Yes, you can safely reheat cooked salmon in a pan. Salmon is a versatile fish that can be enjoyed in many dishes, both hot and cold. However, you may find yourself with leftover cooked salmon from a previous meal. Rather than eating cold leftover salmon or throwing it out, reheating it in a pan allows you to enjoy its delicious flavor once again.
Reheating cooked salmon in a pan on the stovetop is a quick and easy cooking method. With just a few minutes and minimal preparation, the salmon can be warmed through without overcooking the fish. The key is to use low, gentle heat to bring out the salmon’s natural juices and delicate texture.
Should You Reheat Salmon?
It’s perfectly safe to reheat previously cooked salmon as long as you follow proper food safety guidelines. Salmon, like any type of fish or seafood, is highly perishable and prone to bacteria growth if not stored and handled properly. Here are some tips for safely reheating salmon:
Store Leftover Salmon Correctly
– Refrigerate cooked salmon within 2 hours of cooking. Do not leave it sitting out at room temperature.
– Store the salmon in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out in the fridge. Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work best.
– Only keep the salmon in the fridge for 2-3 days maximum. It will start to lose quality after that.
Thaw Safely
– If freezing salmon, store it in an airtight freezer bag or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months.
– Thaw frozen salmon in the refrigerator overnight. Do not thaw at room temperature.
– You can also thaw in cold water in an airtight bag, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Cook immediately.
Reheat Thoroughly
– Reheat leftover salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F/63°C. Use a food thermometer to check it.
– Bring sauces or gravy to a boil when reheating.
– Only reheat salmon once. Do not keep reheating leftovers.
Following proper storage, thawing, and reheating guidelines will keep reheated salmon safe to eat.
How to Reheat Salmon in a Pan
Reheating salmon in a pan is a quick stovetop cooking method. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients
– Leftover cooked salmon filets or steaks
– 1 teaspoon butter, oil, or cooking spray
– Seasonings (optional) – lemon, herbs, salt, and pepper
Equipment
– Non-stick frying pan
– Spatula
– Aluminum foil (optional)
Instructions
1. Take the cooked salmon out of the refrigerator and allow it to come closer to room temperature, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Prepare the pan by adding 1 teaspoon butter, oil, or cooking spray. Heat over medium-low heat.
3. Pat the salmon filets or steaks dry with paper towels. Place in the heated pan and increase heat to medium.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once. You want the salmon to heat through without browning or overcooking.
5. Optionally, add lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover the pan with foil to help trap in heat if salmon is very thick.
6. Remove from pan when salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F/63°C or is hot throughout.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy your reheated salmon! Leftovers can be stored for 2-3 days refrigerated.
The key is to use a lower heat to gently warm the salmon without overcooking it. Higher heat can make the proteins tough. Keeping the skin on also helps the fish retain moisture.
How to Know If Reheated Salmon Is Safe to Eat
It can be difficult to tell if reheated salmon has gone bad, because spoiled fish does not always exhibit obvious signs. Here are some ways to check that reheated salmon is safe:
Smell
– Salmon should smell fresh and mild, not fishy, sour, or ammonia-like. An unpleasant odor means the salmon has spoiled.
Texture
– Good salmon is moist and flakes easily with a fork. Reheated salmon should not be overly dry or mushy.
Color
– The flesh should be glistening and pale pink. Grey, brownish, or yellowish tinting indicates spoiled fish.
Expiration
– Only reheat salmon within 2-3 days of cooking it. Toss out any older leftovers.
Temperature
– Use a food thermometer to confirm reheated salmon reaches 145°F/63°C internally.
When in Doubt, Throw It Out
– If the salmon has an off smell, color, or texture, do not risk eating it. Play it safe and throw away questionable salmon.
Following proper refrigeration and reheating methods will ensure leftover salmon stays fresh and safe to eat multiple times. Use your senses of sight and smell along with a thermometer to double check the salmon before eating.
Tips for Reheating Salmon in a Pan
Here are some handy tips for easily reheating leftover salmon filets or steaks in a frying pan:
Use Gentle Heat
– Medium or medium-low heat is best. High heat overcooks the salmon.
Watch Carefully
– Stay near the stove to avoid overcooking. Salmon cooks fast.
Use a Splash of Liquid
– Add a teaspoon of oil, butter, or water to prevent sticking. Broth also adds flavor.
Keep it Moist
– Use the microwave to quickly steam vegetables like asparagus or greens to serve alongside for moisture.
Flip Once
– Only flip the salmon once during reheating to prevent breaking apart the flesh.
Add Accompaniments
– Top with fresh lemon, herbs, or sauce to add flavor to leftover salmon.
Use Non-Stick Cookware
– Salmon can stick and flake easily. Non-stick pans make reheating easier.
Remove Pin Bones
– Check fillets for small pin bones and remove with tweezers or pliers before reheating.
