12 Delicious Ways to Serve Smoked Salmon

Smoked salmon is a delicacy that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It is a very useful ingredient because its rich, smokey flavor goes well with many other foods. This article will show you 12 of my favorite ways to serve smoked salmon. It will also tell you how to choose the best smoked salmon and what drinks go well with it.

Smoked salmon, also known as lox, is salmon that has been cured and then smoked over wood chips or sawdust. This process gives the salmon a distinctive smokey flavor and firm yet tender texture. The salmon is usually cold smoked, meaning it’s smoked at a temperature under 100°F, which allows the fish to keep its raw texture.

There are a few different varieties of smoked salmon to choose from:

• Scottish smoked salmon – Also called Atlantic salmon this is the most common variety. It has a delicate flavor and pale pink/orange color.

• Pacific smoked salmon: This salmon is a deeper orange-red color and has a stronger, more smoky flavor.

• Nova smoked salmon – Nova is cured in a brine made with brown sugar, resulting in a velvety texture and milder taste.

No matter which type you select, look for smoked salmon that is bright in color and smells fresh. Try to avoid any fish with dry, flaky patches For easy serving, choose pre-sliced smoked salmon

12 Delicious Ways to Enjoy Smoked Salmon

From appetizers to main courses, here are 12 fantastic ways to serve up this smoked fish:

1. Smoked salmon bagels

This classic combo is a foolproof way to enjoy smoked salmon. Simply top a toasted bagel half with cream cheese or whipped cream cheese, add a layer of thinly sliced smoked salmon, and finish it off with desired toppings like sliced tomato, red onion, capers, and fresh dill.

2. Smoked salmon toast

In place of bagels, smoked salmon also pairs well with toast. Use crusty artisan bread and top with ricotta cheese, smoked salmon, a squeeze of lemon, and fresh basil leaves.

3. Smoked salmon eggs benedict

For a delicious brunch, top a poached egg and English muffin with smoked salmon, hollandaise sauce, and a sprinkle of chives.

4. Smoked salmon omelette

Jazz up your morning omelette by folding in flaked smoked salmon with dill and cream cheese.

5. Smoked salmon pasta

Toss hot pasta with olive oil, lemon zest, cracked black pepper, Parmesan cheese, and diced smoked salmon for a simple weeknight dinner.

6. Smoked salmon salad

Flake smoked salmon over a salad of mixed baby greens, shredded carrots, cucumbers, and grape tomatoes. Drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette.

7. Smoked salmon dip

Blend together smoked salmon, cream cheese, lemon juice, capers, and fresh dill. Serve with crackers, crostini, or raw veggies for dipping.

8. Smoked salmon tartine

Top slices of French bread with chive cream cheese, folded smoked salmon slices, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh dill sprigs.

9. Smoked salmon sushi

Add strips of smoked salmon when assembling sushi rolls, along with ingredients like avocado, cucumber, and sesame seeds.

10. Smoked salmon quiche

Incorporate flaked smoked salmon into an egg and cream quiche filling before baking it in a pie crust.

11. Smoked salmon pizza

Top a prepared thin crust pizza with smoked salmon slices, red onion, capers, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves.

12. Smoked salmon canapés

For easy appetizers, top baguette rounds or crackers with smoked salmon, cream cheese, minced red onion, and lemon zest.

What to Drink with Smoked Salmon

Smoked salmon has a robust, savory flavor that can stand up to a variety of beverages. Here are some excellent choices:

• Sparkling wine – The bubbles and acidity make sparkling wines like Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava ideal pairings.

• Dry white wine – Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay work well. The citrus notes complement the salmon.

• Dry rosé – Rosés emphasize the smoky notes of the salmon without overwhelming it.

• Beer – Opt for wheat beers, pilsners, and lighter pale ales. Avoid very hoppy IPAs.

• Bloody Mary – For brunch, a Bloody Mary highlights the smoked salmon’s flavors.

• Earl Grey tea – The bergamot oil in Earl Grey tea brings out smoked salmon’s subtle citrus tones.

• Coffee – An Americano, black coffee, or cortado allow the smokiness of the salmon to shine.

Tips for Serving Smoked Salmon

Follow these tips for flawless smoked salmon every time you serve it:

• Let the salmon come to room temperature before serving so the flavors open up.

• When storing leftover smoked salmon, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and use within 3-4 days.

• Slice the salmon thinly on the bias for the prettiest presentation.

• Look for sustainable salmon options whenever possible.

• Smoked salmon is fairly salty on its own, so don’t Over-season it. Let the natural flavors shine.

• Add freshness with lemon wedges, chopped raw onions, capers, dill, and other herbs.

Smoked salmon is endlessly versatile, as you can see! With so many tasty ways to enjoy it, this incredible ingredient can brighten up breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between. Experiment with different flavor combinations to discover new favorite ways to savor smoked salmon.