Reheating Salmon: Pan-Heating Tips For Succulent Results

Reheating salmon can be tricky, but it's not impossible. The best method for reheating salmon is using an oven, but a stovetop or pan is also a great option. Salmon is a delicate fish, so the trick to reheating it is to take your time. To reheat salmon in a pan, heat a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil or butter in a pan over medium-low heat. Then, add the salmon and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until heated through.

Add moisture to the pan, such as a splash of water or stock

When reheating salmon in a pan, adding a small amount of liquid such as water or stock can help prevent the fish from drying out and enhance its flavour.

To reheat salmon in a pan with moisture, first heat a light coating of butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Then, add a small amount of liquid to the pan—around 2-3 tablespoons of water or stock is sufficient. If you're using a sauce, you can add this to the pan instead.

Once the liquid is in the pan, reduce the heat to low and add the salmon. Place the salmon in the pan skin-side down and cover the skillet with a lid to trap the steam. The steam generated by the moisture in the pan will gently warm the salmon, helping to keep it moist and flavoursome.

If you want to crisp the salmon skin, you can do so after the salmon is warmed through. Simply remove any leftover liquid from the pan, add another dash of oil or butter, and fry the salmon skin-side down over high heat for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Use olive oil or butter to retain moisture

When reheating salmon in a pan, it's important to use olive oil or butter to retain moisture and prevent the fish from drying out. This is because salmon is prone to drying out when reheated, so adding moisture is key.

To reheat salmon on a stovetop, heat a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil or butter in a pan over medium-low heat. Then, add the salmon and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until heated through. Using olive oil or butter will act as a protective barrier between the heat of the pan and the fish, preserving the flavour and texture of the salmon.

You can also add a splash of water, stock, or lemon juice to the pan to help keep the salmon moist as it reheats. Covering the pan with a lid will also help to trap the steam and moisture, ensuring your salmon doesn't dry out.

If you're looking to crisp up the skin of your salmon, you can do so by increasing the heat to high and frying the salmon skin-side down for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Remember, salmon is delicate, so taking your time and keeping the heat low will help ensure your salmon stays moist and flaky.

Cover the pan to trap steam

When reheating salmon in a pan, it is important to cover the pan to trap steam. This is because, as the name suggests, steam adds heat and moisture to the salmon. This helps to prevent the fish from drying out and ensures that it is moist and flavoursome.

Covering the pan with a lid also helps to restrict any fishy smells from escaping into your kitchen. It is possible to use a sheet pan, pizza pan, or a double sheet of foil as a lid if you don't have one that fits your pan. However, these alternatives will not create a tight seal, so some steam will still escape.

It is worth noting that, while steam can be an effective way to reheat salmon and prevent it from drying out, it is not ideal if your salmon has a sauce or marinade. This is because the steam will condense on the surface of the salmon, diluting the flavours.

Avoid high heat to prevent overcooking

Reheating salmon is a delicate process, and one of the most common mistakes people make is exposing the fish to high heat. Salmon is a tricky dish to reheat, and using high heat will only make it dry and overcooked. The key to retaining the moisture in the fish and preventing it from drying out is to reheat it slowly and at a low temperature.

When it comes to reheating salmon in a pan, it is essential to use medium-low heat. Warm the salmon fillets for around six minutes on each side, ensuring that they are covered. This slow and gentle approach ensures that the salmon doesn't dry out and helps maintain its flaky texture. It's also important to add some form of fat, such as olive oil, butter, or ghee, to the pan. This not only helps the fish retain its moisture but also acts as a protective barrier between the salmon and the heat of the pan.

Additionally, a splash of liquid, such as water or stock, can be added to the pan to create steam, which is essential for warming the salmon without drying it out. Covering the pan with a lid helps trap the steam, ensuring that the salmon heats through evenly. If you're looking to crisp up the skin, you can finish the salmon by increasing the heat to high for a few minutes after the fish is warmed through.

Remember, the goal is to reheat the salmon without drying it out or overcooking it. By using medium-low heat, adding fat, and creating steam, you can achieve moist and flavoursome salmon when reheating it in a pan.

Add extra flavours like lemon juice, garlic or ginger

Lemon juice, garlic, and ginger can be added to a pan when reheating salmon to enhance its flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the salmon: Pat dry the salmon fillets with paper towels. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
• Make the lemon-garlic butter sauce: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about a minute. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer until it reduces by half, which should take about 3 minutes. Stir in butter and honey, and set the sauce aside.
• Reheat the salmon: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets and cook for about 4 minutes on the first side until golden brown. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side.
• Plate the salmon: Place the cooked salmon fillets on a plate and drizzle each serving generously with the prepared lemon-garlic butter sauce.

Adding lemon juice, garlic, and ginger to the pan when reheating salmon will not only enhance its flavour but also help to retain its moisture.

Frequently asked questions