The Fancy Pants Salmon Loaf Updated Classic

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever feel like canned salmon is a bit "meh"? I get it! But this salmon loaf recipe ? Oh my gosh , it's a game changer.

Forget everything you think you know. This classic dish is surprisingly flavorful and dead easy.

Brief Overview

The salmon loaf , a retro classic, has a long history in American home cooking. It's an economical and surprisingly versatile way to use canned salmon .

This easy salmon loaf recipe is a breeze to make, taking about an hour from start to finish. It will serve around 6 people.

Main Benefits

Looking for a healthy and delicious dinner? Baked canned salmon is packed with Omega-3s, a real boost for your heart and brain.

This classic salmon loaf is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It's also pretty impressive if you’re having mates round for tea.

Honestly, it's special because it's simple comfort food, elevated with fresh flavors. What makes this recipe special.

Ready to get cooking?

Let's Talk Ingredients!

First, you will need canned salmon, this classic dish is easy to prepare! The recipe uses just few things. A tip, Make sure you use good quality canned salmon for the best flavor.

You could even use pink salmon. Onions, celery and parsley will add a brightness. These vegetables give a fantastic flavor boost.

Is it Salmon Loaf or Salmon Meatloaf?

It’s basically the same thing! The term salmon meatloaf is often used interchangeably with salmon loaf . The recipe contains eggs, some breadcrumbs, lemon zest and mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.

The loaf is then cooked in the oven, this makes it a salmon loaf recipe baked .

More Recipes with Salmon

If you like it , you will like this recipe, why not explore other salmon recipes canned ? You'll find tons of ideas.

You could try salmon patties, or even a creamy salmon pasta. The possibilities are endless! Are you after the best quick salmon dinner recipes ?

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's talk about what you need to whip up this killer salmon loaf recipe . Honestly, it's pretty straightforward. Don't worry if you aren't a pro.

Main Ingredients

Okay, here's the shopping list. This will cover the classic salmon loaf .

• Canned Salmon : 1 (14.75 ounce) can pink salmon. That's about 418g . Make sure you drain it. Remove the skin and bones. The quality? Look for wild caught if you can.
• Yellow Onion: 1/2 cup finely chopped (about 75g ).
• Celery: 1/2 cup finely chopped (around 50g ).
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup finely chopped ( 10g ).
• Bread Crumbs: 1/4 cup (panko is awesome) - about 20g .
• Eggs: 2 large, lightly beaten.
• Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ).
• Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ).
• Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon .
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste).
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ), for greasing.

For the Lemony Dill Sauce :

• Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ).
• Plain Greek Yogurt: 2 tablespoons ( 30g ).
• Fresh Dill: 2 tablespoons chopped ( 10g ).
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ).
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon .
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .

Seasoning Notes

Dill and lemon? Obvs a match made in heaven. They make that baked canned salmon sing!. Garlic powder just adds a bit of oomph.

I use dijon mustard instead of yellow mustard, it really complements the flavors. Honestly, if you don't have fresh dill, dried will do in a pinch.

Equipment Needed

Nothing too fancy here. No need to pull out the molecular gastronomy kit.

• 9x5 inch Loaf Pan
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Small Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Rubber Spatula

That's it! A loaf pan is key, you know? The bowl for mixing it all up. If you don't have a loaf pan, a cake pan can work, but it'll bake differently.

You could even use muffin tins.

So, grab your kit and let's get cooking! I am excited to show you this easy salmon loaf recipe .

Cooking Method: Baking the Best Salmon Loaf Ever

Alright, buckle up buttercups! We're diving into baking this salmon loaf recipe . Honestly, baking might sound a bit intimidating but trust me, even I, who's set off the smoke alarm more times than I care to admit, can nail this.

It's easier than making toast, nearly!

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

• Essential mise en place: Finely chop your celery, onion, and parsley. Drain the canned salmon, removing bones, and zest the lemon. It's the little things, innit?
• Time saving organization tips: Whisk the eggs in a small bowl before you start to save time, that's what I do. It makes everything smoother, like a Bond martini!
• Safety reminders: Mind the oven, yeah? Don't want any burnt fingers or singed eyebrows!

step-by-step Process: From Mess to Masterpiece

1. Preheat oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease that 9x5 inch loaf pan with olive oil. This stops sticking.
2. In a big bowl, flake the canned salmon . Chuck in the onion, celery, parsley, breadcrumbs, eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Gently mix it. Don't go all Hulk on it; just until combined. Overmixing makes it tough.
4. Spoon the mix into the loaf pan. Press it down gently to make it even.
5. Bake for 45 minutes . A knife in the middle should come out clean.
6. While it's baking, make the sauce. Whisk the mayonnaise, yogurt, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
7. Cool the loaf for 10 minutes before flipping it onto a plate. Serve with sauce!

