Canned smoked salmon is certainly not the most common ingredient to have in your kitchen, but smoked salmon is a great item to have on-hand for its versatility and long shelf life. The smoking process preserves the salmon at its freshest. Every time you open a can of smoked salmon, you can taste the quality of the fish and enjoy it any time of the year. Below, we cover how to store and cook with smoked salmon and let you know where you can buy smoked salmon online.
What Is the Shelf Life of Canned Smoked Salmon?
The typical shelf life of canned, unopened smoked salmon is anywhere from 3 to 5 years.
The canning process for smoked salmon creates an airtight seal, keeping air and bacteria out of the jar. Pressure canning prolongs the life of the salmon and makes it shelf-stable. Plus, some like waiting some time to open their canned salmon because the fish undergoes a similar aging effect to that of wines. Once you open a can of smoked salmon, you should enjoy the salmon within 1 to 2 days and store in the refrigerator.
If you are interested in learning more about how to both smoke salmon and can the smoked salmon to preserve it, you can review this resource from Oregon State. Given the long shelf life of canned salmon, it is a great ingredient to have on hand. With the right setup and equipment, you can even make your own smoked salmon at home. However, buying canned salmon is just as easy.
How to Cook with Canned Salmon
Canned smoked salmon is ready to eat out of the container. You can easily add the salmon to a variety of recipes. Here are just some of the ways you can incorporate smoked salmon into your meals.
- Breakfast: Smoked salmon is a classic bagel topper along with cream cheese, capers, and red onions. You can also prepare canned salmon with eggs, like a quiche or a simple scramble.
- Lunch: Similar to canned chicken or tuna, canned salmon works great as a spread or salad. The salmon mixes together with cream cheese or mayonnaise. This creates a simple lunch to enjoy with crackers or on bread.
- Dinner: For a hearty dinner option, you can use canned salmon as a protein atop a grain bowl with vegetable and other toppings. Smoked salmon has a lot of protein in a serving. It also has healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making it a lean and filling protein option.
Where to Buy Smoked Salmon in a Can
You can find quality canned smoked salmon from many online seafood supply stores. You often cannot pick from a great selection of canned salmon in your regular grocery store, so you should start your search online. Be sure to carefully review the labels on the can and the information listed on the website to make sure you are getting the kind of salmon you want. Canned salmon is a unique ingredient, which allows you to enjoy delicious, wild salmon any time of the year.
