Red salmon, with its bright coral-colored flesh, is one of the most delicious and nutritious types of canned salmon. Known for its rich, robust flavor and velvety texture, canned red salmon is extremely versatile in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about cooking with canned red salmon, from buying tips to storage advice and plenty of simple, tasty recipe ideas.
What is Red Salmon?
Red salmon refers to wild Pacific salmon species like sockeye, coho, and kokanee that have orange-red colored flesh. They get their vibrant hue from eating krill and shrimp that contain astaxanthin, a natural pigment.
Some common types of canned red salmon include:
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Sockeye salmon is the best salmon for canning because it is dark red and tastes good. Sockeye has a higher natural oil content than other salmon.
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Coho – Also called silver salmon Has a slightly lighter red flesh than sockeye Lower in fat with a mild flavor.
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Kokanee – The landlocked version of sockeye salmon with bright crimson flesh Kokanee has a delicate flavor
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Pink – Has a lighter pink flesh and more subtle flavor than sockeye. Usually less expensive.
No matter the variety, canned red salmon delivers an impressive nutrition profile. It’s loaded with protein, anti-inflammatory omega-3s, vitamin D, selenium, niacin, vitamin B12, phosphorus, and other vital nutrients.
Buying the Best Canned Red Salmon
Focus on wild-caught red salmon from Alaska or the Pacific Northwest rather than farmed Atlantic salmon. Wild salmon has more omega-3s and fewer contaminants than farmed.
When possible, choose salmon canned in BPA-free packaging to avoid chemical exposure. Skinless, boneless fillets are the most versatile and easiest to use in recipes.
Select salmon packed in water rather than oil for a healthier fat content. Go for simple, minimally processed options without unnecessary additives.
Reputable brands of canned red salmon include Safe Catch, Wild Planet, Crown Prince, and Salt Sea. Always inspect for best by dates and proper can condition.
How to Store Canned Red Salmon
An unopened can of red salmon will keep for 2-5 years in the pantry. Once open, transfer any uneaten salmon to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up 3-4 days.
For longer freezer storage, portion salmon into recipe-sized servings in freezer bags or airtight containers up to 3 months.
Thaw frozen salmon in the fridge overnight before using. Avoid thawing at room temperature or microwaving, which alters texture.
Prep Tips for Canned Red Salmon
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Drain and rinse the salmon before use to remove excess liquid, bones, and skin.
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Flake the salmon with a fork into bite-sized pieces.
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For a drier consistency, press the salmon between layers of paper towels to absorb more moisture.
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Add it at the end of cooking when using in grain or veggie dishes to avoid overcooking.
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When reheating, use the microwave at 50% power or gently warm in a skillet to prevent dryness.
Simple Ways to Use Canned Red Salmon
Thanks to its rich flavor and flaky texture, canned red salmon can elevate everything from salads and sandwiches to comforting casseroles and tasty appetizers. Here are some easy ways to put those cans of red salmon to delicious use:
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Mix with mayo, lemon, and herbs for an easy salmon salad.
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Toss with pasta, olive oil, and roasted veggies for a quick salmon pasta dish.
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Serve on top of rice bowls loaded with greens, avocado, and crispy seaweed snacks.
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Make salmon cakes by combining with eggs, breadcrumbs, and spices then pan frying.
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Stuff into whole wheat wraps or lettuce leaves for salmon tacos.
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Fold into egg-based dishes like omelets, frittatas, and scrambles.
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Mix with mashed avocado and spread on whole grain toast for tasty avocado salmon toast.
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Add to chowders, casseroles, and potato or rice bakes for extra protein.
With just a little creativity, canned red salmon can transform everyday meals and sides into gourmet fare. Keep reading for even more recipe inspiration!
15 Delicious Recipes with Canned Red Salmon
Incorporate convenient canned red salmon into your meal planning with these simple yet satisfying recipes:
1. Loaded Salmon Rice Bowl
Cook rice and sauté veggies like spinach, zucchini, and bell pepper. Top with canned salmon, avocado, sesame seeds, and tamari sauce.
2. Salmon and Potato Hash
Fry potatoes, peppers, and onion then gently fold in salmon and seasonings. Top with a fried egg.
3. Air Fryer Salmon Cakes
Mix salmon with breadcrumbs, egg, and herbs then shape into patties. Air fry until crispy outside and serve with remoulade.
4. Salmon Fried Rice
Stir canned salmon into leftover chilled rice with frozen peas, carrots, eggs, and soy sauce.
5. Creamy Salmon Pasta
Toss cooked pasta with salmon, frozen peas, Greek yogurt, lemon, and Parmesan.
6. Mediterranean Salmon Salad
Flake salmon over greens, cucumbers, olives, feta, and chickpeas. Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette.
7. Smoky Salmon Chowder
Simmer salmon in a creamy base with potatoes, corn, and spices like smoked paprika.
8. Salmon Niçoise Salad
Serve salmon over mixed greens, green beans, boiled eggs, and tomato. Dress with Dijon vinaigrette.
9. Salmon Veggie Tacos
Fill tortillas with salmon, shredded cabbage, mango salsa, and chipotle crema.
10. Salmon Avocado Toast
Top whole grain toast with mashed avocado, salmon, red pepper flakes, and everything bagel seasoning.
11. Cheesy Salmon Quiche
Bake salmon in a pie crust with eggs, cheese, and sautéed spinach.
