Reheating Pan-Seared Salmon: The Best Methods

Pan-seared salmon is a delicious and easy dish to make, but what happens when you have leftovers? Reheating salmon is a tricky task as it can easily become dry, rubbery, and stinky. However, if done right, you can still enjoy juicy and flavorful salmon. Here are some tips and methods to reheat pan-seared salmon:

- Avoid using the microwave as it tends to dry out the fish and release an unpleasant fishy aroma.

- Reheat salmon slowly at a low temperature. The oven is a great option for this, with temperatures set at around 275-300°F for about 15 minutes.

- Cover the salmon loosely with foil to prevent the edges from drying out and to reduce cooking smells.

- Add moisture to the salmon by splashing some water or olive oil, or squeezing lemon juice over it.

- If you're reheating salmon on a stovetop or in a pan, cook at medium-low heat for around 6 minutes on each side, covering the salmon.

- For grilled salmon, wrap it in parchment paper with olive oil and seasonings, then grill via indirect heat for about 15 minutes.

- If you're in a hurry, you can use an air fryer. Set it to 350°F and reheat the salmon for 3-5 minutes.

Reheating salmon in the oven

Preheat your oven to between 275°F and 300°F. Place your salmon on a rimmed baking sheet and put it in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F.

Before you put the salmon in the oven, rub a tablespoon of olive oil or squeeze half a lemon over the surface of the fish. Both methods help preserve the original flavour and freshness of the fish. You can also add a splash of water to the baking sheet to prevent the edges from crisping up or further browning.

Don't forget to cover the fish. Lightly wrapping the fillet in foil helps restrict the fishy smell from escaping the oven. It also ensures the edges of the fish don't dry out before the centre is warmed through.

Reheating salmon on the stovetop

Using olive oil to dress the fish before cooking not only helps to preserve its flavour but also acts as a protective barrier against the heat of the pan. Cover the salmon fillets and warm them over a medium-low flame for about six minutes on each side.

If you want to reheat salmon in a frying pan, be aware that the fish tends to brown quickly. Grease a cooking pan lightly with olive oil or spray some non-stick liquid on the pan. Preheat the pan over a medium flame or heat for two minutes. Place the fish in the pan and splash a few drops of water on it. Cover the pan and cook for five minutes on each side. Keep an eye on the fish to prevent overcooking and remove it from the heat once it is evenly cooked on both sides.

Steaming is another effective way to reheat salmon on the stovetop. Most steaming apparatuses use the heat of a stovetop, but some have a built-in boiler. To steam, fill the pot of the apparatus a quarter full with water. Add a teaspoon of water and bring it to a boil. Place the salmon in a steamer basket, put the basket in the boiling pot, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes.

Reheating salmon in the microwave

If you are short on time, however, there are ways to mitigate these issues. Firstly, keep the heat low and reheat the salmon in 20- to 30-second increments. This will allow you to gauge the temperature and texture of the fish as you go.

To prevent the salmon from drying out, add a splash of water to the dish before microwaving. You can also cover the dish with a lid, damp paper towel, or microwave-safe plastic wrap to create steam and lock in moisture.

It is important to note that the microwave is not the best option for reheating salmon. The oven is generally considered the optimal method as it helps the fish retain its flavour and moisture.

Reheating salmon on the grill

Firstly, preheat your grill to medium heat on one side, aiming for around 177°C (350°F). If you are using a charcoal grill, place most of the charcoal on one side of the grill to create an indirect heat source. This is important as direct heat can cause the salmon to break apart and dry out.

Next, rub oil onto the salmon. This will help to seal in moisture and prevent the fish from drying out. Wrap the oiled salmon in foil. This will protect the fish from the heat and ensure even cooking.

Place the wrapped salmon over the indirect heat source on the grill and cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The time this will take depends on the thickness of your salmon fillets, but it should take around 15 minutes.

Once the salmon has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and carefully unwrap the foil. Your salmon is now ready to be enjoyed!

Some additional tips for reheating salmon on the grill include:

• Adding a splash of water to the salmon before wrapping in foil. This will create steam and help keep the fish moist.
• Using parchment paper to wrap the salmon before the foil. This will provide an extra layer of protection and make cleanup even easier.
• Avoiding high heat. Salmon is delicate and can dry out easily, so always opt for lower temperatures and slower cooking times.
• Not reheating to piping hot. Aim for a warm temperature that will heat the salmon through without overcooking it.

Reheating salmon in an air fryer

Firstly, it is important to note that the key to keeping fish moist and flavorful is to control its temperature throughout the process. When reheating salmon, the fish is bound to lose some moisture, so it is advisable to add some olive oil or squeeze lemon over the surface of the fish before reheating.

To reheat salmon in an air fryer, simply place the salmon in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Reheat the salmon for about 3-5 minutes, checking regularly to ensure it reaches your desired temperature.

If you are looking for other ways to reheat salmon, there are several options, including using a stovetop, oven, microwave, grill, or steamer.

Reheating salmon on a stovetop is one of the easiest and most accessible ways. To do this, add olive oil, butter, or ghee to a pan to help the fish retain its moisture. Warm the salmon fillets on a medium-low flame for around six minutes on each side, covering them as they cook.

The optimal way to reheat salmon is in the oven. To do this, preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly splash a few drops of olive oil on the fish and wrap it in aluminum foil. You can also add a few drops of fresh lemon juice to add a fresh taste. Place the fish in the oven and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.

While it is not the recommended method, if you are short on time, you can use a microwave. Place the salmon on a microwave-safe dish and add a quarter of a cup of water. Set the temperature to medium-high and heat in 20-30 second increments to ensure you do not overcook the fish.

Finally, you can also reheat salmon on a grill. To do this, wrap the fish in parchment paper with a splash of olive oil and other seasonings. Wrap this again in foil and place it on an electric or coal-powered grill preheated to 300-330 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, checking the internal temperature with a food thermometer.

Frequently asked questions