.

• Portion salmon into freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible.

• Add a bit of oil or butter to prevent freezer burn.

• Frozen salmon will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer.

• Thaw frozen salmon overnight in the fridge before using.

With proper storage, you can enjoy canned salmon for quick meals again and again!

The Verdict: Cooking Canned Salmon Unlocks Its Potential

While safe to eat straight from the can, taking a couple extra minutes to heat up canned salmon really unlocks its flavor and texture potential. With such simple cooking methods like pan-frying, baking, or microwaving, you can easily take this pantry staple from bland and boring to restaurant-worthy.