12. Salmon Salad Sandwiches
Mix salmon with mayo, celery, and herbs. Enjoy between bread or in lettuce wraps.
13. Salmon Pumpkin Seed Pesto Pasta
Toss hot pasta with salmon and easy pumpkin seed pesto.
14. Kickin’ Cajun Salmon Cakes
Make crispy battered salmon patties with Cajun seasoning. Serve with spicy mayo.
15. Salmon Baked Potatoes
Top baked russets with salmon, broccoli, cheese, Greek yogurt, and bacon.
The possibilities are endless when cooking with convenient and delicious canned red salmon! With a little inspiration, you can enjoy tasty salmon meals any night of the week.
Canned Salmon Recipes Beyond Dinner
While excellent for easy weeknight meals, canned red salmon also works wonderfully in breakfast and lunch dishes:
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Salmon hash – Fry potatoes, onion, kale and salmon then top with poached eggs.
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Salmon omelet – Fill an omelet with creamy salmon, dill, and feta cheese.
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Bagel sandwich – Layer smoked salmon, plain cream cheese, red onion, tomato, and capers on an everything bagel.
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Salmon melt – Mix salmon with honey mustard, diced onion and melted cheese on crusty bread. Broil until bubbly.
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Salmon Caesar salad – Toss romaine lettuce with canned salmon, lemon juice, Parmesan, croutons.
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Salmon niçoise wrap – Fill a whole wheat tortilla with salmon, greens, boiled eggs, olives, tomatoes.
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Salmon quinoa bowl – Top quinoa with salmon, avocado, shredded carrots, chickpeas, and tahini dressing.
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Salmon flatbread pizza – Spread naan with pesto then top with salmon, red onion, fresh mozzarella and tomatoes.
With so many possibilities for easy, delicious meals and snacks, canned red salmon is a smart staple to keep stocked in your pantry year-round.
Health Benefits of Canned Red Salmon
Canned salmon boasts an impressive array of nutrients and health-promoting compounds:
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Protein – Provides 20-25g per 3 oz serving to build muscle, curb hunger and support metabolism.
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Omega-3 fats – Reduce inflammation and lower heart disease and dementia risk.
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Vitamin D – Crucial for immune health, bone strength and mental wellbeing.
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Selenium – An important antioxidant that defends cells from damage and infection.
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B Vitamins – Aid energy production, brain function, nerve health and red blood cell formation.
The convenience of canned salmon makes it easy to reap these nutritional benefits on
Alaskan Sockeye Red Salmon- Salted 5 oz.
Alaskan Sockeye Salmon, wild-caught and freshly canned in Ketchikan, Alaska.
Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, are found in large amounts in sockeye salmon. These acids are important for heart health because they lower inflammation, blood pressure, and disease risk factors. It’s a high-quality protein source (approx. 46 grams of protein per can!) which helps to repair tissue, protect bone health, and maintain muscle mass.
Sockeye is full of important minerals and vitamins. It’s also a great source of several B vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12. These vitamins are needed to make energy, lower inflammation, and protect heart and brain health. The food is also a good source of selenium and vitamin D, which are both important for thyroid and hormone health. Sockeye salmon also contains astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that gives the fish its distinctive red color. Heart disease risk is lower when astaxanthin is present because it makes blood vessels more flexible, lowers inflammation, and fights oxidative stress.
Because it has almost no mercury, it is safe for everyone to eat, especially pregnant women, mothers who are breastfeeding, and kids.
Choosing wild-caught Alaskan sockeye salmon not only supports a healthy diet but also promotes sustainable fishing practices. Alaska’s fisheries are well-managed to ensure the long-term health of salmon populations and their natural habitat.
A Natural Source of Nutrition
There is a lot of skin and bones on our Alaskan Sockeye Salmon. It is cooked in its own juices to keep the flavor and nutrients inside. This method not only preserves the vital Omega-3’s but also provides a great natural source of calcium.
Ingredients: Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon, sea salt. No water, oil or preservatives are added. Packed with skin and bones (fully cooked), a great natural source of calcium.
Cooked only once in its own natural juices to preserve vital Omega 3’s and nutrients. The liquid in the can is the pure fish oil.
MSC certified and packed in non-BPA cans.
Cases are 24 cans. Half cases are 12 cans.
Save $6 when you buy a case (24 cans)
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Red or Pink Salmon? What’s the Difference?
FAQ
Is canned red salmon healthy?
Which is better, pink or red canned salmon?
Why is canned red salmon so expensive?
How to eat canned red salmon?
Is red salmon good for You?
Red salmon has additional health benefits as well: these fish get their brilliant color from the plankton they eat, and this diet also makes them rich in a variety of nutrients, such as antioxidants and vitamin B12, which they have in a higher concentration than any other type of salmon.
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.
Is red salmon a humpback or a red salmon?
Red salmon usually refers to sockeye, which has a rich taste and a denser texture than other salmon species. Pink salmon (sometimes called humpback salmon due to its transformation during spawning) is the most plentiful and smallest of the Pacific salmon species, and is most often used in commercial canning.
What is the difference between red salmon and pink salmon?
Also called sockeye salmon, red salmon belong to a different species than pink salmon and have a stronger, richer flavor. Like pink salmon, they are commonly fished wild from the Pacific rather than farmed in the Atlantic.