Pro Tips: Nailing the Salmon Loaf

Here's some sneaky tricks I learned over the years.

One of my biggest tips for the best classic salmon loaf : don't overmix the salmon mixture. That's how you get a dry loaf and nobody wants that.

We want moist, flavorful salmon meatloaf .

A common mistake is not greasing the loaf pan well enough. Trust me; you'll be scraping for days. Make sure the whole pan is well oiled, then baking salmon loaf recipes baked becomes a breeze!

Oh, and the salmon loaf with dill sauce can be made ahead. In fact, I think it tastes better if the flavors have time to get friendly in the fridge!

Recipe Notes for Your Perfect Salmon Loaf

Alright, lets dive into how to make your salmon loaf recipe truly shine. Honestly, even the simplest recipe can be elevated with a few little tricks.

Trust me, I've had my fair share of cooking fails. We are going to talk about the Baked Canned Salmon and how to make the best dish.

Serving Suggestions That Wow

Okay, so you've got this gorgeous classic salmon loaf . Now what? Forget plain plates! I love to plate it with a vibrant green think steamed green beans drizzled with lemon, or roasted asparagus with a sprinkle of Parmesan.

A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness. For drinks, a crisp white wine or even a chilled sparkling water with a lemon slice works wonders.

Think fancy, but easy.

Storage Secrets

This easy salmon loaf recipe makes great leftovers. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.

It'll keep for about 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven at 300° F ( 150° C) or microwave on low power.

Be careful not to overheat or it will dry out!

Tweaking the Recipe: Variations for Everyone

Want to mix it up? Totally get it. For a gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. Easy peasy! Craving a bit of spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salmon meatloaf mixture.

You can change the ingredient of the recipe for a Salmon Loaf Recipes Baked

If you're watching your dairy intake, you can swap the mayonnaise in the sauce with plain Greek yogurt or sour cream. You know, its super simple and tasty,

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Each serving of this salmon loaf packs a punch. Approximately 350 calories, 25 grams of protein, and healthy fats from the canned salmon .

Plus, you're getting those important omega-3s. Think of it as a delicious way to boost your brainpower. We are going to look at What To Do With Canned Salmon ,

So there you have it! A quick salmon dinner recipes that’s sure to impress. Don't be scared to experiment and make it your own.

You've got this! Enjoy these retro salmon recipes and you will not be disappointed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salmon loaf recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The salmon loaf can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. In fact, letting the flavors meld overnight often makes it even tastier, like a good stew. Just be sure to add a few minutes to the cooking time.

My salmon loaf is dry. What am I doing wrong?

A dry salmon loaf is a real bummer, innit? The most common culprit is overbaking. Make sure you're not baking it for too long aim for just firm to the touch. Also, be careful not to overmix the ingredients; that can also lead to a drier texture.

Adding a bit more mayonnaise or even a tablespoon of milk can help keep it moist.

I don't have fresh dill. What can I substitute in the lemony dill sauce for this salmon loaf recipe?

No dill, no worries! Fresh parsley or chives make a perfectly acceptable substitute. They'll still provide that fresh, herby note to complement the salmon. You could even try a little tarragon for a slightly anise like flavor, if you're feeling a bit adventurous, like a contestant on the "Great British Baking Show" trying to impress Paul Hollywood!

How long does salmon loaf last in the fridge, and is it freezer friendly?

Properly stored, cooked salmon loaf will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. It's also freezer friendly! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and it can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven or microwave.

Is this salmon loaf recipe healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

You betcha! Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart and brain. It's also a good source of protein. Keep in mind that mayonnaise does add some fat, so you could use light mayo or Greek yogurt to lighten it up.

It's all about balance, a bit like a well constructed trifle layers of goodness!

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned for this salmon loaf recipe?

You absolutely can! Poach or bake about 1 pound (450g) of fresh salmon until cooked through, then flake it. Make sure to remove any bones before adding it to the loaf mixture. Using fresh salmon will give the loaf a richer flavor, a bit like trading your Mini Cooper for an Aston Martin both great, but one's definitely a step up!