Canned salmon doesn’t have to just mean sandwiches. This high-quality protein is loaded up with healthy omega-3 fatty acids and it makes for an incredible pantry staple that is ready whenever you need it. Here are just a few of my favorite Creative Ways to Use Canned Salmon.
To some canned fish, as the leading star of the meal may be an act of desperation or last-minuteness, and while the latter may be true quite often for me – I think regardless, canned salmon and other canned fish, are really easy, grab-and-go, delicious, super nutrient-rich proteins that are perfect pantry staples for any health-minded kitchen. A great thing on hand for those busy times when you just aren’t sure what to make.
Besides your standard sandwich, canned salmon and tuna can be used interchangeably in a variety of different recipes. Canned salmon and tuna both make for wonderful and easy healthy fat-loaded proteins to complete any meal. Add to just about any plate, over top a big green salad, in a wrap, serve over top rice or cauliflower rice, pasta, zucchini noodles, over potatoes or squash. For me, I find that canned salmon is a quality, staple pantry protein, for those busy weeknights when I forget to thaw something out or don’t have the time to fuss with much but I still want a well-rounded nutrient-dense meal. Canned salmon is fantastic source of protein, and it’s also loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D3, B-complex vitamins, and trace minerals.
I find that with quality, properly sourced canned fish, less is more. When it comes to Alaska Gold’s Line-Caught Ivory King Canned Salmon, simply toss in some green or red onions and celery, maybe a little mayo and enjoy on a cracker for an easy snack. It truly doesn’t need much more, the flavor is just perfect.
Is Ivory King Salmon Different?
Alaska Gold’s Line-Caught Ivory King Canned Salmon is in a league of it’s own when it comes to canned fish. First off, ivory kind salmon are extremely rare, the rarest of the 5 Pacific wild salmon species. And only a very small percentage of king salmon (roughly approximately 4 %) have a unique genetic anomaly, a missing enzyme, that make them unable to metabolize the pigments in krill, which give other salmon their orange-ish pink-ish salmon color. Because of this inability to digest krill, ivory king salmon prey on more oily fish, like herring and needle-fish, giving them an extra dose of the heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids that our bodies really need.
Healthy Fats
While we’ve all likely heard about the health benefits of a nutrient-dense whole foods diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, the majority of the benefits are the long-chain omega-3 fats eicosapentanaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These omega-3 fats are found exclusively in seafood and marine algae. I generally recommend to get enough DHA and EPA in our diet, this can easily be obtained by eating a 4 oz. serving of salmon twice a week.
Fishermen’s Choice
Because of their pale hue, ivory king salmon tend to be shunned by many fish buyers. In the old days, when fishermen hand-trolled on 18-foot vessels rigged with oar and sail and their fishing lines were made of cotton and they slept under tarps on the bows of their boats, buyers didn’t buy ivory king salmon. So, Fishermen would keep them for themselves. This is why Alaska Gold calls their ivory king portions “The Fishermen’s Choice.”
Just Wild Caught Isn’t Enough
As always with Alaska Gold, the wild-caught salmon are line-caught. Hook and line is one of the most sustainable ways to catch fish. A line-caught fish is a superior product and is the most premium quality fish on the market. No fish is handled with more care from the time it leaves the water until it is delivered to a customer than a line-caught fish. To read more about why I choose Alaska Gold Seafood, and to learn more about their catch methods, their commitment to sustainability and the health benefits of line-caught fish –check out this post The Benefits of Wild Caught Fish and How to Source it Sustainably
Today I am sharing just a few of my favorite ways to enjoy Alaska Gold’s Line-Caught Ivory King Canned Salmon, but these recipes would work for canned tuna and many other types of canned fish, too.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy Canned Salmon and Canned Tuna:
Salmon Patties / Cakes
Check out my recipe for these Paleo Salmon Cakes here. Be sure to make the simple Old Bay Aioli on the side, it’s the perfect compliment. This recipe works great with Alaska Gold’s Line-Caught Ivory King canned salmon or line-caught canned albacore tuna (crab, too).
The Perfect Filling to Any Omelette
Start with three eggs, beat and add a little salt and pepper. Heat a cast iron pan, over a medium-high heat, add a generous amount of butter, ghee or olive oil. Pour in the beaten eggs. Don’t stir! Let the eggs cook for up to a minute or until the bottom starts to set. With a heat-resistant rubber spatula, gently push one edge of the egg into the center of the pan, while tilting the pan to allow the still liquid egg to flow in underneath. Repeat with the other edges, until there’s no liquid left. Your eggs should now resemble a bright yellow pancake, which should easily slide around on the seasoned / nonstick surface. If it sticks at all, loosen it with your spatula. Now gently flip the egg pancake over, using your spatula to ease it over if necessary. Add the canned salmon and maybe some crumbled goat cheese, a little fresh dill or chives in a straight line down the middle. You can also add caramelized onions, shallots or leeks, some wilted spinach or fresh arugula. Carefully slide the omelette out of the pan, folding it in half as you plate it. Top with your favorite herbs.
The Perfect Proteins for Your Favorite Salads
Go with your favorite greens and top with your favorite homemade salad dressing. Or swap the tuna for canned salmon in this epic recipe for Tuna and Arugula Salad with Avocado, BLack Olives and Lemon Parsley Vinaigrette. You canned salmon or tuna would be great on any salad, and for an easy on-the-go lunch or picnic option, build your salad in a wide-mouth mason jar, (as seen in the video above) adding the canned fish to the bottom of the jar with your dressing. When you are ready to serve, give it all a shake, open and pour and voila.
Potato and Veggie Hash
Canned salmon makes an amazing addition to any hash. A great way to turn a hash into a full meal. Serve for breakfast topped with a few eggs or as a side for dinner. I find the salmon pairs nicely with white or sweet potatoes, leeks or onions and spinach or arugula or shredded brussels. Use this hash recipe as a base and add the salmon right at the end, cook long enough to just heat the salmon through.
Salmon Stuffed Avocado Boats
Mix 1 can of Alaska Gold Line-Caught Ivory King Salmon (or Gourmet Canned Line-Caught Albacore Tuna) with a couple tablespoons of avocado oil mayonnaise, chopped celery, red or green onion, salt and pepper. Scoop into a large pitted, ripe avocado (or two small) that has been halved. Top with fresh herbs and enjoy!
Other Recipe Ideas:
Add to your favorite frittata or egg scramble, mini egg cups or sheet pan baked eggs
Add to risotto (swap out the chicken in this Spring Cauliflower Rice Bake and instead add salmon tuna)
Add to pasta dishes or pasta salad
Topping on a creative white pizza or flatbread
Add to fried rice
Make salmon burgers or meatballs
Alaska Gold Seafood is a sponsor of Tasty Yummies. All content, ideas, and words are my own. Thanks for supporting the sponsors that allow me to create new and special content like this for Tasty Yummies.
One Response
All such excellent ideas! I love having canned seafood (Whether salmon, sardines, or tuna) on hand for quick and easy meals like this.