Can You Heat Canned Salmon in the Microwave? A Complete Guide

Canned salmon is a pantry staple for many people. It’s affordable, nutritious, and versatile – easily incorporated into salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes and more. But when it comes time to eat it, you may be wondering if you can zap it in the microwave to heat it up quickly.

The short answer is yes you absolutely can heat up canned salmon in the microwave. However there are some best practices you should follow to ensure safe, delicious results every time.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about reheating canned salmon in the microwave. We’ll discuss

• The benefits of canned salmon
• Safety tips for heating in the microwave
• Step-by-step instructions
• Flavoring ideas to jazz it up
• Other reheating methods
• Creative recipes to try

Why Choose Canned Salmon?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s look at why canned salmon is worth keeping on hand in the first place. Here are some of the biggest benefits:

• Nutrition – Salmon is one of the most nutritious proteins out there. It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids, high quality protein, B vitamins, potassium, selenium and more. Canned salmon retains much of the same nutrition as fresh salmon.

• Convenience – Canned salmon needs no prep or cooking. Just open the can and it’s ready to eat or heat up. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or camping trips when you want protein without much effort.

• Affordability – Especially when bought in bulk, canned salmon is significantly cheaper than fresh salmon. Getting your omega-3s has never been more budget-friendly.

• Long shelf life – An unopened can of salmon will keep for 2-5 years in the pantry. Once opened, it will last 3-4 days in the fridge. Canned salmon is great for your emergency food supply.

• Bones – Canned salmon contains soft, edible bones that are an excellent source of calcium. Fresh salmon bones must be removed before cooking.

So if you’re looking for an easy, nutritious protein to stock up on, canned salmon checks all the boxes. Now let’s look at the proper way to heat it up in the microwave.

Safety Tips for Microwaving Canned Salmon

Heating up canned salmon in the microwave is quick and convenient, but there are a few safety practices to keep in mind:

• Use a microwave-safe dish – Glass ceramic and plastic labeled “microwave-safe” are good choices. Metal can damage your microwave.

• Don’t microwave in the can – Always transfer canned salmon to a microwave-safe dish before heating. The metal can could spark in the microwave.

• Remove bones – Take any large bones out before microwaving. The small soft bones are okay to eat.

• Don’t overheat – Microwave just until heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Overcooking can dry it out.

• Cover with a lid or vented plastic wrap – This keeps the microwave from splattering.

Follow these tips and your canned salmon will reheat safely with no hassles!

How to Microwave Canned Salmon – Step-by-Step

Microwaving canned salmon is so fast and easy, you may never go back to stovetop heating again. Here are the basic steps:

1. Remove salmon from the can – Drain off any liquid and transfer the salmon to a microwave-safe dish. Break up large pieces if needed.

2. Check for bones – Pick out any large bones for a better texture.

3. Cover – Place a lid or vented plastic wrap over the dish to prevent splatters.

4. Microwave – Heat on High for 2-3 minutes, just until warmed through.

5. Flake and serve – Use a fork to flake the salmon into pieces. Season and add mix-ins as desired.

And that’s it – your salmon is ready to enjoy in under 5 minutes!

One tip: Don’t microwave the salmon more than once. Reheating multiple times can make the salmon dry and rubbery in texture. Only reheat what you plan on eating right away.

Flavor Ideas for Your Canned Salmon

Plain canned salmon has a rather bland taste on its own. Luckily, it’s easy to jazz up the flavor with a few simple ingredients:

• Fresh lemon or lime juice – Brightens up the flavor and cuts the fishy taste

• Dill, parsley, chives – Fresh herbs perk up canned salmon

• Garlic, onion, shallots – Sautéed aromatics add savory depth

• Spices like paprika, chili powder, cumin, curry powder

• Dijon or whole-grain mustard – Adds a zingy kick

• Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt – Creamy, tangy, cooling

• Soy sauce, sesame oil, Sriracha – Asian-inspired flavors

• Salsa, hot sauce, avocado – Southwestern twist

Feel free to get creative with your own spice combos and sauces too. The simple act of heating the salmon helps the flavors soak in deeply and meld together.

Other Ways to Reheat Canned Salmon

While the microwave is quick and convenient, you can also reheat canned salmon on the stovetop, in the oven or simply serve it cold:

• Skillet – Sauté some onion and garlic, then add salmon and cook until heated through.

• Simmer in soup – Drop chunks of salmon into simmering soups or stews right before serving.

• Bake – Place salmon in a casserole dish, mix with sauce, cover and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.

• Cold salad – Salmon makes a tasty protein-packed addition to cold grain bowls and salads.

• Mix into pasta – Flake in chunks of salmon for an easy weeknight noodle dish.

So don’t limit yourself to just the microwave – get creative with different reheating methods to keep your canned salmon habits exciting!

Creative Recipes to Try with Canned Salmon

Canned salmon really shines when creatively transformed into easy meals and appetizers. Here are some delicious recipes to try:

• Salmon cakes – Mix with mustard, Worcesterchire, breadcrumbs and spices and pan-fry into tasty salmon cakes.

• Salmon salad sandwiches – Flake into a creamy salad filling and serve between toasted bread for a satisfying lunch.

• Frittatas or egg bakes – Add to egg mixtures along with vegetables, cheese and herbs before baking.

• Pasta bakes – Toss with cooked pasta, sauce and veggies, then bake until bubbly and golden.

• Salmon burgers – Made into patties along with oats, eggs, and seasoning for a protein-packed meal.

• Salmon dip – Blend into a creamy, tangy dip to pair with crackers or vegetables.

• Salmon hash – Sauté with potatoes, peppers and seasonings for a hearty breakfast hash.

With minimal effort, you can transform canned salmon into all kinds of easy, delicious meals. It’s even great on its own – simply heat and season to your taste.

Get Healthy Omega-3s on a Budget

Canned salmon is one of the most budget-friendly sources of nutritious omega-3 fatty acids. Heating it up quickly in the microwave helps you get a healthy meal on the table fast.

While fresh salmon is great, the canned option means you can enjoy the benefits of salmon anytime without much fuss or expense. So don’t be afraid to stock up on some cans and keep them on hand for easy protein!

Follow the safety tips, get creative with flavors and recipes, and enjoy all the healthy perks canned salmon has to offer. Your wallet and your tastebuds will thank you.