Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious types of fish. It’s rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, high in protein, and low in saturated fat. Many people enjoy grilling salmon for its delicious smoky flavor. But what if you have leftover grilled salmon? Can you safely reheat it? Keep reading to find out.
Can you reheat cooked salmon?
Yes, it is safe to reheat previously cooked salmon as long as you do it properly. The key things to keep in mind when reheating salmon are:
- Reheat it thoroughly to 165°F/74°C.
- Only reheat it once.
- Consume within 3-4 days.
- Store it correctly between uses.
As long as you follow these guidelines, reheating cooked salmon is a safe practice. Salmon that has been refrigerated after cooking should be safe to eat for 3-4 days. After that time, the quality starts to deteriorate and bacteria can start to grow, even when refrigerated. When reheating, it’s important to heat the salmon thoroughly until it reaches 165°F/74°C, the safe minimum internal temperature to destroy any harmful bacteria that may be present.
How to reheat grilled salmon
There are a few different methods you can use to safely reheat grilled salmon:
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F/177°C. Place salmon on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of oil or butter. Place salmon in skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes per side until hot.
- Microwave: Place salmon on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave for 60-90 seconds until heated through. Check temperature with a food thermometer.
The oven method is ideal as it helps prevent the salmon from drying out. But all of these reheating methods work well. The important things are to reheat the salmon thoroughly to 165°F/74°C and avoid overcooking it.
Tips for reheating grilled salmon
Follow these tips for the best results when reheating grilled salmon:
- Use the oven or skillet methods if the salmon has been refrigerated for more than 2 days. The microwave can cause dryness.
- Add a splash of lemon juice, olive oil, or butter before reheating to keep the salmon moist.
- Reheat it gently. Salmon can go from perfectly cooked to dry and overdone quickly.
- Don’t reheat it more than once.
- Flake the salmon gently with a fork after reheating to check for dryness.
- If reheating a salmon steak or fillet, wrap it in foil to help retain moisture.
How to store leftover grilled salmon
Properly storing leftover grilled salmon is key for safety and quality. Here are some storage tips:
- Refrigerate: Store cooked salmon in an airtight container in the fridge. Use within 3-4 days.
- Portion: Cut the salmon into smaller portions or slices before storing. This encourages faster cooling.
- No room temp: Don’t leave salmon sitting out at room temperature. Refrigerate within 2 hours.
- Freeze: For longer storage, wrap salmon tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for 2-3 months.
- Avoid cross-contamination: Store salmon separately from raw meats. Clean any surfaces it touched.
By cooling salmon quickly after cooking and storing it properly in the refrigerator or freezer, you can safely reheat it later.
Can you reheat smoked salmon?
Smoked salmon, sometimes called lox, is safe to reheat as well. Smoked salmon is cured and then cold smoked, which extends its shelf life. Follow the same reheating guidelines as for grilled salmon. The best ways to reheat smoked salmon are:
- Gently warm it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until just slightly warm.
- Sauté slices quickly in a hot skillet with a bit of oil or butter.
- Add to sauces, soups, or pizza and reheat until simmering.
Be very careful not to overcook smoked salmon when reheating or it will dry out. Smoked salmon that has been continuously refrigerated can keep for up to 2 weeks.
How long does cooked salmon last in the fridge?
Cooked salmon that has been properly stored in the refrigerator will keep for 3 to 4 days. Purchased smoked salmon will last around 5 to 7 days after opening.
Here are some signs that refrigerated salmon has gone bad and needs to be thrown out:
- Fishy, ammonia-like odor
- Slimy texture
- Discoloration or white/gray patches
- Dried out appearance
As long as refrigerated salmon still smells fresh and has retained moisture, it should be fine to eat or reheat within 3 to 4 days. But it’s always best to inspect the salmon and check for any foul odors or textures just to be safe. Discard if anything seems off.
Can you reheat canned salmon?
Canned salmon products like canned pink salmon are shelf stable and do not require refrigeration. You can safely reheat canned salmon as long as the can itself is in good condition and has been stored in a cool, dry pantry.
To reheat canned salmon:
- Transfer salmon to a saucepan or skillet. Add a little liquid like wine, broth, or milk.
- Gently heat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
- You can flake the salmon and add to salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, or eat as is.
Avoid boiling canned salmon to prevent it from drying out. As long as the can is not damaged, commercially canned salmon will store unopened for 3 to 5 years. Once opened, use within 3 to 4 days.
Is it safe to eat reheated salmon?
Yes, reheated salmon is safe to eat as long as proper handling, storage, and reheating guidelines are followed:
- Only reheat salmon once.
- Use within 3-4 days if refrigerated.
- Heat it thoroughly to 165°F/74°C when reheating.
- Avoid room temperature storage.
- Check for signs of spoilage before reheating.
Consuming leftover salmon or smoked salmon that has exceeded these time limits or smells foul can potentially cause food poisoning.
Storing cooked salmon for too long allows harmful bacteria like salmonella, listeria, or staphylococcus to grow, especially if not kept cold enough. Properly reheating the salmon destroys these bacteria. But once salmon has spoiled, reheating it will not make it safe for eating.
So as long as you follow the basic food safety guidelines, enjoy your leftover grilled, smoked, or canned salmon within 3 to 4 days of cooking. Reheating salmon is perfectly safe when done properly.
Conclusion
Reheating leftover grilled salmon, smoked salmon, or canned salmon is a safe practice when stored and handled properly. Always refrigerate cooked salmon within two hours and use within 3-4 days. When reheating, heat it thoroughly to 165°F/74°C and only reheat it once. Check for any signs of spoilage before consuming reheated salmon. Follow these simple guidelines and enjoy your leftover salmon without worries. Salmon is a healthy, delicious fish that can be safely enjoyed again with proper storage and handling.