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This collection of the best canned salmon recipes from around the world is proof that tinned salmon doesn’t have to be boring!
Have you ever looked in your pantry and wondered what you can make with those tins of salmon? Then you’ll love this list of international recipes featuring canned salmon.
From Mexican inspired salmon nachos to French quiche, there’s lots of global inspiration for new and exciting ways to cook canned salmon.
They’re all fun, easy to make and delicious!
Both pink and red canned salmon also happen to be high in protein. Salmon is packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fats making it a great option when you’re looking for a nutritious meals from shelf-stable ingredients in your pantry.
There are even some fantastic paleo, GF and low carb recipes to choose from!
Is Canned Salmon Healthy?
According to nutritionists, salmon is one of the best canned foods to have in your pantry. It’s versatile, resists spoilage and is relatively economical.
When it comes to nutrition, some canned fish might even be better for you than fresh! According to Berkeley Wellness, canned salmon is an excellent source of heart-healthy omega-3 fats and other nutrients such as calcium.
A USDA study even found higher levels of two omega-3s in canned pink and red salmon than in fresh salmon.
Just be sure to watch for BPA. Bisphenol A is a synthetic compound used in the lining of canned foods. Although most manufacturers have stopped using BPA to make their cans, it’s worth being extra safe by choosing canned foods labelled BPA-free.
Choosing the Best Canned Salmon
Check the quality of the packaging. Don’t purchase cans that are dented, leaking, cracked or have bulging lids.
Look for tinned salmon with the blue MSC label which means the fish is from a fishery certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
This certification standard considers best practices for sustainability of fish stocks, environmental impact and effective fisheries management.
Red Salmon vs Pink Salmon
Another important consideration when choosing canned salmon for a recipe is cost. Canned red sockeye salmon is generally much more expensive than pink salmon.
While red sockeye salmon is the best canned salmon for finger sandwiches at a fancy Afternoon Tea, as the centerpiece of a summer salad or in recipes where you want its brilliant red colour, pink salmon is generally fine for most recipes.
This means that unless otherwise specified, you can use economical pink salmon in one of these canned salmon recipes and still have a delicious and attractive dish.
How to Prepare Canned Salmon
Boneless, skinless salmon is generally more expensive than canned salmon containing bones and skin.
It’s totally fine to eat canned salmon directly from the tin. Much as with canned sardines and canned tuna, canned salmon is fully cooked.
You can also eat the bones! The largest bones have been removed prior to canning and the remaining smaller bones have softened in the canning process.
Canned salmon containing bones and skin even has a higher nutritional value than the boneless and skinless brands.. The bones and skin are powerhouses of omega-3 fats, vitamin D and calcium
Just be sure to crush the soft, chewable bones with a fork and remove some of the darkest-coloured fish skin before using it in the recipe. Not only will you save money, but you’ll get a boost of nutrition.
You also don’t need to rise salmon. Just drain it before using in a recipe unless otherwise directed.
Storing Canned Salmon
How long will tinned food last in your pantry? Although canned foods aren’t required to display a best before date, review these food safety guidelines when it comes to storage and use of canned goods.
Although canned foods aren’t required to display a best before date, many do. Avoid cans that are dusty or have ripped labels as that may indicate they’ve been on the shelf for a long time.
Leftover tinned salmon? Remove any leftover salmon from the tin and store it in a covered glass or plastic container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
20 Delicious Canned Salmon Recipes From Around the World
Discover a whole new world of delicious dinner options with these exciting global recipes featuring heart-healthy canned salmon.
From a Korean stir-fry to French quiche, wou'll never wonder what to make with tinned salmon with this collection of international recipes using red and pink salmon in a can.
Salmon Sliders with Caper Lemon Mayonnaise
In this American game day classic, salmon is mixed with chives, dill, Dijon mustard and lemon served on mini slider buns and topped with a flavorful mayonnaise
Nicoise Salad, A Classic Composed Salad {Salade Niçoise}
Inspired by the classic French salad, this Nicoise Salad uses canned salmon in place of tuna. This beautiful classic French salad is also low-carb, gluten free and keto friendly.
Southern-style Salmon Croquettes
These easy, grain-free salmon patties are paleo, keto, and Whole30. Best of all, they're made from almost ALL pantry ingredients!
Lemon Salmon Avocado Toast
Break out of your traditional lunch routine with this easy-to-make Mediterranean Lemon Salmon Avocado toast that can be customized to include whatever ingredients you want.
Korean BBQ Salmon Stir-Fry
Another healthy recipe with loads of veggies and Korean BBQ flavours actually features salmon in a pouch. This method of preserving fish features skinless, boneless, and 100% wild caught pink salmon in water within a pouch for the ultimate in convenience.
Salmon & Wild Rice Burgers With Avocado-Garlic Aioli {gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free option}
Need an easy, nourishing weeknight meal? These Salmon and Wild Rice burgers are IT! Served with a creamy Avocado-Garlic Aioli, you’re getting loads of healthy fats and Omega-3s in these gluten-free, dairy-free burgers (plus an egg-free option to make them even more allergy-friendly!)!
