Trader Joe’s canned smoked salmon is a versatile and convenient pantry staple that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some tips for enjoying this tasty canned fish.
What is Trader Joe’s canned smoked salmon?
Trader Joe’s offers canned smoked sockeye salmon from Alaska. It’s wild-caught Pacific salmon that has been smoked and canned. The salmon comes pre-flaked in cans packed in water. Each 5 oz can contains approximately 3 servings of fish.
Smoking gives the salmon a rich, smoky flavor. Since it’s pre-cooked, the canned salmon can be eaten straight from the can or incorporated into recipes without additional cooking required.
Canned salmon is an affordable and shelf-stable way to get healthy omega-3 rich fish into your diet. Trader Joe’s canned salmon makes it convenient to add salmon anywhere you’d use canned tuna.
Nutrition Facts
Here are some key nutrition facts for a serving (about 2 oz) of Trader Joe’s canned smoked salmon:
| Calories | 90 |
| Fat | 4.5g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 1g |
| Sodium | 260mg |
Salmon is one of the best sources of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Canned salmon provides EPA and DHA, two types of omega-3s beneficial for heart and brain health. It’s also a lean, high quality protein.
How to Eat Trader Joes Canned Smoked Salmon
Here are some simple ways to eat and enjoy Trader Joe’s canned smoked salmon:
Straight from the can
For a quick snack or meal, you can eat the salmon right out of the can. Use a fork to flake the salmon pieces onto a cracker, toast point, or lettuce leaf. Top with a squeeze of lemon or dill if desired.
Salmon salad
Make an easy salmon salad by flaking the canned salmon into a bowl and mixing with mayonnaise, lemon juice, diced celery, minced red onion, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Serve the salmon salad on bread, lettuce, or crackers.
Smoked salmon dip
Blend the salmon with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley. Use as a dip with crackers or raw veggies.
Salmon cakes
Drain the salmon, reserving the liquid. Flake salmon into a bowl and mix with breadcrumbs, egg, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper. Form into patties and pan fry until golden brown. Serve with lemon wedges.
Scrambled eggs
Add flaked smoked salmon to scrambled eggs. Simply whisk eggs and milk, then scramble with the salmon. Top with chives. Delicious and protein-packed!
Salmon hash
Make a hearty salmon hash by sautéing diced potatoes in olive oil. Add the salmon and sauté together until heated through. Top with a fried egg.
Pasta salad
Toss cooked pasta with the salmon, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, capers, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Chill before serving.
Sandwiches
Assemble open faced sandwiches with flaked salmon, cream cheese, tomato, red onion, capers, and sprouts on toast or an English muffin. Or make it a salad sandwich on greens instead of bread.
Pizza
Top Naan, flatbread, or your pizza dough of choice with smoked salmon, cream cheese, red onion, capers, dill and lemon zest. Bake until warm and bubbly.
Salmon tacos
Flake the salmon into tortillas along with cabbage, avocado, lime juice, cilantro, and salsa for tasty salmon tacos.
Salmon toast
Top whole grain toast with flaked salmon, avocado mash, poached egg, and lemon juice. Season with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.
Quiche/Frittata
Add smoked salmon to a veggie or cheese quiche or frittata. Simply spread the salmon pieces over the egg mixture before baking.
Salmon omelet
Make a smoked salmon omelet by folding the flaked fish into lightly beaten eggs before cooking the omelet.
Rice/quinoa bowls
Build a salmon poke style bowl with the canned fish. Serve over rice, quinoa or greens. Top with avocado, edamame, cucumber, carrot, radishes, sesame seeds, and Asian inspired sauces.
Chowder
Simmer the salmon in milk or veggie broth along with potatoes, corn, celery, and onion. Purée or leave chunky. Finish with parsley.
Pasta in creamy salmon sauce
Make an easy weeknight meal by tossing pasta with a creamy sauce made from the canned salmon, milk, parsley, lemon, salt and pepper. Grate in some Parmesan if desired.
Savory oatmeal
Mix flaked salmon into oatmeal along with sautéed greens, mushrooms, garlic, and a dash of lemon juice. Top with a fried egg.
Salmon cakes Benedict
Top salmon cakes with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce for an elevated twist on eggs Benedict.
Niçoise salad
Transform canned salmon into an elegant Niçoise salad with mixed greens, green beans, potatoes, tomatoes, olives, hard boiled eggs, and a Dijon vinaigrette.
Salmon melt sandwich
Spread mayo on bread and top with the salmon, sliced tomatoes, and sliced cheddar. Grill until the cheese melts for an easy salmon melt.
What to Serve with Canned Salmon
Here are some tasty sides that pair nicely with canned smoked salmon:
- Rice – white, brown, or quinoa
- Potatoes – baked, mashed, or roasted
- Salad greens
- Steamed or roasted veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans
- Fresh bread
- Lemon wedges
- Capers or pickles
- Hard boiled eggs
- Avocado
- Yogurt or sour cream
How to Store Canned Salmon
An unopened can of smoked salmon will keep for 2-5 years in the pantry. Once opened, it’s best consumed within 3-4 days and kept refrigerated.
For longer storage, the salmon can be frozen. Use freezer bags, containers, or ice cube trays to freeze serving size portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s canned smoked salmon is an easy way to enjoy the nutrition of salmon anywhere. It can be used in a wide variety of appetizers, meals, snacks, and sides. Flake into pastas, salads, sandwiches, bakes, scrambles, tacos, flatbreads, and more. Enjoy it straight from the can or get creative with recipes. Pair it with greens, veggies, lemon, herbs, and other fresh flavors.