If you havent experimented with canned salmon yet, your world is about to be rocked. These recipes are WAY easier than cooking a salmon filet—and much cheaper to shop for. You can use it in healthy dinner salads, pasta dinners during the week, as a burger base, or instead of raw fish in sushi bowls, just like you would canned tuna. Here are 15 ideas for how to use canned salmon. We bet you’ll buy a few cans on your next trip to the store.
It’s clear that canned salmon is easier to use and cheaper than fresh salmon, but there are still some things you should watch out for. There are two main types of salmon that are canned: farmed salmon (mostly Atlantic salmon) and wild salmon (best is wild Alaskan). In general, wild salmon gets higher marks because their food doesn’t contain antibiotics, they’re better for the environment, they contain less mercury, and so on. ), but it can be more expensive. When you think about how much you’ll save by not buying fresh, we think the extra cost is worth it. But keep that in mind when you’re shopping. You’ll also come across different words, such as pink versus sockeye, skinless and boneless versus not, packed in water or oil, smoked, and so on. Which you like best is really up to you, so try them all in these recipes to find your favorite.
Not into the whole canned thing? Check out our favorite salmon recipes and healthy seafood recipes too. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below.
The secret to this burger is using canned salmon. Let me change the bad reputation that canned foods have and show you all how good canned fish can be! It’s quick and easy, and you don’t have to worry about the fish bones because the canning process makes them soft and safe to eat along with the fish filet.
If you like rice, you have to try onigiri. It’s a simple rice ball with different fillings that is wrapped in roasted seaweed (nori) and great for a snack or a light meal. We give three different filling options here, including miso salmon (made with canned salmon!).
Our salmon patties taste like they came from France because they are made with dill and Dijon mustard in this recipe. But if you want to have some fun, you can try some other international flavor profiles. For an Asian taste, leave the scallions alone and add some finely chopped garlic and ginger, along with a teaspoon of soy sauce. Or go Middle Eastern and “falafel” them by adding fresh cilantro and a half a teaspoon of cumin.
It’s not the same, but trust us, it works! Adding canned salmon to your regular tuna sandwich for lunch can make it taste better!
It sounds fancy to make smoked salmon pasta, but it’s really one of the easiest and fastest pastas we’ve ever made. It only takes a little over 30 minutes to make, so it’s great for a quick seafood dinner during the week. It’s also delicious enough to impress your guests for parties and holidays.
We thought we could use canned tuna instead of canned salmon because Niçoise salads aren’t always the same. We added fresh, crunchy cucumbers, tender boiled potatoes and green beans, briny black olives and capers, jammy boiled eggs, and a punch of salty umami from anchovy fillets and a mustard-spiked vinaigrette. It was a very filling lunch.
This salmon chowder is packed with tender, flaky fish, fresh sweet corn kernels, and rings of spicy jalapeño. You can also use canned salmon, smoked salmon, or leftover cooked salmon to make this chowder. If the fish is already seasoned, don’t salt it; just add the pieces to the corn to warm them up.
Okay, mixing an egg into a salmon fillet isn’t the sexiest thing to do, but it’s important for these patties to stay together (and it should work with canned salmon too!). Youll be so glad you did when youre eating this light, flavorful salmon burger sandwiched in fluffy pita.
Using leftover salmon (packed in oil for extra flavor), this dish comes together FAST. You only need to chop up the vegetables and mix the tahini and Greek yogurt dressing in a bowl.
Of course, most nights we want pasta. But when we want something a little heartier, we add baked salmon and a tasty lemon-butter cream sauce to our buttered noodles. Try using canned salmon to make this come together even faster!.
Even though the word “croquette” comes from French, we gave these a very Southern feel by adding hot sauce and Cajun seasoning. We used both panko breadcrumbs and flour to make sure they wouldn’t fall apart while you fried them.
Canned salmon is a pantry staple for many people. It’s affordable, versatile, and packed with nutrition like protein, healthy omega-3s, vitamin D, calcium, and more. But a common question is – can you eat canned salmon right out of the can, or does it need to be cooked first?
The short answer is no, salmon from a can doesn’t need to be cooked first. When salmon is canned, it is cooked to a safe temperature so that it can be stored for a long time and is safe to eat right from the can.
How Canning Salmon Cooks It
Canned salmon undergoes a detailed process that both cooks and preserves it:
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Salmon is caught and processed.
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It is cooked either by retort pouches or traditional metal canning. Cans made of metal heat the salmon to 250°F with higher steam pressure, while retort pouches heat the salmon to 240°F to 250°F.
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The cooked salmon is sealed into cans or pouches
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Cans are heated again in pressurized steam to sterilize them. Temperatures reach 240-250°F again.
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The cans are cooled then labeled and packaged for shipment
This thorough cooking and canning process heats the salmon to temperatures high enough to kill any potential bacteria or parasites No further cooking is needed before eating straight from the can
It’s Safe to Eat Right from the Can
The expert consensus is that canned salmon is fully cooked during processing, making it safe to enjoy directly from the can without further preparation:
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Per the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), commercially canned salmon is safe to eat without additional cooking.