Budget-Friendly Salmon and Corn Fritters (Dairy-Free)
These salmon and corn fritters are a delicious, budget friendly meal. Made with all shelf stable ingredients, these are ideal when you're doing a pantry challenge or looking to save money. The recipe has a great blend of healthy fats, carbs, and protein to keep you full and satisfied.
Salmon Casserole - Low Carb | GF
This weeknight-ready salmon casserole is the perfect combination of hearty and delicious! The creamy filling topped with a savory crumble for just the right amount of crunch will have you thinking of canned salmon in a whole new way.
Southwestern Salmon Nachos
These Tex-Mex Salmon Nachos take traditional nachos to a new level! They mix salsa and salmon together and top that with black beans, corn, shredded cheese, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, green onion, jalapeños, red chiles and a drizzle of sour cream.
Easy Salmon Quiche
This baked canned salmon recipe for classic French salmon quiche is made with canned salmon, goat cheese, and dill. It's an easy, make-ahead breakfast or brunch!
Easy Potato and Salmon Fish Cakes
In this spin on Irish fishcakes, potato and salmon create a new taste sensation. Pull that can of salmon out of the pantry and I can almost guarantee once you make them, it won't be the last!
Shrimp or Salmon Vol Au Vents, Mini Puff Pastry Cups
Delicious Parisian Shrimp or Salmon Vol Au Vents, Mini Puff Pastry Cups are very easy to make and great for appetizers, and snacks. Perfect to make ahead too!
Quick and Easy Canned Salmon Impossible Pie
This unbelievably easy recipe for canned salmon impossible pie is healthy and takes just 10 minutes to put together! it’s ideal if you’re stuck at home with few ingredients on hand or need to get dinner on the table fast. Similar to a frittata or a crustless quiche, it ingeniously creates its own crust while baking.This recipe is also economical as it uses pink salmon in the can.
Easy Salmon Chowder
Make this easy salmon chowder with canned pink salmon and canned cannellini beans. Salmon chunks are mixed with vegetables and beans in a creamy but dairy free broth. This simple to make canned salmon lunch recipe provides lots of flavor with little effort.
Easy Salmon Burger Recipe (low carb)
These Easy Spiced Salmon Spinach Burgers only call for 6 ingredients that are probably lurking in your pantry – so grab ’em and get to cooking – eh?!
Chinese Salmon, Veggie, "Noodle" Stir-Fry
For a quick canned salmon recipe that's not only easy to make but delicious, this Asian dish is a winner. This single-serve Chinese dinner “stir-fry” features an assortment of Chinese New Year veggies and can of wild salmon in one healthy meal.
Lemon Dill Salmon Croquettes
These Lemon Dill Salmon Croquettes are an easy weeknight meal that's kid friendly. They also happen to be gluten-free!
Gluten-Free Mediterranean Salmon Burgers
These healthy, gluten-free baked salmon burgers are crispy, filling, and delicious. These patties are packed with protein, healthy fats, and flavor. Enjoy with homemade five-minute tzatziki, feta, and cucumber for a Mediterranean flair
Quick Canned Salmon Keto Meal
It doesn't get much easier than this canned salmon meal. In just a few steps, you'll be dining on a healthy dish made in just a few minutes.
Salmon Loaf with Dill Sauce
This Salmon Loaf with a delicious dill sauce is a fuss-free American salmon dish that comes together in just 45 minutes from prep time.
FAQ About Cooking with Salmon in a Can
Do you need to cook canned salmon?
No, tinned salmon is already cooked so you can actually eat it right out of the can. Or, use it right away in a recipe.
Do you need to remove the bones?
The bones in canned salmon are edible and provide valuable nutrients such as calcium. But certain recipes, such as those where a smooth texture is important, require the bones be removed before using.
It’s also possible to purchase boneless, tinned salmon.
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Dividing her time between Canada, Guatemala and Mexico (or the nearest tropical beach), Michele Peterson is the founder of A Taste for Travel. Her award-winning travel and food writing has appeared in Lonely Planet’s cookbook Mexico: From the Source, National Geographic Traveler, Fodor’s and 100+ other publications.
Read more about Michele Peterson.
Quick and Easy Canned Salmon Impossible Pie
Stephanie
Thanks for all the ideas, perfect for quarantine!
Tania | Fit Foodie Nutter
What a great selection of recipes! So many to choose from!
Anita
Every recipe looks delicious, but I’ll start with the salad. Those are usually the easiest and I can use it to make sandwiches too. 🙂
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
I’ve always got a couple of cans of salmon in the cupboard so will definitely be giving a few of these recipes a try!
Jen
So may delicious options! I’m going to start with the corn fritters and work my way through this list. Hubby was able to grab canned salmon from Costco on his last trip. Yay!
Jen
Those gluten free salmon burgers have my name on them! They look great.
Lindsey Dietz
Great round-up, especially during this time! Thanks for including a couple of my recipes!