Smoked salmon can be eaten straight from the package in slices or used in a number of different recipes. We have inspiration, from soup to sushi.
Once a luxury product, smoked salmon is now a mainstay of supermarket chiller counters and UK dinner tables. There are scrambled eggs with herbs, beetroot, whisky, and other flavors, as well as cheap ones made with scraps of meat. There are options for every taste and budget. Big slices with horseradish on top of a traditional oatcake are our favorite way to eat it, but it’s also great for cooking because the deeply savory flavor is subtle, so a little goes a long way. Advertisement.
We have a lot of ideas for how to serve smoked salmon, whether you want a simple starter, a side dish in the Scandi style, or a hearty main dish. Also, for more ideas, check out our collection of smoked salmon recipes and read our guide on how smoked salmon can help your health.
Smoked salmon is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes. But what do you do when you have leftover smoked salmon after a meal? With its robust, smoky flavor and tender texture, leftover smoked salmon shouldn’t go to waste. Here are 11 creative ideas to transform those leftovers into tasty new meals and snacks.
1. Smoked Salmon Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs get an upgrade when you add flaked smoked salmon. Simply cook the eggs as usual, then fold in bites of smoked salmon right at the end. The saltiness pairs perfectly with creamy scrambled eggs. Top with fresh dill and serve with toast for a hearty and satisfying breakfast or brunch.
2. Smoked Salmon Salad
Turn leftover smoked salmon into an easy salmon salad, similar to tuna salad but with a richer flavor. Flake the salmon into bite-size pieces and combine with classic salad ingredients like celery, red onion, capers, fresh dill, lemon juice and mayonnaise. Serve the salmon salad between slices of bread, over salad greens, or with crackers.
3. Smoked Salmon Pasta
Pasta and smoked salmon are a match made in heaven Flake the leftover smoked salmon into a creamy pasta sauce made with ingredients like cream cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic and parsley Toss the sauce with hot pasta and garnish with extra salmon, capers, dill and lemon zest. Hearty and luxurious.
4. Smoked Salmon Frittata
Leftover smoked salmon can easily be incorporated into a frittata. Prepare the egg mixture as usual, then add the shredded smoked salmon and bake. Sprinkle with chives or dill before serving for extra flavor. Easy to make ahead too.
5. Smoked Salmon Crêpes
For an elegant brunch, fill crêpes with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, cream cheese and fresh herbs. Fold up and serve with roasted potatoes on the side. Your leftover smoked salmon takes these crêpes to the next level.
6. Smoked Salmon Dip
Blend leftover smoked salmon into a creamy, savory dip by combining it with cream cheese Greek yogurt, lemon juice herbs and a touch of horseradish if you like. Serve with crackers, cucumber slices, bell peppers or carrots for dipping.
7. Smoked Salmon Quiche
Quiche is a great way to use up leftover smoked salmon. Take your favorite quiche recipe and use it to fill the pie crust. Then, add flaked smoked salmon on top of the custard. Pop it in the oven until set and sliced into wedges. Serve warm or at room temperature.
8. Smoked Salmon Omelette
For a quick breakfast, make an omelette filled with cream cheese, leftover smoked salmon, fresh dill and capers. Simply cook the omelette as usual, then fill with the smoked salmon mixture before folding and sliding onto a plate. Fast and easy.
9. Smoked Salmon Hash
If you have potatoes left over, you can make a great smoked salmon hash by mixing them with smoked salmon, onions, Brussels sprouts, and spices. You can eat this hearty skillet meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Just cook the vegetables and add the salmon at the end.
10. Smoked Salmon Tacos
Put those leftovers in tacos! Warm corn tortillas, fill with flaked smoked salmon, spicy slaw, sliced avocado and salsa verde or chipotle crema. The richness of the salmon pairs perfectly with the tacos for a fun new way to use up extra.
11. Smoked Salmon Crostini
Top toasted baguette slices with a smear of cream cheese, smoked salmon, fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon. These open-faced sandwiches make an easy appetizer or snack that takes just minutes to assemble. Customize with whatever toppings you like best.
With its intense smoky flavor and supple texture, leftover smoked salmon can transform simple meals into luxurious fare. Follow these creative ideas to use every last bit, so none of this pricey ingredient goes to waste. From easy scrambled eggs to elegant crêpes, pasta and tacos, smoked salmon leftovers shine in a variety of dishes far beyond the basic bagel.
Our favourite ways with smoked salmon
Treat yourself to a deliciously decadent midweek meal with our smoked salmon risotto. This simple dish oozes sophistication. The zesty lemon cuts through the creamy mascarpone base to create a perfectly balanced dish. We guarantee itll become a weekly favourite.
