Smoked salmon is a culinary delicacy loved for its rich, smoky flavor and versatility. Whether you’re serving it as part of a hearty breakfast, a quick snack, or an elegant dinner, smoked salmon can easily elevate a dish. From hot-smoked salmon, which has a flaky texture, to cold-smoked salmon, known for its smooth and silky mouthfeel, this guide will help you explore the best smoked salmon recipes, uncover its nutritional benefits, and show you how to prepare your own at home.
In addition to recipes, we’ll share tips on how to creatively use smoked salmon in everyday meals and highlight some of the best ways to store and serve it.
What is Smoked Salmon?
Smoked salmon comes in two varieties: hot-smoked and cold-smoked. These types differ mainly in how they are prepared:
- Hot-smoked salmon is cooked during the smoking process at a higher temperature, which gives it a firm, flaky texture. It’s perfect for heartier meals like pastas, risottos, and chowders.
- Cold-smoked salmon is cured in salt and smoked at a much lower temperature, which preserves its delicate texture and flavor. Cold-smoked salmon is often used in lighter dishes such as salads, appetizers, and breakfast spreads.
These two varieties open up a world of culinary possibilities, making smoked salmon a versatile ingredient suitable for any time of day or occasion. If you’re curious to learn more about how the smoking process works, this resource on the science of smoked meats offers a deep dive into different methods.
Nutritional Benefits of Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with important nutrients that provide significant health benefits. Whether you’re adding it to your diet for the flavor or for its nutritional content, you’ll find plenty of reasons to incorporate more smoked salmon into your meals:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Smoked salmon is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining heart health, reducing inflammation, and improving brain function. Omega-3s are also known to support mental health and may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Protein: Each serving of smoked salmon is packed with protein, making it an excellent option for those looking to maintain muscle mass or recover from exercise. A typical 100g serving provides around 18g of protein.
- Vitamins and minerals: Smoked salmon is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and selenium. Vitamin D supports bone health and immune function, while B12 is crucial for energy production and maintaining healthy red blood cells. Selenium, a powerful antioxidant, helps protect cells from damage.
Nutritional Breakdown:
| Nutritional Value per 100g | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 117 kcal |
| Protein | 18g |
| Total Fat | 4.32g |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 1.6g |
| Sodium | 670 mg |
| Vitamin D | 526 IU |
| Vitamin B12 | 3.2 mcg |
Because smoked salmon is high in sodium due to the curing process, it’s important to consume it in moderation if you’re watching your sodium intake. That said, it’s a nutrient-dense food that makes for a healthful addition to any diet.
To learn more about how salmon supports your health, take a look at this comprehensive guide on salmon nutrition and health benefits.
Types of Smoked Salmon Recipes
Hot-Smoked Salmon Recipes
Hot-smoked salmon is a great option when you want something more substantial. Because it’s cooked during the smoking process, hot-smoked salmon is flaky and firm, which makes it ideal for warm dishes like pasta, risotto, or chowder.
1. Brown Sugar Smoked Salmon
This recipe is simple yet flavorful, combining brown sugar and salt to create a sweet and salty rub that perfectly complements the rich flavor of smoked salmon.
- Ingredients:
- 1 large salmon fillet
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Wood chips for smoking (optional)
- Instructions:
- Mix the brown sugar, salt, and pepper together in a bowl to make a dry rub.
- Rub the mixture all over the salmon fillet, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let the salmon rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat your smoker to 200°F, and if using wood chips, soak them in water for 30 minutes before adding them to the smoker.
- Smoke the salmon for about 2 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Let the salmon rest for 10 minutes before serving. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad.
This hot-smoked salmon can also be repurposed for sandwiches, salads, or even scrambled eggs the next day.
2. Seattle-Style Smoked Salmon Chowder
Seattle is known for its seafood, and smoked salmon chowder is one of the city’s iconic dishes. This recipe uses the rich flavors of hot-smoked salmon to create a warm, hearty meal that’s perfect for cold evenings.
- Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup hot-smoked salmon, flaked
- 1 tablespoon capers
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Instructions:
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
- Add the diced potatoes and chicken stock. Simmer until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the cream and flaked salmon. Cook for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Finish the chowder with capers and fresh parsley before serving with crusty bread.
Seattle-style smoked salmon chowder is an indulgent treat that’s ideal for entertaining guests or cozy nights in. Looking for more seafood-based recipes? Try this tuna casserole for another comforting, fish-based dish that’s equally delicious.
3. Smoked Salmon Pasta
Smoked salmon can take a simple pasta dish to new heights. This creamy pasta recipe features hot-smoked salmon, garlic, white wine, and fresh dill, making it a sophisticated yet quick-to-make meal.
- Ingredients:
- 1 pound fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup flaked hot-smoked salmon
- Fresh dill and lemon for garnish
- Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then set it aside.
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
- Add the white wine and simmer until it reduces by half.
- Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer until it thickens slightly.
- Add the flaked salmon and toss with the cooked pasta.
- Garnish with fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
This dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or even a more formal gathering. If you’re interested in lighter seafood options, consider swapping out the salmon for a different protein in dishes like this thin-sliced chicken breast recipe.
Cold-Smoked Salmon Recipes
Cold-smoked salmon has a silky, delicate texture that’s best enjoyed in lighter dishes. It’s a staple for appetizers, breakfasts, and simple, elegant meals.
