Salmon paste is a savory, spreadable fish product made from salmon that has been cooked and then mashed or blended to a smooth paste consistency. It’s a popular ingredient around the world, adding delicious flavor and beneficial nutrition to snacks, sandwiches, appetizers and more.
In this comprehensive guide. we’ll explore everything you need to know about salmon paste including
- What it’s made of
- Different types and flavors
- Nutritional benefits
- How to use it in recipes
- Tips for making your own homemade salmon paste
Let’s dive in to learn all about this tasty and versatile fish spread!
What is Salmon Paste Made Of?
The main ingredient in salmon paste is, not surprisingly, salmon. The specific salmon used can vary, but common options include pink, sockeye, chum and king salmon. Canned salmon is frequently used for convenience.
The salmon is cooked until tender then finely mashed or pureed to create a smooth, spreadable paste texture. Additional ingredients are also typically added for extra flavor. These can include
- Cream cheese or sour cream – For richness and tang
- Mayonnaise or yogurt – For creaminess
- Lemon juice – For brightness
- Dill, onion, garlic – For aromatic flavors
- Salt, pepper, spices – For seasoning
Different Types and Flavors
There are many varieties of salmon paste to suit different tastes and uses:
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Smoked salmon paste – Smoked salmon gives it a lovely delicate flavor.
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Dill salmon paste – Fresh dill provides a signature flavor.
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Spicy salmon paste – Chili, horseradish or cayenne add heat.
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Herbed salmon paste – Parsley, chives, dill create fresh herbaceous notes.
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Lemon salmon paste – Bright lemon zest and juice cut through the richness.
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Garlic salmon paste – For a robust garlicky flavor.
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Onion salmon paste – Finely minced onion provides savoriness.
So whether you like it smoked, spicy, herby or lemony, there’s a salmon paste to match your personal preferences!
Why is Salmon Paste Nutritious?
In addition to being delicious, salmon paste offers some excellent nutritional benefits:
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High in protein – Provides sustaining protein for energy.
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Rich in omega-3s – Heart-healthy fats reduce inflammation.
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Vitamin D – Important for bone and immune health.
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B vitamins – Aid metabolism and cell repair.
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Potassium – Helps control blood pressure.
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Selenium – An antioxidant that protects cells.
Salmon is one of the most nutritious fish, and salmon paste conveniently delivers these nutrients in an easy spreadable form. It provides a powerhouse of protein, healthy fats, and important vitamins and minerals.
How to Use Salmon Paste
From sandwiches to dips, here are some delicious ways to use salmon paste:
- Spread on crackers or bread for easy appetizers
- Use as a sandwich filling paired with veggies
- Add to pasta, rice or potatoes for a protein punch
- Mix into dips and spreads for seafood flavor
- Top bagels, crostinis or bruschetta
- Stuff into celery sticks or hollowed peppers
- Mix into cream cheese for a lox-style spread
- Use in lettuce wraps or sandwiches
- Blend into creamy dips like hummus, tzatziki or sour cream
Salmon paste is also great combined with things like cream cheese, mayo or yogurt to make unique dips and spreads. The possibilities are endless!
Tips for Making Homemade Salmon Paste
It’s easy to whip up homemade salmon paste. Follow these tips for best results:
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Use wild-caught salmon – For better flavor and nutrition. Canned salmon works well.
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Cook salmon thoroughly – Poach, bake or pan-fry until opaque and flaky.
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Drain and debone salmon – Remove any bones, skin or oily liquid.
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Chop finely – Diced into small pieces makes blending easier.
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Blend with creaminess – Fold in cream cheese, yogurt, mayo or sour cream.
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Season to taste – Add lemon, herbs, spices, onion or garlic.
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Refrigerate before serving – Let chill for flavors to meld.
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Adjust consistency if needed – Add liquid if too thick or more salmon if too thin.
Soon you’ll be whipping up your own custom salmon paste creations at home!
A Nutritious and Delicious Fish Spread
Salmon paste is a flavorful, creamy and versatile spread made from this iconic fish. It delivers a tasty punch of nutrition thanks to salmon’s stellar nutritional profile. With endless ways to use it in recipes, sandwiches, appetizers and more, salmon paste is a pantry staple worth keeping on hand. Whether store-bought or homemade, it’s sure to become a new favorite!
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Tip: Serve with toast for a quick snack
The Greatest Salmon Spread You’ve Never Heard Of
FAQ
What is salmon paste made of?
What is fish paste made of?
What’s the difference between pate and paste?
Are fish paste good for you?
How do you cook salmon with cream sauce?
Simmer the cream sauce for 5-7 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon. Flake in the salmon and season with salt and pepper. Add the pasta and toss until the pasta is coated in the sauce. If necessary add a few tablespoons of pasta water. Taste and adjust seasoning then serve.
What can I use to make salmon Pate?
You could also use cold or hot smoked salmon, YUM! The canned salmon is what really makes it a 3 minute appetizer or light lunch. How do you make salmon pate? Simple. Just mix the ingredients, mashing the salmon with a fork. That’s IT! This recipe, is highly adaptable and scalable.
How do you make a good salmon pasta sauce?
Whisk in the cream and lemon juice. Stir in the parmesan, and then add the salmon back to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet along with the fresh parsley. Enjoy immediately! The sauce is fairly lemony, so if you’re on the fence about how much to add, halve the amount of lemon.
How do you make a good salmon sauce?
Whisk in the garlic and wine (let it bubble for 20 seconds or so), followed by the cream and lemon juice. Once the sauce is smooth, whisk in the parmesan. Add the salmon back in the pan and break it up with your spoon so it’s in bite-size pieces. Gently mix it in with the sauce.