How to Warm Up Smoked Salmon to Perfection

Smoked salmon is one of my favorite foods. The smoky salty flavor pairs so well with bagels eggs, salads, pasta, and more. But like many seafood dishes, smoked salmon doesn’t reheat all that well. If you don’t do it right, you can end up with dry, rubbery fish that loses all its flavor.

As a hardcore smoked salmon fan, I’ve tested out all the reheating methods to find what works best. In this article, I’ll share my tips and tricks for warming up smoked salmon while keeping it tender and delicious Whether you’ve got leftovers from a brunch spread or need to breathe life back into vacuum-packed smoked salmon, this guide has got you covered

Can You Heat Up Smoked Salmon?

Yes, you can certainly heat up smoked salmon! There are a few different ways to do this, depending on your preferences and the dish you’re making. The key is to use gentle heat to simply warm the smoked salmon through without overcooking it.

The Best Ways to Warm Up Smoked Salmon

Here are my go-to reheating methods for primo smoked salmon every time:

Skillet

My number one choice is a skillet on the stovetop. Simply heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and add a little bit of butter or oil. Place the salmon in the skillet and cook for a few minutes on each side until it is warmed through. The fat prevents sticking and keeps the fish moist. Just be careful not to overcook it!

Tip To get a little crunch, put the salmon skin-side down first if it has skin on it

Oven

The oven is a gentle, hands-off way to warm smoked salmon. Preheat your oven to 275°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the salmon on the sheet, making sure the pieces aren’t touching. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Toaster Oven

If you only need to reheat a portion or two of smoked salmon, a toaster oven is perfect. Follow the same method as a regular oven, but bake at 300°F for just 5-8 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out.

Microwave

The microwave can make smoked fish tough, but it will work in a pinch. Put the salmon on a plate that can go in the microwave and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on 50% power in 30 second bursts until just warm, checking frequently. The paper towel provides a little steam to prevent drying.

Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to go wrong when reheating smoked salmon. Steer clear of these common pitfalls:

• High heat – This dries out and toughens the fish. Keep temperatures moderate.

• No moisture – Covering the salmon or adding a little liquid during reheating helps keep it tender.

• Overcooking – Smoked salmon only needs to be gently warmed through. Take it off the heat as soon as it’s hot.

• Microwaving too long – Nuke salmon in short bursts at reduced power to prevent rubbery texture.

Handy Tips for Reheating Success

Follow these tips for smoked salmon that’s tender and full of flavor every time:

• If reheating skin-on fillets, place skin-side down first to get a little crispiness.

• Add a pat of butter or drizzle of olive oil to boost moisture and prevent sticking.

• Flip the salmon halfway through reheating for even warming.

• Allow refrigerated salmon to sit at room temp for 10-15 minutes before reheating for more even heating.

• Sprinkle with a little lemon juice, dill, or other herbs/spices to boost flavor.

• Let the salmon rest for a minute or two after reheating so the heat distributes evenly.

• Slice reheated salmon against the grain to prevent shredding.

• Store leftover reheated salmon in the fridge and enjoy within 3 days for optimal freshness and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about reheating smoked salmon:

How do you know when it’s done reheating?

Check for an internal temperature of 145°F. The fish should be hot throughout but still moist and flaky.

Can you reheat it directly from the fridge?

Yes, but letting it sit out for 10-15 minutes leads to more even reheating.

Is it safe to reheat in plastic?

It’s best to avoid reheating salmon in plastic bags or containers, as chemicals can leach into the fish. Use parchment paper or microwave-safe dishes instead.

What temperature should the oven or toaster oven be?

Aim for around 275-300°F. Higher heat will dry out the salmon.

Can you eat cold smoked salmon leftovers?

Absolutely! Smoked salmon makes delicious leftovers when served cold in salads, sandwiches, dips and more.

How long does reheated smoked salmon last?

Store leftovers in the fridge and enjoy within 3 days for optimal freshness and flavor.

Can you freeze and reheat smoked salmon?

Previously-frozen salmon can be thawed and reheated with success. But refrain from freezing salmon after it’s been reheated.

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Reheated Smoked Salmon

Once you’ve perfected the reheating process, here are some of my favorite ways to savor smoked salmon:

• Eggs Benedict – Top poached eggs and English muffins with warm flaked salmon and hollandaise.

• Salmon salad – Flake reheated salmon over mixed greens, veggies, beans, and a lemony dressing.

• Pasta – Toss flaked salmon with hot pasta, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs.

• Sandwiches – Layer reheated salmon fillets with cream cheese, tomato, red onion, capers, and sprouts on a bagel or toast.

• Smoked salmon dip – Blend together room temperature cream cheese, warm flaked salmon, lemon juice, herbs, and capers. Serve with crackers and veggies.

• Baked potatoes – Top a baked potato with reheated salmon, Greek yogurt, scallions, and lemon zest.

• Pizza – Add warm smoked salmon chunks as a topping on naan or pizza dough with garlic olive oil, red onion, dill and capers.

So next time you’ve got leftover smoked salmon, don’t let it go to waste! Try one of these reheating methods for tender, flavorful salmon you’ll look forward to eating. Just follow these tips and you’ll be a smoked salmon reheating pro in no time.