1. Classic Bagel with Smoked Salmon
A bagel with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers is a breakfast classic. This dish is simple, delicious, and provides a perfect balance of flavors.
- Ingredients:
- 1 bagel, toasted
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 2 oz cold-smoked salmon
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Capers and fresh dill for garnish
- Instructions:
- Spread the cream cheese over the toasted bagel.
- Top with cold-smoked salmon, red onion, and capers.
- Garnish with fresh dill and serve immediately.
The combination of the tangy cream cheese, salty smoked salmon, and briny capers makes this a satisfying meal any time of day. For a sweet contrast, you can enjoy this with a batch of lemon blueberry cookies.
2. Smoked Salmon Tart with Everything Seasoning
For an easy yet impressive appetizer, try a smoked salmon tart. Using puff pastry as the base, this tart is topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and everything bagel seasoning for a deliciously savory treat.
- Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 oz cold-smoked salmon
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Fresh chives for garnish
- Instructions:
- Preheat the oven and bake the puff pastry until golden and crisp.
- Spread the cream cheese over the cooled pastry.
- Layer the cold-smoked salmon on top, then sprinkle with everything seasoning.
- Garnish with fresh chives before slicing into squares and serving.
This tart is perfect for brunch or as an appetizer for a dinner party. It can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for different occasions.
3. Smoked Salmon Sushi Rolls
If you love sushi but want to try something different, using cold-smoked salmon in sushi rolls is a delicious alternative to traditional raw fish. The smokiness of the salmon adds a new dimension of flavor to this popular dish.
- Ingredients:
- 1 sheet nori (seaweed)
- 1 cup sushi rice, cooked
- 2 oz cold-smoked salmon
- Avocado slices
- Cucumber slices
- Soy sauce for dipping
- Instructions:
- Lay the nori sheet flat on a bamboo sushi mat, shiny side down.
- Spread a thin layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving a small border at the top.
- Layer the smoked salmon, avocado, and cucumber in the center.
- Roll the sushi tightly and slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve with soy sauce for dipping.
This sushi is perfect for a light lunch or appetizer. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, consider serving it alongside these Philly cheesesteak sliders for a mix of flavors and textures.
Appetizers Using Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon is often the star of the show when it comes to appetizers. Its bold flavor pairs well with a variety of ingredients, making it a great choice for dips, spreads, and finger foods.
Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs
Take classic deviled eggs to the next level by adding smoked salmon to the yolk mixture. The smoky flavor of the salmon enhances the creaminess of the egg filling, creating a luxurious bite-sized snack.
Smoked Salmon Dip
Smoked salmon dip is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Combine cream cheese, smoked salmon, lemon juice, capers, and fresh dill for a flavorful dip that pairs perfectly with crackers, bagel chips, or fresh vegetables.
- Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz cold-smoked salmon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained
- Fresh dill for garnish
- Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, smoked salmon, lemon juice, and capers until well combined.
- Transfer the dip to a serving dish and garnish with fresh dill.
- Serve with crackers, bagel chips, or vegetable sticks.
This dip is a quick and easy appetizer that’s always a hit at parties. For more seafood-inspired spreads, check out this sourdough discard recipe that also works well with a seafood twist.
Smoked Salmon Salad with Avocado
A smoked salmon salad is a healthy and refreshing option that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Toss mixed greens with avocado, smoked salmon, cherry tomatoes, and a Dijon vinaigrette for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Main Course Ideas for Smoked Salmon
While smoked salmon is often used in appetizers and light dishes, it can also take center stage as the main course. Here are some ideas for turning smoked salmon into the star of your meal:
Smoked Salmon Quiche
Quiche is a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. By adding smoked salmon, you give it a unique flavor that sets it apart from the traditional quiche Lorraine.
- Ingredients:
- 1 prepared pie crust
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup flaked hot-smoked salmon
- ½ cup shredded cheese (Gruyère or cheddar)
- Fresh chives for garnish
- Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and cream. Stir in the flaked salmon and cheese.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until set.
- Garnish with fresh chives before serving.
This quiche can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a great option for brunch gatherings.
How to Make Your Own Smoked Salmon at Home
Making your own smoked salmon at home is a rewarding process. It allows you to control the flavors and textures to suit your preferences. Here’s how you can make both hot-smoked and cold-smoked salmon at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 large salmon fillet
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- Wood chips for smoking (hickory or applewood)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the brown sugar and salt together. Rub the mixture all over the salmon fillet and refrigerate it for 12-24 hours to cure.
- Rinse the salmon thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Set up your smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using the wood chips for added flavor.
- For cold-smoking, keep the temperature below 90°F and smoke for 6-8 hours.
- For hot-smoking, smoke at a temperature of 175°F for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the salmon reaches 145°F.
- Let the salmon cool before slicing and serving.
FAQs About Smoked Salmon
Is Smoked Salmon Cooked or Raw?
Cold-smoked salmon is not technically cooked, as it’s cured in salt and smoked at a low temperature. This process preserves the fish’s silky texture. Hot-smoked salmon, on the other hand, is fully cooked during the smoking process.
How Long Can Smoked Salmon Be Stored?
Unopened smoked salmon can last up to 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. Once opened, it should be consumed within a week. You can also freeze smoked salmon for up to 6 months, though the texture may change slightly.
Is Smoked Salmon Healthy?
Yes! Smoked salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins such as Vitamin D and B12, making it a nutritious addition to your diet. However, due to its high sodium content, it’s best to enjoy it in moderation.