How long to reheat salmon in oven at 400?

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

The recommended time to reheat salmon in the oven at 400°F is 10-12 minutes. This timing ensures the salmon is heated through without drying out or overcooking. Salmon reheats well in the oven, but needs just enough time to warm back up to a safe internal temperature of 145°F. Any longer and the salmon can become tough and dry.

Detailed Answer

When reheating leftover salmon in the oven, it’s important to use the right technique to preserve moisture and texture. Here are some tips:

Use an oven-safe dish: Place the salmon in an oven-safe baking dish or pan, avoiding any plastic or paper packaging.
Add a little liquid: Add a splash of water, lemon juice, or white wine to the dish to help prevent drying out.
Cover with foil: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in steam and moisture.

Use medium heat: Reheat at 400°F to gently warm through without overcooking.
Check internal temperature: Salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F when reheated.
Rest before serving: Let the salmon rest 2-3 minutes out of the oven before serving.

Using this technique, you can expect reheating times of:

10-12 minutes for a salmon fillet or steak under 1 inch thick.
12-15 minutes for a 1-2 inch thick salmon fillet.

15-18 minutes for a whole side of salmon 2-3 inches thick.

Check the thickest part of the salmon using a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 145°F. If still cold in the center, return to the oven for 2-3 minutes more.

Why Reheating Salmon Requires Care

Salmon is a delicate fish that can quickly go from succulent and flaky to dry and overcooked. Here are some of the reasons why care should be taken when reheating leftover salmon:

Low moisture content – Salmon has less natural moisture compared to fattier fish like tuna.
Delicate proteins – Salmon proteins become tough, stringy and dried out when overcooked.
Flaky texture – Salmon flesh easily separates into dry, inedible flakes if overheated.

Small size – Thinner cuts of salmon like fillets reheat faster than thicker steaks or sides.
Precooked – Leftover cooked salmon has less moisture than raw so requires gentler reheating.

Following the proper technique of covering with foil, adding liquid, using moderate heat, and checking temperature will mitigate these risks and keep reheated salmon luscious.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here is a simple step-by-step guide for reheating salmon in the oven correctly:

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Place salmon fillet or steaks in an oven-safe baking dish. Add a splash of water or lemon juice to the dish.

Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil to seal in moisture.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Use thick cuts may need slightly longer like 12-15 minutes.
Check internal temperature by inserting tip of meat thermometer into thickest part of fish. It should reach 145°F.

Let salmon rest covered for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your reheated salmon!

Tips for the Best Results

Follow these handy tips for reheating salmon in the oven to get the very best results:

Use wild caught salmon – Better texture and moisture than farmed.
Cook until just done initially – Don’t overcook initially for easier reheating.
Chill salmon fully before refrigerating – Prevents overcooking edges.

Thaw before reheating – Defrost in fridge overnight for even heating.
Brine before reheating – A quick saltwater brine prevents drying out.
Use gentle heat – Reheat at 375°F if concerned about drying out.

Serve with sauce – Top with lemon butter or aioli for extra moisture.

Using a Microwave to Reheat Salmon

You can also use your microwave to quickly reheat leftover salmon. Here are some tips:

Use lower power around 50% to gently reheat without overcooking the edges.

Cook for just 1-2 minutes based on thickness.
Rotate salmon halfway through cooking for even heating.
Let salmon rest 2 minutes after microwaving before serving.

Only microwave thick fillets or steaks. Microwaving thin undercooked salmon can make it rubbery.

Microwave Salmon Reheating Times

Here are recommended microwave reheating times for salmon:

Salmon Cut	Microwave Time
Fillet less than 1 inch	1 minute
1 inch fillet	1 1/2 minutes
2 inch steak or fillet	2 minutes

Always check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest area and looking for an internal temperature of 145°F. Add 10-20 seconds more microwave time if needed.

Can You Reheat Salmon in the Toaster Oven?

Yes, a toaster oven can be used to reheat leftover salmon effectively. The direct heat from the toaster oven’s heating elements thoroughly warms the salmon without prolonged exposure to ambient heat which can dry it out.

Follow similar guidelines as for a regular oven:

Preheat toaster oven to 400°F.

Place salmon in oven-safe dish and add a little liquid.
Heat salmon covered with foil for 10-12 minutes based on thickness.
Check internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Let salmon rest before serving.

The smaller size of a toaster oven means reheating time may be a couple minutes shorter than a full oven. Closely monitor salmon and use a thermometer to prevent overcooking.

Tips for Reheating Salmon in a Toaster Oven

Use foil – Covering the salmon with foil prevents drying and helps transfer heat gently.

Monitor closely – The closer heating elements can overcook salmon quickly if unattended.
Flip halfway – Rotate the dish 180 degrees halfway for even reheating.
Let rest – Salmon will continue cooking after removal from toaster oven.

Add moisture – Use a little olive oil, butter, or lemon juice to keep salmon moist.

With some care, a toaster oven provides and convenient way to reheat a salmon fillet or two. Just be watchful of the increased direct heat.

Storing Leftover Salmon Safely

To safely save leftover salmon for reheating later:

Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking – To prevent bacteria growth.
Store in airtight container – Prevent salmon drying out and odors absorbing.
Use within 3-4 days – For optimal freshness and flavor.

Freeze for longer storage – Freeze up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Divide into portions – For easier single servings reheating.

Properly stored leftover salmon can be reheated for a quick and healthy meal any night of the week.

Conclusion

Reheating salmon in the oven at 400°F requires about 10-12 minutes depending on thickness. Use a baking dish, aluminum foil, a splash of liquid, and medium heat for the best results. Check the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Microwaving or using a toaster oven can also effectively reheat salmon as long as care is taken to prevent drying out. With proper storage and reheating, leftover salmon stays delicious and safe to enjoy again later.