Can You Reheat Salmon?
Written by Jordan Morley · Reviewed against FSA/NHS reheating guidance · Last updated 28 October 2026
Yes, you can reheat salmon — once only, until piping hot (75°C). Gentle, covered reheating keeps it from drying out.
What makes it safe (or not)
Reheating salmon is safe under the standard rules: it must have been cooled within 2 hours of cooking, kept refrigerated, and be reheated to 75°C (165°F) throughout, once only. Fish is delicate, so gentle methods — a covered dish in the oven, or short microwave bursts — get it safely hot without turning it to rubber. If it smells at all off before reheating, bin it.
You can also check the calorie content of salmon alongside its safety information.
How to reheat salmon safely
- Take salmon from the fridge (use within 2 days of cooking; sooner is better for quality).
- Cover it — a lidded dish with a spoonful of water keeps steam in.
- Reheat gently: Healthline suggests about 120°C wrapped in foil for 15–20 minutes (no foil if breaded), or short low-to-medium microwave bursts, turning once.
- Check the thickest part is piping hot — 75°C (165°F) — and the flesh flakes.
- Eat immediately; never reheat fish twice.
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Microwave plate cover
Traps steam so food heats evenly — the main cause of cold spots is dry heating.
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Shallow, microwave-safe portions cool faster and reheat more evenly.
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More kitchen essentials
Oven thermometer
Oven temperatures drift — a thermometer keeps cooking accurate.
Check Price →Salmon: the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| In pregnancy | Safe — max 2 portions a week |
| While breastfeeding | Safe — max 2 portions a week |
| Left out overnight | No — throw it away (limit about 2 h) |
| Past the date on the label | No — use-by means use by |
Common questions
Can you reheat salmon in the microwave?
Yes — cover it, use medium power in short bursts, and check the thickest part is piping hot. The smell is stronger in a microwave but the safety is the same.
What is the best way to reheat salmon?
Reheat covered (Healthline suggests about 120°C wrapped in foil for 15–20 minutes, or low-to-medium microwave bursts) until the thickest part is piping hot (75°C).
Can you reheat salmon twice?
No — once only, as with all reheated food. Portion before reheating so nothing goes back in the fridge.
Can you eat salmon cold instead?
Yes — if it was cooked, cooled promptly and refrigerated, cold cooked salmon within 2 days is fine (flaked into a salad, for example).
Why does reheated salmon smell so strong?
Healthline and The Takeout both note that reheating fish, especially in the microwave, can leave a strong smell; neither explains why. It is a quality issue. Wrapping the fish in a foil or parchment pouch keeps the smell in, says The Takeout.
How long can I keep leftover salmon before reheating?
Within 2 days in the fridge is the NHS/FSA advice for cooked leftovers (the US USDA allows 3–4 days). Cool it within 1–2 hours of cooking and keep the fridge at 5°C or below.
Can I freeze salmon instead of reheating it?
Yes. Cooled promptly and frozen in portions, it keeps for around 1–2 months for best quality (USDA FoodKeeper), and stays safe beyond that. Defrost in the fridge, then reheat once until piping hot. See our freezing guide for the details.
Related answers
Primary source: FSA/NHS reheating guidance.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.