Canned salmon is a pantry staple for good reason. It’s affordable nutritious and versatile. Salmon is packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, B vitamins, potassium, selenium and more. The bones are soft and edible after canning, providing an extra boost of calcium. Plus, canned salmon has a long shelf life, so you can stock up when it’s on sale.
But eating plain salmon from the can gets old fast. Thankfully, there are so many easy ways to turn canned salmon into delicious meals and snacks! In this article, I’ll share my top 15 tips for jazzing up canned salmon.
1. Make Salmon Patties or Cakes
Salmon patties are a classic way to use up canned fish. To make basic salmon patties, mix flaked canned salmon with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, egg, onion, spices and herbs. Shape into patties and pan fry until golden brown and crispy.
For even more flavor mix in chopped veggies like celery bell pepper, zucchini or spinach. Top with condiments like tartar sauce, ketchup, ranch dressing or sriracha mayo. Serve salmon patties as a main course or on buns as salmon burgers.
2. Toss with Pasta
Salmon and pasta is a tasty combo. Simply mix flaked canned salmon with cooked pasta, olive oil or butter, lemon juice, garlic, parsley or dill, salt and pepper. To make it a full meal, add extra veggies like peas, sun-dried tomatoes or broccoli.
Creamy pasta bakes are another good option. Make a white sauce with milk flour and cheese. Stir in salmon and pour over pasta breadcrumbs and bake.
3. Fold into Omelets or Frittatas
Eggs and salmon are a match made in breakfast heaven. Whip up an omelet or frittata packed with flaked salmon, onions, spinach, cheese and herbs. It’s an easy high protein breakfast or brunch.
Make mini salmon frittatas in a muffin tin for on-the-go breakfasts. Or bake up a savory salmon quiche with veggies for breakfast through the week.
4. Mix into Salads
Salmon salad is a simple way to liven up greens. Flake canned salmon over any salad – garden, Greek, potato, pasta and more. You can even toss salmon with just lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper for an easy protein packed salad.
For extra creaminess and flavor, mix the salmon with mayo, yogurt, sour cream or cottage cheese. Add favorite mix-ins like celery, onion, capers, pickles and herbs.
5. Blend into Dips and Spreads
Whip up protein-packed dips and spreads by puréeing canned salmon. Blend with cream cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream, lemon juice and fresh herbs. Serve with crackers, celery, cucumber slices or bell pepper strips.
Smoked salmon dip is especially tasty. Use wild caught salmon and add minced onion, horseradish, smoked paprika and Worcestershire sauce.
6. Stuff into Peppers or Tomatoes
Stuffed peppers and tomatoes make fun filled meals for both kids and adults. Simply mix flaked salmon with cooked rice, bread crumbs, cheese, onions and seasonings. Stuff into halved bell peppers or tomatoes and bake until hot and melty.
You can also stuff salmon mixtures into zucchini boats, Portobello mushroom caps or hollowed out potatoes.
7. Make Croquettes
Croquettes are fried salmon patties coated in breadcrumbs or panko. The coating makes them extra crispy outside with a moist, flaky interior. Roll chilled salmon patties in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Pan fry in oil until golden brown.
Serve croquettes on their own, in sandwiches or over salad. Dip in condiments like mustard, ketchup, ranch or tartar sauce.
8. Wrap in Wontons or Eggrolls
Get your salmon handheld by wrapping in wonton wrappers or eggroll skins. Mix canned salmon with cream cheese, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced veggies and wrap. Seal with a bit of water and fry until crispy.
You can also bake salmon wontons or eggrolls for a healthier option. Enjoy as an appetizer or snack.
9. Whip Up Salmon Cakes
Salmon cakes have a fancier, rounded shape compared to flat patties. Mix canned salmon with mashed potato, bread crumbs, egg, onions, garlic and herbs. Shape into small hockey puck sized cakes, coat in breadcrumbs and pan fry or bake.
Drizzle lemon butter sauce, remoulade, or tartar sauce over the crispy salmon cakes for even more decadence.
10. Add to Casseroles
Casseroles and bakes are great “dump and go” meals. Simply mix canned salmon with cooked pasta or rice, veggies, cheese sauce or cream soup and seasonings. Top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs and bake until bubbly and browned.
Some tasty mix-ins include mushrooms, broccoli, peas, corn, spinach, tomatoes and zucchini. Choose a creamy base like creamed soup, sour cream, Greek yogurt or melted cheese.
11. Make Fish Tacos or Tostadas
Tacos, tostadas and burritos are fun ways to feature salmon. Break salmon into chunks and toss with lime juice, chili powder, cumin and salsa. Pile on corn tortillas with all the fixings – shredded cabbage, avocado, queso fresco, pico de gallo and cilantro.
You can also make salmon salad with Mexican flavors and serve in taco shells or lettuce wraps.
12. Top Crackers, Toast or Baked Potatoes
Simple salmon toasts, crackers or baked potatoes make a fast snack or light lunch. Mix flaked salmon with lemon juice, herbs, capers, onion and celery. Serve atop crispy crackers, baguette slices, crostini or toasted bread.
Pile the salmon mixture on top of a baked russet potato and add cheese, bacon, chives and ranch or sour cream.
13. Whisk into Soups
Salmon chowder is amazing, but you can add canned salmon to any soup. Stir flaked salmon into tomato soup, vegetable soup, ramen and more.
For cream based chowders, whisk salmon into a creamy base of milk or evaporated milk, butter, potatoes, corn and seasoning. Garnish bowls with oyster crackers.
14. Transform into Salmon Burgers
You can easily turn basic salmon patties into gourmet salmon burgers. Shape the patties slightly thicker. Serve on brioche buns with lettuce, tomato, red onion and spicy mayo or remoulade sauce.
Some tasty add-ins include chopped bacon, caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms or avocado. Melted cheese on top is always a win too.
15. Sprinkle on Pizzas
Salmon pizza is an unexpected treat. Simply top baked pizza crusts with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, flaked salmon, red onion, capers and fresh dill.
White pizzas with olive oil or alfredo instead of marinara sauce are also delicious. Add spinach, pineapple or jalapenos for more flavor combinations.
Now that you’ve got 15 creative new ways to use canned salmon, this versatile pantry item can be transformed into easy, tasty meals. Canned salmon is affordable, nutritious and can be jazzed up in endless delicious ways.
FAQ
What is the best way to eat canned salmon?
Yes, you can eat canned salmon straight out of the can. Canned salmon is fully cooked during the canning process, making it safe to eat without further preparation. Many people enjoy it as is or use it in salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid before eating or using it in a recipe.
What pairs well with canned salmon?
Making canned salmon is great, because you can pair it with whatever you have in your refrigerator or pantry to serve a great meal — crackers, pretzels, cherry tomatoes, snap peas, cucumbers, peppers — whatever your family likes to eat!
What can I put on salmon to make it taste better?
What is a good combination with salmon?
Asparagus may be the most common vegetable pairing for salmon, but this dish of bacon-braised string beans, or some spicier Sichuan-style dry-fried green beans can be pretty killer, too. Or keep things ultra-simple and give some braised long beans with tomato and garlic a shot.