Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious fish. It’s rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and various other nutrients. Many people enjoy cooking salmon regularly for its fantastic health benefits and great taste.
However, it can be challenging to come up with new ways to eat leftover cooked salmon day after day. You may end up throwing away perfectly good salmon just because you don’t want to eat the same old salmon salad or salmon patty again.
I’ve compiled this handy guide on 10 delicious ways to eat cold leftover salmon. With a little creativity, you can transform salmon leftovers into exciting new dishes the whole family will love.
1. Make Your Own Ceviche
Ceviche is a South American dish made by “cooking” raw fish in citrus juice. The acid from the lemon or lime juice chemically cooks the fish without heat. To make ceviche with leftover salmon, cut the cooked fish into bite-size pieces. Toss with freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice, chopped tomato, onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and a pinch of salt. Let it marinate in the fridge for 1-2 hours before eating. The lime juice will give the salmon a refreshing new flavor.
2. Toss into a Hearty Salad
Leafy green salads provide the perfect crunchy, fresh base for leftover salmon. Break the salmon into large chunks and scatter them over a bed of salad greens, veggies, beans, nuts, dried fruit, and crumbled cheese or feta. Drizzle your favorite vinaigrette, toss everything together, and you have an easy, satisfying meatless meal.
3. Make Delicious Salmon Cakes
Salmon cakes or patties are a tasty way to repurpose leftover salmon. Use a food processor to finely chop cooked salmon flesh into a thick paste. Mix in breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, herbs, salt and pepper. Shape into patties and pan fry until golden on both sides. Serve as is or on buns with all the fixings for salmon burgers.
4. Transform into Salmon Fried Rice
Jazz up boring fried rice by adding chunks of leftover salmon. Simply stir the cold cooked salmon into the rice along with classic fried rice ingredients like peas, carrots, egg, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and scallions. The salmon adds a flavor and nutrition boost to the easy one-skillet meal.
5. Make a Creamy Salmon Dip
Here’s a simple appetizer that’s sure to be a hit at your next party or potluck. Purée cold flaked salmon with softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper. Transfer to a baking dish, top with shredded cheddar or Monterey jack and bake until hot and bubbly. Serve with crackers, chips or veggie sticks for scooping up the irresistible dip.
6. Loaded Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are the perfect vessel for transforming leftover salmon into an easy meal. Simply top a hot baked russet or sweet potato with cold flaked salmon shredded cheese bacon bits, scallions, and a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. The combo of warm, hearty potato and protein-packed salmon is so satisfying.
7. Salmon Avocado Toast
For a quick breakfast or snack, try topping a slice of toasted whole grain bread with mashed avocado, lemon juice, cold salmon chunks, red onion, everything bagel seasoning, and sesame seeds. It takes just minutes to assemble and packs nearly 20 grams of protein thanks to the salmon.
8. Asian Salmon Lettuce Wraps
Shredded lettuce cups make the perfect low-carb vehicle for leftover salmon. Sauté minced garlic ginger carrot, and cabbage. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Place scoops of the veggie mixture into lettuce leaves and top with cold salmon pieces. Garnish with sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and sriracha for a little kick.
9. Salmon and Quinoa Bowl
Build a hearty grain bowl for lunch by spooning cooked quinoa or brown rice into a bowl. Top with leftover salmon chunks or flakes, raw or roasted vegetables, avocado, nuts, and a drizzle of your favorite dressing. Packed with protein, healthy fats, carbs, and veggies, these bowls will keep you full all afternoon.
10. Easy Salmon Chowder
Warm up with a comforting salmon corn chowder on chilly nights. Simply cook onion, celery, potato, and corn in olive oil. Add chicken or veggie broth, milk, and salmon chunks. Simmer until potatoes are tender. Finish with a swirl of cream or half-and-half. Garnish bowls of this soothing chowder with fresh parsley.
With a little creativity, you can transform boring old leftover salmon into all kinds of delicious new dishes. Next time you have extra cooked salmon on hand, give some of these fun recipes a try. Your family may start requesting salmon multiple times a week just so they can enjoy the leftovers!
FAQ
How do you eat leftover cold salmon?
Convenience: Eating cold leftover salmon is a great way to save time and effort. You don’t have to worry about reheating it or going through the whole cooking process again. I like to eat it as is, make salmon salad out of it, add it to a salad or even make a sandwich.
What sauce do you serve with cold salmon?
After that, you can eat the salmon right away while it’s still warm, let it return to room temperature, or even serve it chilled from the fridge. Paired with a simple yogurt-dill sauce, this salmon makes for a very quick, easy, and delicious meal.
Is salmon good served cold?
What’s more: Slow-roasted salmon is as delicious hot, as it is warm, as it is cold. The last might be my favorite, especially as the weather gets clammier by the day. Refrigerating fish post-roast means you can start the recipe when you have time, then put it toward dinner when you don’t.
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