If your friends tell you not to reheat leftover salmon from last night’s get-together in the microwave because it gets rubbery and dry, they’re definitely doing something wrong.
If you reheat it the right way, you can enjoy scrumptious, moist salmon from the day before, whether it’s smoked, grilled, fried, or baked.
Sounds too good to be true?
Well, it’s not.
In this article, I cover everything you need to know about reheating salmon in the microwave the right way. I also include a few tips and tricks to make sure your delicious salmon doesn’t dry out.
So, let’s get started!
Can you reheat salmon in the microwave?
Yes, you can reheat salmon in the microwave, especially if you are short on time. However, you need to be careful. If not done right, reheating cooked salmon can dry it out and leave behind a strong fish smell.
A microwave is notorious when it comes to microwaving fish. But if there’s no other way to reheat it, like when you’re in the office, then there’s no problem with using it.
Just remember that you need to be super vigilant when microwaving salmon. You don’t want everyone complaining about you stinking the office!
Keeping that in mind, the best way to reheat this fish in the microwave is to reheat in intervals. This ensures there’s no lingering smell.
In addition, make sure to set the microwave at the lowest possible power (like around 30%).
And to make sure that your fish doesn’t dry out, splash some water on it.
Also, don’t forget to use a microwave-safe plate or dish.
Can you reheat salmon en croute in the microwave?
Yes, it is possible to reheat salmon en croute in the microwave. Here, too, you need to be careful not to dry out the crust or the fish.
The key to perfectly reheating salmon en croute is cooking it slowly at a low temperature. So take your time to ensure the fish and the bread don’t dry out.
Reheat the fish in intervals for as long as it needs to reach around 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do you reheat salmon in the microwave?
To reheat salmon in the microwave, place it on a microwave-safe plate or dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel or lid and microwave it for 2-3 minutes or until the fish heats up to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you have frozen leftover salmon, make sure you defrost it before popping it into the microwave.
And if you store your fish in a fridge, take it out and give it around half an hour to come down to room temperature. After that, you can move to microwaving it.
To get the best results, here’s what you need to do:
- Put the salmon on a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid. You can also use a damp paper towel.
- Set your microwave on roughly 35% power or as low as you can go.
- Microwave the salmon for 30 seconds.
- Once the 30 seconds are up, take out the fish, flip & rotate. This will ensure that your fish heats evenly.
- Continue reheating until the fish reaches the right internal temperature. Remember, you should microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Finally, when the salmon is hot enough, take it out and serve it.
You May Also Be Interested In: How to Defrost Salmon in the Microwave (Without Ruining It)
How do you reheat salmon in the microwave without it drying?
The trick to reheating salmon in the microwave without it drying is to sprinkle some water on it before nuking it. Then follow the same steps: reheat in 30-second intervals, flip between each interval, and serve when hot enough.
It is very common for some parts of the dish to be undercooked and some overcooked when reheating in a microwave. Plus, the microwave is harsh on delicate proteins like salmon. But no one can deny the ease and convenience that comes with reheating anything in a microwave.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t reheat salmon without it drying.
If you’re just reheating salmon without any sides like rice, vegetables, or even sauce, then you need moisture to prevent it from drying. One way to do that is to add around a few drops of water to your dish. You can also use a bit of broth, sauce, or lemon juice for the same purpose.
Then, microwave it in 30-second intervals at low power.
Is it safe to reheat salmon in the microwave?
Yes, it is safe to reheat salmon in the microwave. You just need to make sure that it was stored properly and use the right microwave container.
If your cooked salmon was not stored properly, it might not be safe to reheat.
You should store your salmon leftovers in an airtight container. This makes sure that the fish stays fresher for longer. Also, put it in the refrigerator or freezer within two hours of making it.
The other thing to take care of is the kind of container you should use. You have two options:
- Plastic
- Glass
While plastic containers can retain the freshness of foods for longer, most of them are not ideal for reheating. They can melt in the microwave or dangerous chemicals can leech into your food if you expose plastic to high temperatures.
Only use plastic containers if they specifically state they are microwave- and heat-safe.
There’s another problem with plastic containers. Since they aren’t good conductors of heat, you might have to cook the salmon for longer, which can dry it out.
On the other hand, glass containers keep the food warm and retain its original flavor, but they don’t retain moisture. They might not be suitable for reheating salmon in a microwave if they’re not shock-resistant.
How long does it take to reheat salmon in the microwave?
The time it takes for the salmon to reheat thoroughly depends on how cold it is and the power of your microwave. Generally, it shouldn’t take more than 2-3 minutes.
Since you need to lower your microwave’s power to around 30-35%, it can take a few minutes for the salmon to heat up. But the results will be worth it since your salmon won’t dry out.
And the time it takes may vary if you use the reheat option on your microwave.
To be on the safe side, microwave the fish in 30-second intervals and keep checking it after each round. This minimizes the chance of overheating it.
How do you know when salmon is reheated in the microwave?
There are numerous ways to know when salmon is reheated in the microwave. Its internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit and it should sizzle. If it is reheated thoroughly, you’ll see steam coming from the fish. Not to mention – the distinct smell of cooked salmon.
If you follow the steps above and keep checking the salmon every 30 seconds, it won’t be difficult to determine when the salmon is reheated.
You can use a food thermometer to check the temperature, but if you don’t have one, you don’t need to worry. You can use your finger and touch the fish to see if it is hot enough.
To make sure that it’s hot from the inside, too, you can cut a small piece and either touch it with your finger or place it in your mouth. Just be careful if you see steam coming out of the fish.
The Bottom Line
So you now know how to reheat salmon in the microwave. It’s a great option if you’re short on time, and with the right tips, it won’t dry out.
Remember, microwave it at low power and in 30-second intervals. And don’t forget to add some water and use a microwave cover.
If done right, this can be your go-to method when it comes to reheating salmon.