10 Ways To Give Canned Salmon An Upgrade

Elevate breakfast fare

If you enjoy a bit of salmon at breakfast but find that smoked salmon is too pricey, consider using canned salmon instead. While it may not have the same flavor when eaten directly on a cream cheese-covered bagel, you might not even notice the difference when it's part of a cooked dish.

For a breakfast hash, try replacing corned beef, sausage, or bacon with canned salmon. Just mix a drained can of salmon into your sautéed potatoes (along with onions, peppers, or any other ingredients you prefer) and either crack an egg on top or scramble one in. Salmon breakfast hash makes for a hearty, one-pan breakfast that’s simple to prepare yet feels a bit upscale.

If you want to elevate your meal further, canned salmon can enhance quiches, frittatas, and soufflés. Salmon complements a variety of vegetables, herbs, and cheeses, so you can easily incorporate it into any vegetarian recipe or create your own using whatever ingredients you have on hand. Frittatas are especially versatile and don’t require a pastry crust. For a straightforward option, Bart van Olphen recommends "scrambled eggs with canned salmon, anchovies, and chives for a tasty twist" on a breakfast classic. You can even top your avocado toast with tinned fish for an extra boost of protein and flavor, creating a satisfying breakfast that requires no cooking at all.

Make pescatarian-friendly burgers

Veggie burgers can be satisfying at times, but if you're not in the mood for a black bean variety, consider salmon as a fantastic alternative for your next burger craving, especially if you're looking to reduce red meat or accommodate pescatarian friends. You might find pre-made salmon burgers in the frozen food section, or you can opt for a whole salmon filet on a bun. If those aren't available at your local store or you prefer a homemade option, canned salmon is a cost-effective, pescatarian-friendly substitute for traditional hamburgers.

Since canned salmon doesn't hold together like ground beef, you'll need to combine it with breadcrumbs and an egg to help bind the mixture. These burgers can be grilled, but be cautious when flipping them to prevent them from breaking apart. Alternatively, you can cook them in a frying pan on the stove. Top them with your favorite burger condiments, or try adding tartar sauce for a delicious twist.

Turn canned salmon into tasty salmon cakes

Likewise, salmon cakes (or patties) are a fantastic quick meal option or a delightful appetizer for gatherings. They serve as a great substitute for crab cakes, especially if crab is too expensive or if you prefer not to eat shellfish. Canned salmon is an ideal replacement. Similar to salmon burgers, you'll need to incorporate breadcrumbs and an egg to hold the mixture together. For a crispy outer layer, you can coat the patties with panko, or add an extra egg to create a fritter-like texture. Feel free to mix in spices, chopped vegetables, or a bit of mayo for added moisture, adjusting the flavors and textures to suit your taste.

Melinda Keckler's Old Fashioned Salmon Patty recipe is among her most beloved, and she assures us that these "golden, crispy patties can be prepared in no time." Instead of breadcrumbs, Keckler opts for crushed Ritz crackers and enhances the flavor with a splash of fresh lemon juice. Julian Plateado from Nordic Catch enjoys adding a spoonful of Dijon mustard to his salmon cakes and notes that they freeze exceptionally well. Consider doubling the recipe to save time for a quick and delicious meal later.

Salmon patties or salmon croquettes can easily transform into a hassle-free family dinner or an elegant appetizer for your next event, depending on how you season and present them. They’re simpler to prepare than you might expect—just steer clear of common mistakes when making salmon cakes, and you’ll be on your way to a delightful snack.

Make comfort food fishy

Canned salmon can be a fantastic addition to a variety of classic weeknight meals. While you can certainly get inventive and create something entirely new, it's often simpler than you might think to incorporate or replace ingredients with canned salmon in your favorite comfort foods and family dinners. Melinda Keckler believes that canned salmon "would be a delightful enhancement to a creamy dip or a savory casserole featuring a rich sauce and tender pasta." Julian Plateado concurs, stating that canned salmon is "the star player in flaked, mashed, and mixed dishes." Additionally, Bart van Olphen notes that canned salmon offers "a lovely, silky, and slightly oily taste," making it a versatile ingredient for many recipes.

A baked pasta dish with salmon is an excellent choice, or consider a potato gratin with flaked canned salmon mixed in—it could be just what you need. You can also utilize the air fryer to whip up a mini casserole with tinned fish—if you’re familiar with meatloaf, you can envision the direction we're heading. Just as you can substitute ground beef with turkey, canned salmon can provide a pescatarian twist on this economical family favorite. Salmon loaf resembles a large salmon burger baked in a loaf pan, which you can slice and serve to the entire family.

Put together a dip for the party

If you’ve had your fill of seven-layer bean dip and are looking for something new, consider letting canned salmon take the spotlight at your next game night or holiday gathering. Whipping up a dip with canned salmon is a breeze—Julian Plateado suggests mixing canned salmon with cream cheese, fresh dill, smoked paprika, and a splash of lemon "for a dip that complements both chips and wine beautifully." If the idea of cheesy fish seems strange, don’t dismiss it until you’ve tried it. Plateado promises it’s "dangerously delicious." You’ll find yourself reaching for a second scoop, and then a third.

For those with shellfish allergies or aversions, canned salmon is an excellent alternative to crab dip. You can also adjust the texture and create a large, shareable salmon cheese ball with cream cheese, making for a fun centerpiece on your party platter. If the flavor combination still seems unusual, think about how many times you’ve savored a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel or a Philadelphia roll. If you enjoy those, chances are you and your guests will love this appetizer too.

