How to Reheat Salmon Like a Pro

by Kyle Lee May 22, 2023

Whether you've cooked a sumptuous salmon fillet for a special occasion or enjoyed a restaurant-prepared dish, there are times when you find yourself with delectable leftovers waiting to be savored. However, you may be scratching your head, wondering how to reheat salmon without compromising its quality and taste.

Reheating salmon can be a delicate process, as improper techniques can result in dry, overcooked fish that fails to recapture its initial appeal. But not to worry. This comprehensive guide will explore various methods and best practices for reheating salmon to perfection, ensuring that each bite remains as delicious as the first.

Can You Reheat Salmon?

Yes, you can reheat and eat salmon the next day. However, it's important to store the leftover salmon properly to ensure it stays safe and fresh.

In addition, you should be aware of the best temperatures for cooking salmon.

Signs you shouldn’t reheat salmon include the following:

If you’ve stored the fish for too long
If the fish has an unpleasant odor or appearance
If you’ve already reheated the fish once
If you’ve left the fish at room temperature for too long

Different Ways to Reheat a Salmon

The best way to reheat salmon depends on personal preference and the cooking method used to prepare the salmon initially. Here are a few reheating techniques to try:

How to Reheat Salmon in the Oven

Reheating salmon in the oven is a great way to ensure that it stays moist and tender. Here's how to do it:

Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
Remove the leftover salmon from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
Place the salmon in an oven-safe dish or baking sheet.
Cover the dish or baking sheet with foil to prevent the salmon from drying out.
Place the dish or baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through.
Check the internal temperature of the salmon with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached at least 145°F (63°C).
Once the salmon is heated through, remove it from the oven and serve immediately.

Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillet, so it's important to check the internal temperature to ensure that it has been fully reheated. Also, avoid reheating salmon too many times to prevent it from becoming dry and overcooked.

How to Reheat Salmon in a Microwave

Here's how to reheat salmon in the microwave:

Remove the leftover salmon from the refrigerator and place it in a microwave-safe dish.
Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to help keep the salmon moist and prevent it from drying out.
Microwave the salmon on high for 1-2 minutes, depending on the power of your microwave and the thickness of the salmon.
Check the internal temperature of the salmon with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached at least 145°F (63°C).
Once the salmon is heated through, remove it from the microwave and serve immediately.

Note: Be careful not to overheat the salmon when microwave reheating, as this can cause it to become dry and tough. It's also a good idea to stir or flip the salmon halfway through the reheating process to ensure it heats evenly.

How to Reheat Salmon on the Stovetop

Stovetop reheating for salmon is a great option for those who prefer a crispy exterior. Here's how to do it:

Remove the leftover salmon from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter.
Place the salmon in the skillet, skin-side down if applicable, and cook for 1-2 minutes or until the skin becomes crispy and the salmon is heated through.
Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side, until heated through.
Check the internal temperature of the salmon with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached at least 145°F (63°C).
Once the salmon is heated through and crispy, remove it from the skillet and serve immediately.

Note: Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as this can cause it to become dry and tough. It's also important to use a non-stick skillet to prevent the salmon from sticking to the pan.

How to Reheat Salmon in an Air Fryer

Reheating salmon in an air fryer is a great option for those who want a crispy exterior without the use of oil. Here's how to do it:

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Remove the leftover salmon from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
Place the salmon in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if applicable.
Cook the salmon in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes or until the exterior becomes crispy and the salmon is heated through.
Check the internal temperature of the salmon with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached at least 145°F (63°C).
Once the salmon is heated through and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillet, so it's important to check the internal temperature to ensure that it has been fully reheated. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure that the salmon cooks evenly.

How to Reheat Salmon by Steaming

Reheating salmon by steaming is a gentle and moist cooking method that can help prevent the salmon from drying out. Here's how to do it:

Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer.
Place the leftover salmon in a steamer basket or on a heatproof plate that fits inside the pot.
Place the steamer basket or plate inside the pot, making sure that it is elevated above the water level.
Cover the pot with a lid and steam the salmon for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Check the internal temperature of the salmon with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached at least 145°F (63°C).
Once the salmon is heated through, remove it from the pot and serve immediately.

Note: Steaming time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillet, so it's important to check the internal temperature to ensure that it has been fully reheated. Also, avoid overcooking the salmon, as this can cause it to become dry and tough.

How to Reheat Salmon Through Sous Vide

Reheating salmon through sous vide is a fantastic method that preserves the fish's moisture, tenderness, and flavor. Here's a step-by-step guide on reheating salmon using the sous vide technique:

Preheat your sous vide machine between 120ºF and 125ºF, which is slightly below the salmon’s cooking temperature.
Place your leftover salmon in a vacuum-sealable bag. If using a Ziploc bag, ensure it’s freezer-grade and sturdy enough to withstand cooking. Seal the bag most of the way, leaving a small gap for air to escape.
Slowly submerge the salmon, allowing the pressure to force out the remaining air. Once the majority of the air is out, seal the bag completely.
Place the sealed bag into the water bath, fully submerging it for about 20 to 30 minutes.
Remove the salmon from the bag. Add finishing touches as you desire, such as a soft sear to create extra texture and flavor.

Note: If using a Ziploc bag, take note of liquid that may have accumulated during cooking, which you can use as a sauce or drizzle.

Mistakes to Avoid When Reheating a Salmon

When reheating salmon, there are a few mistakes to avoid to ensure that the salmon remains delicious and moist. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Overheating: Overheating the salmon can cause it to become dry and tough. It's important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the salmon reaches at least 145°F (63°C) but doesn't exceed it.
Using too much heat: Using too much heat, whether in the oven, microwave, stovetop, or air fryer, can cause the salmon to cook too quickly on the outside while still being cold on the inside. Use the recommended temperature and time settings for each cooking method and monitor the salmon closely.
Not covering the salmon: Covering the salmon with a damp paper towel or foil can help prevent it from drying out while reheating. It also helps to retain the moisture in the salmon.
Overcrowding the cooking vessel: Overcrowding the cooking vessel can prevent the salmon from reheating evenly. Leave enough space around the salmon to allow for even reheating.
Not letting the salmon reach room temperature: It's important to let the salmon reach room temperature before reheating to ensure that it cooks evenly.
Not storing the salmon properly: Before reheating salmon, you’ll want to ensure you store it properly to prevent spoilage and bacteria growth. When storing salmon in the freezer, ensure it properly thaws before reheating.
Reheating multiple times: Repeatedly reheating salmon can degrade its quality and flavor. Consider reheating your salmon in smaller portions if dealing with lots of leftovers.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure that your reheated salmon remains moist and delicious.

Cooking salmon perfectly can be tricky with little experience, but our comprehensive guide can tell you how to wind up with a perfectly cooked salmon.

Summary

Mastering salmon reheating techniques can be tricky, as improper techniques can lead to dry and overcooked fish. By familiarizing yourself with the various methods of reheating salmon in the oven, microwave, stovetop, and sous vide, you can enjoy a delectable plate that tastes as good as the first time.

Remember these pro tips for reheating salmon:

Learn the best way to reheat salmon depending on the tools you have.
Consider the advantages and disadvantages of reheating salmon in various appliances. For instance, the oven method is praised for its ability to retain moisture, while stovetops offer quick and controlled heating.
Avoid common reheating mistakes, such as overheating the fish, overcrowding your cooking vessel, improper storage, and more.

Refer to our guide for leftover salmon recipes for some spectacular culinary ideas.