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The Washington State Department of Health states canned salmon is a shelf-stable product that can be consumed right from the can.
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Oregon State University Extension confirms canned salmon has already been cooked and can be eaten immediately.
So dig in and enjoy your canned salmon salad, sandwich, or straight from the can! No need to dirty extra dishes or spend time cooking what’s already cooked.
Delicious Ways to Eat Canned Salmon
Canned salmon requires zero prep so it’s easy to enjoy in countless quick meals and snacks:
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Salmon salad sandwiches – Mix with mayo, lemon juice, celery, onion, herbs.
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Salmon cakes – Blend with eggs, breadcrumbs, seasonings, then pan fry.
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Pasta salad – Toss with vegetables, pasta, Italian dressing.
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Lettuce wraps – Spoon into lettuce leaves with avocado and ranch dressing.
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Toast or crackers – Top with salmon, tomatoes, Everything Bagel seasoning.
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Salmon salad bowls – Serve over greens with fresh veggies.
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Scrambled eggs – Stir in flakes of salmon and fresh dill.
So easy and delicious! Canned salmon elevates snacks, salads, pastas, and more with little effort thanks to it being pre-cooked.
Nutrition Benefits of Canned Salmon
Besides being convenient, canned salmon boasts an impressive nutritional profile. Its excellent source of:
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Protein – 32g per can to build muscle, keep you full.
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Omega-3 fatty acids – 1,800mg EPA/DHA for brain, heart, eye health.
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Vitamin D – 90% of the RDI to support immune function and bones.
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Selenium – 70% of the RDI to support thyroid hormone.
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Niacin – 50% of the RDI to help convert food into energy.
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Vitamin B12 – 35% of the RDI for healthy blood and nerves.
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Calcium – 10% of the RDI to strengthen bones.
So you get a powerful dose of nourishment along with convenience. What a nutrition bargain!
Buying Quality Canned Salmon
To get the most from canned salmon:
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Choose wild-caught varieties over farmed for more omega-3s. Wild sockeye and pink salmon are best.
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Opt for salmon canned in BPA-free packaging when possible.
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Pick options packed in water over oil or sauces for purity.
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Avoid added sodium – choose “no salt added” if available.
Stick to trusted brands and sustainable fisheries for high-quality canned salmon you can feel good about eating.
Storing Canned Salmon
An unopened can of salmon will stay fresh 2-5 years in the pantry. Once opened, transfer any unused salmon to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions of canned salmon in freezer bags or containers for 1-2 months.
Though canned salmon lasts a while, its high unsaturated fat content means it has a shorter shelf life than other canned seafood like tuna. Follow nose-knows and toss if there is any sour, rancid smell.
Safety Tips
To enjoy canned salmon safely:
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Check for dents, damage, swelling, leaks before opening. Discard if compromised.
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Clean the can lid before opening to avoid contamination.
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Refrigerate within 2 hours of opening and use within 3-4 days.
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Don’t eat directly from the can. Transfer to a clean dish first.
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Rinse the fork after each bite if eating directly from the can.
Simple food handling keeps canned salmon safe to savor.
Perfect for Quick, Nutritious Meals
Thanks to being fully cooked during the canning process, canned salmon is safe to enjoy straight from the can without any additional cooking required. Keep canned salmon stocked for nutritious meals and snacks ready in minutes – no recipe needed! Simply open the can and enjoy the convenience and nutrition of canned salmon.
Salmon Meatballs With Avocado Crema
As much as we love baked salmon, every now and then we need to shake things up. Enter: salmon meatballs. With AVOCADO CREMA. At first, the idea of processing the filets might seem a little strange, but we promise you that it will taste great in the end.
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This BLT-inspired salad is SO flavorful and satisfying youll forget its a big bowl of lettuce. Salmon (canned works too!), bacon, and avocado go so well together, and the homemade creamy dressing takes it to the next level.
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Salmon Patties – Old Fashioned, Southern Recipe!
Is canned salmon cooked?
The answer to this question is yes, canned salmon is indeed cooked. The canning process involves cooking the salmon at high temperatures, which effectively eliminates any harmful bacteria and makes it safe for consumption straight out of the can. This makes canned salmon a convenient and versatile option for quick and easy meals.
Is fresh salmon safe to eat?
Yes, salmon is a source of omega 3, the fatty acid is responsible for acting in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, making the heart strong and healthy. Just be careful to analyze the supplier to make sure it doesn’t have any contamination.
Can you eat canned salmon without cooking?
Yes, you can eat canned salmon straight from the can without cooking it. Canned salmon is typically fully cooked during the canning process, which makes it safe to consume without further cooking. However, cooking canned salmon can enhance its flavor and texture. What are some popular ways to cook canned salmon?
Does canned salmon need to be refrigerated?
This cooking process also helps to preserve the salmon, giving it a long shelf life without the need for refrigeration. As a result, canned salmon is a popular choice for camping trips, hikes, or any situation where refrigeration is not available. Canned salmon has a number of benefits that make it a popular choice for many consumers.