Canned salmon—who would have thought it could be such a culinary chameleon? It’s like the unsung hero of my pantry, waiting patiently until I remember it exists.
Sometimes, I just need a quick weeknight miracle, and that’s when I reach for it—transforming it into dishes that make my taste buds do a happy dance, even if my kitchen skills aren’t quite Michelin-star level. Remember that time last summer when I tried to grill it?
Yeah, let’s forget about that. Anyway, here’s to 13 ways to make that humble can of salmon shine like a culinary superstar.
Steps
- Stuffed Pasta Wheels: Roll out fresh pasta dough and spread a mixture of canned salmon, ricotta, and spinach over it. Roll the pasta into a log, slice into wheels, and arrange them in a baking dish. Top with marinara sauce and bake until bubbly.
- Salmon Chowder: Sauté onions and garlic in a pot, then add canned salmon, potatoes, and corn. Pour in broth and cream, simmer until the potatoes are tender, and serve warm.
- Salmon Mac and Cheese: Cook pasta and set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour to make a roux, then slowly whisk in milk. Stir in cheese until melted, add canned salmon and cooked pasta, and bake until golden.
- Chef John’s Salmon Loaf: Mix canned salmon with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasoning. Shape into a loaf, place in a baking dish, and bake until firm and cooked through.
- Yummy Lemon Salmon Burgers: Combine canned salmon with breadcrumbs, lemon juice, and herbs. Form into patties and cook in a skillet until golden on both sides. Serve on buns with your choice of toppings.
- Red Salmon Pâté: Blend canned salmon with cream cheese, lemon juice, and a bit of liquid smoke. Chill until firm and serve with crackers.
- Smoky Salmon Spread: Mix canned salmon with cream cheese, a dash of liquid smoke, and scallions. Spread on crackers or bread as a snack or appetizer.
- Salmon Quiche: Prepare a pie crust and fill with a mix of canned salmon, eggs, cream, and cheese. Bake until the quiche is set and the top is golden.
- Salmon Deviled Eggs with Homemade Mayonnaise: Boil eggs, halve them, and mix yolks with canned salmon and homemade mayonnaise. Spoon back into egg whites and serve as an appetizer.
- Fruity Red Salmon Salad: Toss canned salmon with mixed greens, fruits like apple or grapes, and a light vinaigrette. Serve as a refreshing salad or sandwich filling.
- Creamed Salmon on Toast: Cook a creamy sauce with butter, flour, and milk, then add canned salmon. Serve over toast for a quick and comforting meal.
- Chef John’s Salmon Cakes: Combine canned salmon with breadcrumbs, eggs, and herbs. Form into cakes and fry until crispy. Serve with aioli or tartar sauce.
- Russian Salmon and Potato Salad: Mix canned salmon with boiled potatoes, peas, and a creamy dressing. Serve chilled as a side dish or light meal.
- Scrumptious Salmon Cakes: Blend canned salmon with breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices. Shape into cakes, pan-fry until golden, and serve with a crisp salad.
- Salmon Cheese Ball: Blend canned salmon with cream cheese and seasonings, shape into a ball, and chill. Serve with crackers as a party appetizer.
- J-Lyn’s Awesome Salmon Casserole: Mix canned salmon with cooked pasta, cheese, and a creamy sauce. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until bubbly and golden.
- Ginger Soy Salmon Patties: Combine canned salmon with soy sauce, ginger, and breadcrumbs. Form into patties and pan-fry until done. Serve with a side of rice or steamed vegetables.
- Mediterranean Salmon Pasta Salad: Toss cooked pasta with canned salmon, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon-pepper-dill vinaigrette. Chill and serve as a refreshing salad.
- Easy Salmon Croquettes: Mix canned salmon with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasoning. Shape into croquettes, fry until crispy, and serve hot or cold.
- Mom’s Salmon and Potato Bake: Layer canned salmon with sliced potatoes in a baking dish. Cover with cream sauce and bake until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden.
Ingredients
- Canned salmon
- Fresh pasta (for stuffed pasta wheels)
- Potatoes (for salmon and potato bake)
- Pasta (mezze penne for Mediterranean salmon pasta salad)
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Shallot
- Lemon-pepper-dill vinaigrette
- Cheese (for salmon mac and cheese)
- Liquid smoke (for red salmon pâté)
- Scallions (for smoky salmon spread)
- Lemon (for lemon salmon burgers)
- Eggs (for deviled eggs and quiche)
- Homemade mayonnaise (for deviled eggs)
- Crackers (for red salmon pâté)
- Toast (for creamed salmon on toast)
- Baking ingredients (for salmon loaf)
- Ginger (for ginger soy salmon patties)
- Soy sauce (for ginger soy salmon patties)
- Aioli sauce (for salmon cakes)
FAQ
- How can canned salmon be used in various meals?
- Canned salmon can be incorporated into a wide range of dishes including breakfasts, dips, main courses, and more. Some popular recipes include salmon quiche, salmon cakes, casseroles, and pasta dishes.
- Is canned salmon nutritious?
- Yes, canned salmon is an excellent, budget-friendly source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritious addition to many meals.
- Can I use canned salmon in pasta dishes?
- Absolutely! Canned salmon can be used in pasta dishes, such as stuffed pasta wheels and Mediterranean salmon pasta salad, adding flavor and nutrition to your meal.
- What are some easy appetizers I can make with canned salmon?
- You can make several easy appetizers with canned salmon, such as salmon pâté, smoky salmon spread, and salmon cheese balls, all of which are crowd-pleasers at gatherings.
- How do you improve the flavor of canned salmon in recipes?
- To enhance the flavor of canned salmon, consider adding ingredients like herbs, spices, and sauces. For example, adding liquid smoke to a pâté or scallions to a spread can elevate the taste significantly.
Tips
- Balance the Flavor: When using canned salmon, the flavor can be quite intense on its own. Consider pairing it with ingredients like fresh herbs, citrus, or creamy sauces to create a more balanced and enjoyable taste.
- Utilize Pantry Staples: Canned salmon is a fantastic ingredient for creating budget-friendly meals. Combine it with common pantry items like pasta, potatoes, or rice to make hearty and satisfying dishes without breaking the bank.
- Experiment with Textures: Enhance the texture of your salmon dishes by incorporating crunchy elements like chopped nuts or crispy breadcrumbs. This can add an appealing contrast to the softer texture of the salmon.
- Get Creative with Meals: From breakfasts to dinners, canned salmon is versatile enough to be used in a variety of recipes, such as quiches, chowders, or salads. Don’t hesitate to try it in both traditional and unconventional ways to discover new favorite dishes.
Equipment
- Pasta Maker (for making homemade pasta in the Stuffed Pasta Wheels recipe).
- Quiche Pan (for making the Salmon Quiche).
- Food Processor (for making spreads and pâtés like the Smoky Salmon Spread and Red Salmon Pâté).
- Mandoline Slicer (useful for preparing ingredients in salads like the Fruity Red Salmon Salad or the Mediterranean Salmon Pasta Salad).
- Immersion Blender (for making homemade mayonnaise in the Salmon Deviled Eggs with Homemade Mayonnaise recipe).
