Can You Microwave Canned Salmon? A Detailed Guide

Canned salmon is a pantry staple for many busy home cooks. It’s affordable packed with protein and ready to eat right out of the can. But sometimes you may want to heat up canned salmon before eating it or adding it to a recipe. So an important question is can you microwave canned salmon?

The short answer is yes, you can microwave canned salmon. However, there are some best practices to follow when microwaving canned fish to ensure safety, avoid dryness, and enhance flavor.

In this detailed guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about microwave-cooking canned salmon, including

• Benefits and drawbacks of microwaving salmon
• Step-by-step reheating instructions
• Microwave power levels and cook times
• Preventing dryness and adding flavor
• Other reheating methods like oven, skillet, etc.
• Simple recipe ideas for microwaved salmon

Equipped with these tips and techniques, you’ll be ready to quickly and easily reheat canned salmon in the microwave So let’s get started!

Benefits of Microwaving Canned Salmon

Here are some of the biggest advantages to microwaving canned salmon:

• It’s fast – Microwaving is one of the quickest cooking methods, heating salmon in just minutes.

• Very convenient – Canned salmon can be microwaved right in the can or transferred to a microwave-safe dish for easy reheating. Minimal cleanup!

• Retains moisture – The wet environment of microwave cooking helps keep canned salmon tender and moist.

• Adds subtle flavor – Light steaming and warming brings out the natural umami flavors of the salmon.

• Kills bacteria – Heating canned salmon destroys any harmful microbes for food safety.

So if you’re short on time or want to quickly liven up some canned salmon, the microwave can be your best friend.

Potential Drawbacks to Know

However, there are a few potential downsides to microwaving canned salmon to be aware of:

• Can dry out salmon – Microwaving too long may cause canned salmon to become dried out or rubbery.

• Alters texture – The texture of the salmon may change, becoming flaky or mushy.

• Doesn’t add browning or char – Microwaves don’t brown or char the salmon like oven/broiler cooking.

• Uneven heating – Dense or thick parts of salmon may not heat evenly.

• Limited flavor – Microwaving alone doesn’t add much extra flavor.

With the right techniques, these drawbacks can be minimized or avoided. Paying attention to cook times and power levels is key. Now let’s go over the step-by-step process.

How to Microwave Canned Salmon – Step by Step

Follow these simple steps for reheating canned salmon in the microwave:

1. Remove the can lid and drain excess liquid

Open the salmon can and drain off any water or oil completely. This prevents splattering or boiling over when heated.

Pour salmon and liquid into a colander to drain. Then transfer just the salmon to a microwave-safe dish, leaving the liquid behind.

2. Arrange the salmon in a shallow, microwave-safe dish

A broad, shallow bowl or plate allows microwave energy to penetrate the salmon evenly. Mound the salmon loosely in the center.

Glass, ceramic, high-heat plastic, or paper plates all work. Avoid metal dishes which can spark.

3. Cover lightly with a paper towel or microwave plastic wrap

Covering prevents splatter while allowing steam to soften the salmon. Vent one corner of the covering so steam can escape.

4. Microwave on HIGH in short intervals, checking frequently

Microwave salmon for 30-60 seconds at full power first. Check and stir it periodically to redistribute heat.

Microwave at 10-20 second intervals from this point forward to avoid overcooking.

5. Allow the salmon to rest 1 minute before serving

Let salmon sit covered for 1 minute after microwaving so heat can evenly distribute. Salmon will also continue to cook slightly during the standing time.

And that’s all it takes to quickly reheat canned salmon with the microwave!

Recommended Microwave Power Levels and Cook Times

• Microwave Power Level: High/Full Power (100%)

• Prep: Drain can and transfer salmon to dish (1 min)

• Cook Time: 30-60 seconds initially, then 10-20 seconds at a time

• Rest: 1 minute

• Total Time: About 2-3 minutes

Adjust cook times up or down based on your microwave wattage, quantity of salmon, and personal preference. Just exercise caution not to overcook.

Preventing Dry, Rubbery Salmon When Microwaving

To keep canned salmon moist and tender during microwave reheating, here are a few tips:

• Use a broad, shallow microwave-safe dish so microwaves penetrate from the top more evenly.

• Cover with a damp paper towel or vented plastic wrap to create steam.

• Cook at bursts at lower power if possible (50-80% power).

• Monitor frequently and remove before salmon looks dried out. Err on the side of underdone.

• Immediately cover after cooking and allow to steam for 1 minute before uncovering.

• Add a drizzle of olive oil or butter after microwaving to combat dryness.

Following these precautions, you can microwave canned salmon without it becoming tough, dried, or rubbery.

Flavor Enhancers to Add After Microwaving

Since microwaving alone doesn’t add much flavor, try stirring in any of these ingredients after reheating canned salmon:

• Fresh lemon or lime juice – Adds brightness.

• Chopped herbs like dill, parsley, basil – Boosts freshness.

• Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, pepper.

• Soy sauce, tamari, or fish sauce – Provides savory umami.

• Mayo, olive oil, or butter – Adds richness.

• Hot sauce, wasabi, or mustard – Mix in a kick.

• Teriyaki, bbq, or other sauce – Easy added flavor.

Get creative with spices, herbs, sauces, and zests to liven up microwaved salmon!

Other Ways to Reheat Canned Salmon

While the microwave is quick and convenient, other cooking methods can also reheat canned salmon with delicious results:

• Oven: Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes to heat through and lightly brown.

• Skillet: Saute over medium heat with oil or butter for 5-7 minutes adding texture.

• Simmer: Add to soups, pasta sauce, rice, etc. to gently warm salmon.

• Salads: Flake onto dressed greens or grains for a no-cook option.

• Sandwiches: Layer onto toasted bread and melt cheese on top to warm.

So explore all these alternative reheating options beyond just the microwave when preparing canned salmon.

Simple Recipe Ideas for Microwaved Salmon

Here are a few easy recipe ideas that put microwaved canned salmon to delicious use:

• Salmon salad – Flake into a bowl with greens, tomatoes, diced cucumbers, olives and dressed with lemon vinaigrette.

• Salmon tacos – Warm salmon with taco spices and mix into warmed corn tortillas with salsa and cabbage slaw.

• Salmon potato cakes – Fold flaked salmon into mashed potatoes with an egg. Form into patties and pan-fry until browned.

• Pasta with salmon – Toss microwaved salmon with hot pasta in a lemony cream sauce or pesto.

• Salmon dip – Puree microwaved salmon with cream cheese, lemon, herbs and serve with crackers or veggies.

With minimal prep time, you can make so many easy dishes starring protein-packed canned salmon simply reheated in the microwave.

Tips for Selecting Quality Canned Salmon

To maximize the flavor and quality when reheating canned salmon in the microwave, start with a high-quality product:

• Look for wild-caught salmon varieties like sockeye, pink, or coho salmon.

• Check the ingredients – salmon should be the first and primary ingredient.

• Seek cans with minimal added liquids (“drier” canned salmon).

• Pick salmon canned in BPA-free cans to avoid chemical linings.

• Opt for responsibly-sourced salmon certified by organizations like the MSC.

• Avoid cans with damage like dents, rust, bulging or cracks.

• Store unopened cans in a cool, dry pantry away from light.

With sound sourcing and storage, canned salmon will retain the majority of its natural health benefits and great taste when microwaved.

Is It Safe to Microwave Canned Salmon in the Can?

You may wonder – can you