For another easy rice dish, try our smoked salmon kedgeree, which makes a delicious brunch.
Savor the simple delight of smoked salmon slices, a delectable and versatile addition to your plate. If youve not tried salmon with eggs, we recommend you do so soon. Go for this delicious scramble for breakfast. It will leave you with empty plates—who could say no to buttery eggs with a Tabasco kick and a second helping of hot toast? Or, for a fancy starter or brunch, try smoked salmon with coddled eggs, capers, and gruyère cheese.
Adding smoked salmon to scones is a great idea, especially when paired with soft cheese like in our recipe for seeded bagels. For a hearty brunch, serve them with warm fried potato scones. For a festive canapé, try our recipe for mini potato cakes topped with smoked salmon and caper berries.
Blitzing smoked salmon into a creamy pâté allows for use of thrifty fish trimmings. They are much cheaper than regular slices, and once they are cut up really small, no one will be able to tell the difference. I know they sound boring. We love serving smoked salmon paté with golden, butter-laden tear-and-share brioche buns as part of a grazing platter.
This fish is so pretty that it should be the star of the show, but it also goes well with other amazing dishes. A smoked salmon potato bake is perfect for dinner parties or something a little different for Sunday dinner.
There are infinite opportunities to use smoked salmon in the wonderful world of canapés. A traditional way to serve the fish is on a pancake or blini. You can also try it in homemade sushi with cold-smoked salmon, in tortilla rolls with cream cheese, or on toasted crostini.
Potted fish is a vastly underrated starter, traditionally made with crab, shrimps or mackerel. But a mix of both smoked and fresh salmon works a treat. The way Mary Cadogan makes hers is a bit like paté: the fish is flaked until it’s fine and spreadable. Mix the lemon juice and melted butter together. Pour it over the salmon. Let it sit until a hard, bright yellow layer forms on top. Divine!.
Make a rich tart with smoked salmon, dill, and cream. Add some capers and sliced red onion to see what you like. You can serve it with a crunchy salad and flavored creme fraîche. For extra flavor, you can add black pepper, horseradish, or lemon juice.
Try adding smoked salmon to soup and achieve a finish similar to traditional Scottish cullen skink. Add the fish to a base of leeks and potatoes right at the end of cooking to keep its texture but give it a salty, smoked taste.
For those who haven’t finished a whole pack yet, use the last few slices in a pasta dish. Though there are many ways to serve it, lemon, crème fraîche, and light herbs like basil or dill are often the best. You could also try it in place of bacon in a carbonara.
Weve got lots more smoked salmon recipes, or share your own. Leave a comment below…
How to make gravadlax
You can easily find good smoked salmon slices in stores that sell fish, but our simple gravadlax recipe lets you make a cured version that tastes just as good. It’s not that hard, and you don’t have to own a smoke shack in the Outer Hebrides to make it look real. Also view our video above for steps on how to prepare and flavour gravadlax.
You’ll need to buy the freshest salmon fillet you can find. Then, the salmon is cured (so it’s not really smoked) in a brine for two days. Don’t be afraid that the fish won’t be cooked over heat; the saltwater tastes good in the raw flesh.
When Matt Tebbutt makes his version with sherry and anise, he adds spices. Our food editor Barney makes his salmon bright purple by marinating it in beetroot. Gordon Ramsay, meanwhile, takes a Scandinavian approach and cures his salmon with dill to make gravadlax.
How To Transform Leftover Salmon
FAQ
How long is leftover smoked salmon good for?
How do you eat leftover salmon?
What can I do with leftover smoked salmon?
You can simply use salmon as an addition to sandwiches and salads or transform the fish into tasty salmon cakes or croquettes. We’ve even included a few leftover smoked salmon recipes that go way beyond your typical bagel spread. And, be sure to check out our tips for reheating rice –it’s helpful for making the popular salmon rice bowls.
Is smoked salmon good for you?
Salmon is a source of high-quality protein, magnesium, and selenium. In addition, it provides healthy fatty acids for the body. It contains large amounts of omega 3, which prevents cardiovascular diseases, has anti-inflammatory properties, and prevents certain types of Cancer.
How do you get rid of Leftover Salmon?
The easiest way to get rid of your salmon leftovers is to make a dip. The dip helps when you don’t have fresh salmon but still want a way to incorporate it into a dish. This simple recipe takes very little effort to make and you’ll love dipping crackers, chips, or whatever else you want in the creamy goodness of this salmon spread.
What to do with Leftover Salmon burgers?
Starting with cooked salmon means these burgers cook up even faster in a skillet or on the grill. Stuff leftover salmon inside a warm tortilla with lime-tinged avocado, crunchy shredded cabbage, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves and you won’t be disappointed.