Where Can I Get Smoked Salmon? A Guide to Buying Quality Smoked Salmon

Smoked salmon is a delicacy enjoyed around the world When prepared properly, smoked salmon has a silky texture and delicate smokey flavor that pairs perfectly with bagels, toast, crackers, salads and more But where can you find high-quality smoked salmon? This guide will explore the best places to buy smoked salmon, both in stores and online.

Finding Smoked Salmon at the Grocery Store

Many grocery stores carry smoked salmon these days, even if just a basic sliced nova salmon. However, for better quality and variety, check the deli counter or seafood section. Here are some tips for finding good smoked salmon:

• Check the label – Look for wild-caught salmon like sockeye or king/chinook. Atlantic salmon is also common. A little salt and smoke should be all that’s used to cure the salmon. No added flavors or preservatives should be used.

• Look for sustainably sourced – Retailers like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s label sustainably caught seafood. This ensures healthy salmon populations.

• Seek out specialty flavors – Gourmet grocery stores like Wegmans often carry unique smoked salmon like peppered garlic whiskey and more.

• Know your lox – Lox specifically refers to brined but not smoked salmon, nova lox is typically cold smoked,

• Check the fish counter – The seafood counter at grocery stores may slice smoked salmon to order from a whole fillet. This guarantees freshness.

Recommended grocery store smoked salmon brands:

• Ducktrap
• Acme
• King’s
• Russ & Daughters
• Nathan’s

Ordering Smoked Salmon Online

The best way to get the best smoked salmon is to buy it from specialty stores that ship directly to customers. Here are some of the best places to buy smoked salmon online:

Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon

• Great Alaska Seafood – Ships frozen, vacuum-packed smoked wild salmon fillets direct from Alaska. King, sockeye and keta salmon varieties.

• Wild Alaskan Company – Sustainably caught salmon from Bristol Bay processed in Alaska. Vacuum-packed and shipped overnight.

• Vital Choice – Wide selection of wild salmon including hot and cold-smoked, smoked bellies and candied.

• Alaska Packers’ Association – This salmon cannery in Alaska has been operating for over 125 years. Ships smoked sockeye salmon.

Artisan Smoked Seafood Companies

• Russ & Daughters – Iconic NYC appetizing shop ships its nova lox nationwide overnight.

• Acme Smoked Fish – Fourth-generation family business in Brooklyn, NY ships their smoked salmon specialties.

• Woodduck Smokery – Award-winning smoked seafood like wild king salmon from this Pacific Northwest smokehouse.

• North Coast Fisheries – Delivers gourmet smoked seafood gifts packs with salmon, whitefish and more.

• Sea Fare Pacific – Smoked salmon, halibut, black cod and shellfish shipped overnight from Seattle smokehouse.

Tips for Buying Quality Smoked Salmon

When buying smoked salmon, there are a few signs to look for to ensure freshness and quality:

• Color – Look for rich orange-red to dark pink colored salmon. Grayish hues can mean uneven smoking.

• Texture – High-quality smoked salmon should have a silky, velvety texture. Avoid any fish that seems overly dry.

• Smell – Take a whiff of that salmon! Smoked salmon has a distinct smokey aroma. Rancid odor is a bad sign.

• Marbling – Some fat marbling in smoked salmon is normal. But too much white fat or brown specks can indicate oxidation issues.

• Slices – Good smoked salmon can be sliced cleanly without shredding into bits. Falling apart can signal improper freezing or storage.

• Shelf life – Smoked salmon keeps 1-2 weeks sealed and refrigerated. To maximize freshness, buy only as much as you’ll use.

How to Store Smoked Salmon

Like any perishable seafood, proper storage is key for smoked salmon. Here are some smoked salmon storage tips:

• Keep smoked salmon refrigerated at or below 40°F always. Do not leave out at room temperature.

• Seal smoked salmon tightly in original packaging, aluminum foil or airtight containers. Limit air exposure.

• Place smoked salmon on the lowest, coldest part of the refrigerator, not the door.

• Frozen smoked salmon can keep 6 months or longer at 0°F. Thaw overnight in fridge before use.

• After opening, use refrigerated smoked within 3-5 days for best quality.

• Do not store raw seafood above smoked salmon to avoid cross-contamination.

Making Creative Dishes with Smoked Salmon

Beyond just bagels and lox, smoked salmon works deliciously in all kinds of appetizers, mains, salads and more:

• Smoked salmon dip – Blend with cream cheese, lemon, dill and capers for easy party dip.

• Smoked salmon quiche – Great flaked into a veggie or cheese quiche.

• Salmon tartare – Finely chop and mix with capers, onions, lemon, olive oil for an appetizer.

• Salmon carpaccio – Thinly slice salmon and arrange over greens or crostini.

• Salmon salad – Toss with greens, roasted beets, avocado and vinaigrette.

• Salmon pizza – Top flatbread or naan with cream cheese, salmon and red onion.

• Smoked salmon pasta – Toss with penne, capers, olive oil for a simple dinner.

• Salmon hash – Saute with potatoes, onion, spinach and eggs for breakfast.

• Salmon sushi – Wrap smoked salmon with rice, nori, cucumber, avocado.

Smoked Salmon Tastes Best When Fresh

For the optimal smoked salmon experience, freshness is key. Now that you know where to buy smoked salmon both locally and online, you can enjoy this sublime seafood any time a craving strikes. With proper storage and creative usage, smoked salmon offers a world of flavors to savor. From classic bagels and schmears to elegant appetizers, this smoked fish stars in many fantastic recipes.