Salmon is a delicious and healthy fish that is excellent for meals like lunches or dinners. However, you may not always finish all of your cooked salmon in one sitting. Rather than wasting the leftover salmon, there are several easy methods for reheating it to enjoy again later. This article will provide tips on the best ways to reheat salmon using the oven, microwave, stovetop and more.
If you have leftover cooked salmon from a previous meal, reheating it is simple. Here are some of the top recommended methods:
How to Reheat Salmon in the Oven
The oven allows you to reheat salmon evenly without drying it out. Here is a simple oven reheating method:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place salmon on a lightly greased or foil-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Check frequently to prevent overcooking. If needed, loosely cover with foil.
- For added flavor, top with spices, herbs or a sauce before reheating.
- Allow thicker salmon fillets more time, up to 20 minutes.
How to Reheat Salmon in the Microwave
The microwave provides a quick way to reheat leftover salmon. Follow these tips:
- Place salmon in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a paper towel or vented lid.
- Microwave on 50% power for 60-90 seconds until warmed through.
- Check every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking. Flake with a fork to test doneness.
- For thicker fillets, microwave for longer in 30 second intervals.
- Add a teaspoon of water or broth to prevent drying out.
- Let the salmon rest 1-2 minutes after microwaving before serving.
How to Reheat Salmon in a Pan
Reheating salmon in a pan is quick and helps provide a crispy exterior.
- Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes on each side until warmed through.
- For extra flavor, add herbs, spices, lemon or sauce to the pan.
- Use caution to avoid overcooking the salmon.
- You can also add other ingredients like vegetables to the pan and sauté everything together.
How to Reheat Salmon in a Toaster Oven
A toaster oven provides an easy way to gently reheat salmon fillets.
- Preheat toaster oven to 350°F.
- Place salmon on baking sheet or small pan that fits in toaster oven.
- Bake for 8-12 minutes until salmon is hot. Check often.
- Brush with oil or sauce and add seasonings for more flavor.
- Salmon pieces and thinner fillets will take less time to reheat.
- Let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes before removing from toaster oven.
How to Reheat Salmon on the Stovetop
Using the stovetop is a quick option for reheating salmon without an oven.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a teaspoon of oil or butter.
- When hot, add salmon fillets. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- If sauce or seasonings are desired, add them to the skillet as the salmon cooks.
- Use a spatula to gently flip the fillets over halfway through.
- Cook until the salmon is warmed through and reaches 145°F.
How to Reheat Baked Salmon
Baked salmon reheats beautifully in the oven. Here are some tips:
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Use a lower temp than initially baking.
- Place salmon on a lightly oiled baking sheet or dish.
- Bake for 8-12 minutes until heated through.
- Watch closely so the salmon does not dry out.
- Brush with olive oil or sauce for extra moisture and flavor.
- For added flavor, top with fresh herbs, lemon slices or seasonings before reheating.
How to Reheat Frozen Salmon
Thawed or frozen salmon can both be reheated using these methods:
For thawed salmon:
- Follow the typical reheating instructions for oven, microwave or stovetop.
- Add a few extra minutes to account for the chilled temperature.
For frozen salmon:
- Bake frozen fillets in the oven at 375°F for 18-25 minutes.
- Microwave frozen salmon for 2-3 minutes on 50% power until thawed and heated through.
- Pan fry over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side.
Tips for Reheating Salmon
- Add a splash of milk, white wine, lemon juice or broth to the salmon before reheating for extra moisture and flavor.
- Use an oven-safe thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Be careful not to overcook the salmon when reheating or it will become dry.
- For fried salmon, you can reheat it in the oven but it may lose its crispy texture.
- Flake the salmon into smaller pieces for quicker and more even reheating.
- Salmon reheats well for up to 3-4 days after being cooked.
FAQs
What is the best way to reheat salmon patties or cakes?
Salmon patties can be reheated either in the oven or pan fried. To oven-reheat, place on a baking sheet at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. To pan fry, heat a skillet with oil or butter over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
Can you reheat poached salmon?
Poached salmon can be gently reheated either on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave for 60-90 seconds until warmed through. Take care not to overcook the salmon or it will become dry.
How do you keep salmon moist when reheating?
Brush the salmon with olive oil or sauce before reheating. Also, reheating salmon in broth, wine or lemon juice will help keep it moist. Do not overcook and let salmon rest for 2-3 minutes after reheating.
Should you reheat salmon low and slow?
Yes, reheating salmon on a lower temperature setting is best. Use the oven at 325°F or microwave at 50% power. Quickly searing over high heat can make the salmon dry and overcooked.
Can I reheat smoked salmon?
Yes, smoked salmon can be gently reheated either wrapped in foil in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes or at 30 second intervals in the microwave until warmed through. Be very careful not to overcook it.
Is it safe to reheat salmon more than once?
Salmon is best fresh and reheated once. Reheating salmon more than once increases the risk of bacterial growth. Only reheat leftover salmon that was refrigerated promptly and within 2-3 days.
How can you tell if reheated salmon is done?
- Check for an internal temperature of 145°F. The salmon should be hot throughout and opaque and flaky. Overcooked salmon will be dry and firm. Let rest 2-3 minutes then flake with a fork to check for doneness.
Here are some recommended appliances and cookware for reheating salmon in the microwave, oven, toaster oven, pan or on the stovetop:
Microwave:
- GE JES1097SMSS Microwave Oven – 1.1 cubic feet capacity, 1000 watts with sensor cooking for evenly reheated salmon.
- Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN676S – 1.2 cubic foot capacity with Inverter Technology for controlled reheating.
- Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven – 1.2 cubic feet, 1100 watts with mute function ideal for reheating without noise.
Oven:
- GE JTS5000SNSS Electric Oven – 5.3 cubic feet capacity with convection cooking for even reheating.
- Frigidaire FFEW2726TS Electric Single Wall Oven – 4.2 cubic feet capacity, self-cleaning.
- Bosch HBL8451UC 800 30″ Electric Wall Oven – 4.6 cubic feet, convection and fast preheat.
Toaster Oven:
- Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro – 1800 watts with convection and element IQ for controlled reheating.
- Cuisinart Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven TOB-260N1 – 0.95 cubic foot capacity, 15 cooking functions.
- Panasonic FlashXpress NB-G110P Toaster Oven – Double infrared heating, compact size good for reheating salmon.
Pan:
- All-Clad Stainless Steel Skillet – 12 inch size, evenly conducts heat.
- Calphalon Nonstick Fry Pan – 12 inches, nonstick surface ideal for reheating salmon.
- Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized Skillet – 12 inches, durable nonstick pan.
Stovetop:
- GE JP3030DJBB Electric Smoothtop Range – Flexible 5 heating elements with melt setting good for gently reheating salmon.
- Frigidaire FFGF3047LS Gas Range – Continuous grates provide even stovetop heating for salmon.
- Bosch NGM8056UC 800 30″ Gas Range – Up to 18,000 BTU power burners give wide temperature control.
Salmon can be easily reheated using a variety of methods. The oven, microwave, stovetop and toaster oven are all great options. Focus on gently reheating the salmon until warm and flaky inside without overcooking it. With proper reheating, leftover salmon can taste just as delicious the second time around.
