Canned Salmon?

We recently had a large donation of canned salmon at the pantry and wanted to give you some info and recipe ideas on how to utilize this delicious and nutritious protein.

Canned salmon is a highly nutritious, convenient, and fully cooked pantry staple, often wild-caught from Alaska (sockeye or pink). It is packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential calcium from edible bones. It can be eaten directly from the can, added to salads, or used in recipes like salmon cakes, patties, and pasta, with a shelf life of 3-6 years.

Key Information & Tips

• Preparation: Drain well before using. While some prefer removing the skin and bones, they are soft, edible, and nutrient-rich.

• Popular Uses:

  Salmon patties or cakes are a top choice, as are salmon salads, pasta dishes, and dips

• Varieties: Common options include Pink (mild), Sockeye (richer, red), and Coho. Boneless/skinless options are available for convenience.

• Storage: Unopened cans last 3-6 years; once opened, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.

• Nutrition: Almost identical to fresh salmon in nutritional value, often higher in calcium due to bone content.

Kid Friendly Salmon Recipes

Canned salmon is packed with brain-boosting Omega-3s that are great for growing kids! If your little ones are picky about fish, try these fun, familiar recipes that turn a simple can of salmon into a family favorite.

1. Crispy Salmon "Nuggets" 

Kids love anything they can dip! Making the patties bite-sized and extra crispy makes them feel just like chicken nuggets.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.75 oz) salmon, drained well

• 1 cup crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or Cornflakes. More if you want to add a crispier exterior.

• 1 large egg (or 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise to hold it together)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder & ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

• For dipping: Ketchup, BBQ sauce, or Ranch dressing!

Instructions:

1. Open and drain the canned salmon. Place it in a bowl and flake it well with a fork, mashing any soft bones until they disappear.

2. Add the 1 cup crushed crackers, egg (or mayo), garlic powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly.

3. Instead of large patties, roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls and flatten them slightly into "nugget" shapes. You can coat the exterior of the patties in the extra crumb now. 

4. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat.

5. Cook the nuggets for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are golden and crispy. Let them cool slightly and serve with their favorite dipping sauce!

2. Cheesy Salmon Mac & Cheese 

The ultimate comfort food! The creamy cheese sauce perfectly hides the texture of the fish, making this a guaranteed win.

Ingredients:

• 1 box (7.25 oz) Macaroni & Cheese (plus the butter and milk the box calls for)

• 1 can (5 oz or half of a 14.75 oz can) salmon, drained and flaked

• Optional: ½ can of sweet peas or sweet corn, drained well

Instructions:

1. Boil water and prepare the boxed Macaroni and Cheese exactly according to the package directions.

2. Once the cheese sauce is mixed in and creamy, gently fold in the flaked salmon and the canned peas or corn.

3. Stir over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the salmon and veggies are warmed through. Serve immediately!

3. Cheesy Salmon Quesadillas 

Crispy on the outside, melty on the inside. A fast, 5-minute lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (5 oz or half of a 14.75 oz can) salmon, drained and flaked

• 4 flour or corn tortillas

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or whatever you have!)

• ½ teaspoon taco seasoning or chili powder (optional)

• 1 tablespoon butter or cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Drain the salmon well, flake it into a small bowl, and stir in the taco seasoning if using.

2. Lay two tortillas flat. Sprinkle a layer of cheese on each, then add a layer of the seasoned salmon, and top with a little more cheese. Place the remaining tortillas on top.

3. Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat.

4. Carefully place a quesadilla in the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown, then carefully flip and cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese is completely melted.

5. Cut into triangles and serve! (Great with salsa or sour cream if you have it).

Tasty & Easy Canned Salmon Recipes

1. Classic Pantry Salmon Patties (Croquettes)

A crispy, filling meal that stretches one can of salmon to feed the whole family. Serve on a bun as a sandwich or with a side of veggies as a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.75 oz) salmon, drained

• 1 cup crushed saltine crackers, breadcrumbs, or crushed cereal (like cornflakes)

• 2 large eggs (or 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise, if you don't have eggs)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder & 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

• Optional: ¼ cup diced fresh onion

Instructions:

1. Open and drain the canned salmon well. Place it in a bowl and use a fork to flake it apart.

2. Add the crushed crackers, eggs (or mayo), garlic powder, and onion powder to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly.

3. Use your hands to form the mixture into 4 to 6 flat patties.

4. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat.

5. Cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.

2. Garlic & Pea Salmon Pasta

A warm, comforting dinner using canned veggies and dried pasta.

Ingredients:

• 1 box (16 oz) dried pasta (macaroni, penne, or spaghetti)

• 1 can (14.75 oz) salmon, drained and flaked

• 1 can (15 oz) sweet peas or carrots, drained well

• 3 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Optional: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

2. While the pasta is still hot, add the oil (or butter) and stir until the pasta is coated.

3. Gently fold in the flaked salmon, the drained peas, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Stir gently over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes until the salmon and peas are warmed through. Serve immediately!

3. Quick Pantry Salmon Salad 

No cooking required! Perfect for quick lunches, sandwiches, or snacking with crackers.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.75 oz) salmon, drained and flaked

• 3 to 4 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish (or a splash of vinegar/lemon juice for tang)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: Chopped fresh celery or onion

Instructions:

1. Drain the salmon well and flake it into a bowl using a fork.

2. Stir in the mayonnaise and pickle relish until well combined.

3. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

4. Serve on sandwich bread, with crackers, or over a bed of whatever greens you have available.