How to reheat salmon

how to reheat salmon

If there is one fish that nobody would say no to, it is salmon. Everyone's beloved freshwater fish is not only appealing to the eyes but to our taste buds as well.

The reason salmon tastes so good is that it is bursting with essential nutrients. This fish has the right amount of fatty acids, which contribute to our health and overall taste. 

There are times when we cook a large morsel and cannot finish in one meal. This leaves us with leftovers. And given the dish is fish, we are left with no option but to leave them in the fridge.

Reheating salmon is not always everyone's cup of tea. But we can't help but do that when there are leftovers. If you want to know how to reheat salmon, keep reading. Let us look at the seven best methods.

Reheating salmon: Seven easy ways

1. In the microwave

Microwaving any leftover dish is an obvious choice. You can do the same with last night's salmon.

However, you can potentially dry out the fish as microwaving uses dry heat. The secret here is to use a low heat setting. This ensures that the meat doesn't dry out completely, and your salmon gets enough heat to recook.

Ensure there is enough moisture in the dish before placing it inside the microwave. A touch of lime juice or broth works well for this. Cover with a lid to lock the moisture in.

Place it inside for thirty seconds, take it out, and flip it carefully. Put it back in for another thirty seconds, and your salmon is ready. If you are reheating them with sides like veggies, stir them before putting them back in.

2. Toss them in the oven

Using an oven also works well. It takes longer than a microwave, but the results are slightly better than microwaving.

You want to use a low setting of about 275 degrees Fahrenheit to preheat your oven. Add a touch of olive oil to your salmon and cover it with a layer of aluminum foil. Place it in and check after 10-15 minutes.

You want an internal temperature of about 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If not, put it back in for another five minutes.

3. Over the fireplace

Cooking salmon over a fire or coal is not something you see daily. In this case, it's reheating, so we're safe.

Place your salmon inside a clay bowl and rub a teaspoon of olive oil or lemon juice on top. Wrap the bowl with 2-3 layers of aluminum foil and place it over the burning coals.

You want to douse the fire beforehand to kill excessive heat. The subtle warmth of the coal is enough to heat the fish. If you wish, you can exclude the bowl and just wrap the fish in the foil itself. This will take a shorter time to cook.

4. Grill them

Heating your salmon over a hot grill is another option. Keep in mind that it could crumble or stick to the grill since it is already cooked.

To avoid that, wrap the fish with a layer of aluminum foil and place it over the grill. Add moisture by rubbing some olive oil on top before putting it in.

This method is similar to the fireplace method. But since you're not placing it directly over the coals, it takes longer to prepare. The heat from the coals below will warm your fish. Remove it once you feel the fish is ready.

5. Use an air fryer

Air frying leftover salmon is another alternative you can try, to reheat them before serving. The procedure is quick and straightforward.

You want to place the cooked salmon inside the air fryer basket and place it in. Set the temperature at about 325-350 degrees. Take it out after five minutes and check if the fish is ready or not.

Using an air fryer is for those who want the pure taste of the fish. The hot air is enough to provide moisture and warm the dish. You don't need to add moisture by using oil or broth.

6. Steam them

Steaming is also a proven way to reheat your salmon. This method works well as steaming adds back moisture to the dish. Plus, it does not dry out the fish as a microwave or oven does.

To do this, bring the steamer to a boil and place the fish inside. Cover with a lid to trap the heat and moisture inside. Make sure to reduce the heat before putting it in. You don't want the water to boil during the cooking process.

Steaming is also the best option if your fish was steam cooked in the first place. It could also help bring out the natural juices of the fish.

7. On a frying pan

Refrying over the stove is another way to enjoy your leftover salmon. Your salmon will not taste the same, but it's better than throwing it away.

For this trick, you want to heat a little oil or butter in a frying pan. Get the pan warm enough but not searing hot. Place your salmon carefully and let it sit for 20-30 seconds. Flip it and heat the other side for the same duration.

We recommend using a non-stick pan, so the fish does not burn or stick. Your fish will develop an outer crust but won't burn through because of the oil.

Conclusion

While reheating salmon is not always the best way, there is no other option with leftovers. The same goes for other fishes like tuna or cod fish. The disadvantage of reheating them is that it dries out the fish.

The best way to avoid this is to cook the right amount, so there is no extra left. But if you do not want to throw them away, reheating them is the way to go. You won't get that juicy and fresh taste, but it isn't half bad either.

Whatever method you use, make sure the salmon gets enough moisture before recooking. Olive oil, broth, lemon, etc., will do the job. We hope this list helps you find the best method to reheat your salmon.