20 Best Canned Salmon Recipes From Around the World

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. 

A collage of six canned salmon dishes.

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. 

canned salmon on a plate dp
There are lots of types of of canned salmon available

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 

A can of salmon on a white plate with thyme and parsley.
Boneless and skinless flaked salmon has a much softer texture than bone-in 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.

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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7 Comments

  1. 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. 🙂

  2. 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!

  3. 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!

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