Cook Fully
– Cook until salmon is hot throughout and reaches 145°F/63°C internally.
Following these simple tips will give you delicious reheated salmon without overcooking this delicate fish. The pan allows you to reheat it quickly for an easy weeknight meal.
Common Mistakes
It’s easy to overcook salmon when reheating it. Avoid these common mistakes:
High Heat
Using high stovetop heat can dry out and toughen the salmon. It can overcook in just minutes.
Overcrowded Pan
Too many pieces in the pan steams rather than sears the fish. Give salmon pieces space.
Cooking Too Long
Salmon overcooks quickly. Pull it off the heat as soon as it flakes and reaches 145°F/63°C.
Breading/Batter Falls Off
Breading and batters don’t hold up well during reheating. Use plain salmon.
Not Warming Through
Thick cuts of salmon may not reheat fully. Check internal temperature.
Letting It Sit
Allowing reheated salmon to sit will dry it out. Serve immediately.
Avoiding these pitfalls means your reheated salmon stays tender and moist with great flavor. Be especially mindful of using gentle heat and not overcooking when reheating salmon in a pan.
Storing Leftover Salmon
To safely save leftover salmon for another meal:
– Let cooked salmon cool completely, about 30 minutes.
– Transfer to an airtight container or resealable plastic freezer bag.
– Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
– Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
– Do not freeze salmon a second time after thawing.
– Discard leftovers beyond 3 days in the fridge or if reheated more than once.
Proper storage keeps leftover salmon fresh, moist, and safe to reheat later in the week. Make sure to seal it in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze promptly after cooking.
How Long Does Cooked Salmon Last?
The shelf life of cooked salmon depends on the storage method:
Refrigerator:
– Fresh salmon: 2-3 days
– Smoked salmon: 3-4 days
Freezer:
– Fresh salmon: 2-3 months
– Smoked salmon: 2-3 months
Pantry:
– Canned salmon: 2-5 years (unopened)
Salmon leftovers should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Refrigeration and freezing prevent bacteria growth and extend the shelf life. Canned salmon lasts the longest when sealed and stored properly.
Try These Delicious Reheated Salmon Recipes
Take your leftover grilled, baked, or poached salmon to delicious new heights with these quick and easy reheating recipe ideas:
Salmon Salad
Toss flaky salmon with greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and a lemon or herb vinaigrette.
Salmon Tacos
Warm salmon in a pan with taco seasoning and stuff into warmed corn tortillas with all the fixings.
Salmon Pasta
Sauté garlic in olive oil. Toss with warm salmon, pasta, and veggies like spinach or peas.
Salmon Quiche
Combine salmon, cheese, and sautéed onions in a flaky pie crust. Bake at 375°F until set.
Salmon Hash
Sauté salmon with potatoes, peppers, and onions. Season with Cajun spices.
Salmon Fried Rice
Stir small salmon chunks into fried rice with vegetables, garlic, ginger, and eggs.
Salmon Eggs Benedict
Poached eggs and hollandaise pair perfectly on top of a reheated salmon filet and English muffin.
Salmon Cakes
Combine flaked salmon with breadcrumbs, egg, herbs, and seasoning. Pan fry into patties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you reheat salmon more than once?
It’s best to only reheat cooked salmon one time. Reheating it multiple times increases the risk of bacteria growth. For food safety, leftovers should be discarded after reheating once.
Should you reheat salmon covered or uncovered?
Reheating the salmon uncovered allows any liquid to evaporate and the fish to get hot and browned on both sides. Use a splash of oil or butter to prevent sticking. Covering retains more moisture if reheating a thick salmon steak or fillet.
Is reheated salmon good for meal prep?
Yes, salmon reheats well, so it’s a smart choice for meal prepping. Store cooked salmon portions in the fridge for up to 3 days or freezer for 2-3 months. Reheat gently in the oven, microwave, or pan for easy weeknight meals.
Can you reheat poached salmon?
Gently poached salmon can be reheated, but should be handled carefully as the flesh is delicate. Use lower heat and cook just until warmed through to prevent overcooking the fish.
What is the best way to reheat leftover salmon?
The oven and stovetop are best for evenly reheating salmon without drying it out or overcooking it. Use lower heat, a splash of liquid, and cook covered or loosely tented with foil to keep it moist.
Conclusion
Reheating leftover salmon enables you to enjoy the fish again in quick, delicious meals, without wasting leftovers or eating cold salmon. Use proper storage methods, thaw frozen salmon safely, and reheat your cooked salmon to 145°F/63°C. Low, gentle stovetop heat in a pan with a moist cooking method prevents overcooking. Check for fresh salmon smell, flaky texture, and pink color to ensure safety before eating reheated fish. With proper techniques, reheating salmon in a pan provides tasty results every time.