Add salmon to pizza and pasta

Seafood pasta has never been simpler than with canned salmon. More affordable than fresh or smoked salmon and easier to prepare, you might not even notice the difference when you incorporate canned salmon into your next pasta creation. Salmon is a versatile ingredient that pairs beautifully with tomato-based red sauces, creamy sauces, and even straightforward olive oil pastas. Whether you're hosting a gourmet Italian dinner or whipping up a quick pantry pasta, grab that can of salmon and add it to the mix.

If you're a fan of penne alla vodka, consider adding some flaked salmon for a protein boost. Bart van Olphen of Sea Tales suggests opting for a puttanesca with canned salmon instead of tuna when cooking for his kids, or perhaps a penne dish "with creamy mushrooms, tarragon, white wine, and salmon."

Julian Plateado of Nordic Catch also recommends a super easy one-pot pasta with canned salmon. Simply mix the salmon into hot pasta with olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese. This sauce requires virtually no preparation or cooking. "It feels like you spent hours," Plateado says, "but it's dinner in just 15 minutes." You can also try using canned salmon as a pizza topping. Van Olphen suggests a sophisticated and flavorful pizza topped with "passata, cherry tomatoes, olives, salmon, onion, and capers." Just be sure to drain the salmon well to minimize excess liquid in the mix.

Pair with rice for flavorful Asian dishes

Canned salmon is a versatile ingredient that can be used to create tasty rice bowls, scallion pancakes, or even economical sushi rolls. If you enjoy Asian flavors, bring out the soy sauce, miso, and ginger, and let your creativity flow with your next can of salmon. It’s a convenient option for a salmon bowl since canned salmon requires no cooking and very little preparation. Just flake the fish over steamed rice and garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, furikake, and a drizzle of soy sauce. You can enhance it with an egg for added richness or keep it simple. Alternatively, try it with noodles—whether rice, vermicelli, soba, udon, or whatever you prefer! Cookbook author Bart van Olphen recommends a noodle salad featuring "miso dressing, wakame, spring onion, sesame seeds, and canned salmon," which could be just what you need.

There are plenty of delicious savory dishes you can whip up with canned salmon. For example, if you're preparing a tuna onigiri recipe, you can easily substitute canned salmon for the tuna or mix both for a delightful variation. If you're interested in making sushi at home but are concerned about sourcing, affording, or wasting sushi-grade fish, starting with canned fish is a great way to practice your skills. Making homemade sushi with canned fish is a time-saving and cost-effective option.

Try a fresh take on salmon salad

If you enjoy tuna salad, you might also appreciate salmon salad, particularly if you're looking for a change from the usual. Swapping out tuna for salmon can add a fresh twist to a classic dish. With just a few ingredients—canned salmon, mayonnaise, some seasonings, and chopped veggies—you can easily customize the salmon salad to suit your preferences. If mayonnaise isn't your thing, Julian Plateado suggests blending canned salmon with Greek yogurt, capers, lemon zest, and a splash of hot sauce. For a non-creamy version, a generous drizzle of olive oil works well too.

For added crunch, consider incorporating chopped peppers, red onion, or celery. Fresh herbs like dill, or ingredients such as pickles, olives, or capers can provide a delightful briny flavor. Salmon salad is also fantastic for sandwiches. Simply place some salmon salad on a slice of bread, add a piece of cheese, and bake it in the oven or on a griddle for a delicious salmon melt. Bart van Olphen believes that "a salmon melt would be incredible," especially if you combine canned salmon with mayonnaise, spring onion, and capers, topped with a nice cheddar.

For a delightful picnic treat or elegant high-tea finger sandwiches, cut neat little salmon salad sandwiches on white bread with thinly sliced cucumber. Alternatively, you can forgo the bread and serve your salmon salad on a bed of leafy greens or in crunchy romaine spears for a low-carb option.

Put salmon together with zesty Latin flavors

Salmon is a popular protein featured in various cuisines. We've already explored its versatility in Northwest, European, and Asian-inspired dishes, but have you considered adding a Latin American flair to this fish? Blackened salmon tacos are a classic favorite, but you can opt for canned salmon for a quicker, more budget-friendly take on fish tacos. Elevate your taco night with canned salmon if you're tired of ground beef. You can create tacos and even enchiladas using canned salmon, eliminating the hassle of prep time.

If you're looking for an alternative, consider a tostada. Bart van Olphen suggests topping a crispy fried tortilla with canned salmon, chipotle, fresh avocado, crunchy red cabbage, cilantro, and a creamy sauce for a refreshing and vibrant meal. He also recommends a zesty "coconut-chili salad with red onion, salmon, and cilantro." Bright, lively flavors will truly enhance the salmon.

Stir salmon into warm and hearty soups

Finally, it's time to indulge in some comforting cold-weather food. Fish chowder serves as a delightful side dish or main course. You can adjust its consistency to be broth-like or thicker, based on your preference. Use milk or substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Feel free to include potatoes, carrots, corn, or even bacon, and finish it off with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon. Just remember to add the canned salmon at the right time. Julian Plateado emphasizes, "timing is crucial." Incorporate the salmon at the end, once the other vegetables are tender, to ensure it retains some texture and doesn’t turn to mush. Since canned salmon is already cooked, "it just needs a gentle warming," Plateado explains, "not a sauna treatment."

Melissa Keckler believes that canned salmon is an excellent alternative to fresh salmon in her signature creamy seafood chowder. Plateado also notes that canned salmon can enhance lighter soups. "Picture a salmon miso soup topped with green onions or a zesty tomato-based broth," he suggests. Those ideas sound appealing! Whether you crave something hearty and satisfying or light and refreshing, canned salmon can easily meet your needs. When preparing soups and chowders, there's no need to drain the fish beforehand, according to Plateado. If the salmon is packed in its own juices, he advises, "add that liquid to the broth — it acts as a hidden flavor enhancer."