Irresistible Smoked Salmon Recipes

About Smoked Salmon

Smoked salmon is the epitome of culinary luxury, transforming simple fish into a silky, flavourful delicacy with sophisticated appeal. Whether cold-smoked for velvety texture or hot-smoked for flaky richness, this preserved salmon brings elegant complexity to everything from breakfast bagels to elegant appetisers. Understanding the different types and their best uses unlocks a world of refined cooking possibilities.

Why Use Smoked Salmon?

No Cooking Required: Both cold and hot-smoked varieties are fully cured and ready to eat straight from the package.

Sophisticated Flavour: The smoking process adds complex, layered flavours – from delicate woodsy notes to bold, assertive smoke.

Impressive Presentation: Instantly elevates any dish to restaurant-quality with minimal effort – perfect for entertaining.

Two Distinct Styles: Cold-smoked is silky and raw-like (think lox); hot-smoked is flaky and fully cooked – each suits different recipes.

Long Shelf Life: Vacuum-sealed smoked salmon keeps for weeks refrigerated, making it a convenient luxury ingredient to have on hand.

Smoked Salmon Tips for Success

Know Your Type: Cold-smoked (lox) is buttery and sliceable – use for bagels, canapés, salads. Hot-smoked flakes easily – use in pasta, dips, or grain bowls.

Buy Quality: Splurge on wild-caught, traditionally smoked varieties – the flavour difference is dramatic and worth the investment.

Serve at Room Temperature: Remove smoked salmon from the fridge 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance flavour and silkiness.

Classic Pairings: Cream cheese, capers, red onion, dill, and lemon are traditional companions that enhance rather than overwhelm.

Don't Overcook: If adding to warm dishes, stir in at the very end or use as a topping – excess heat ruins the delicate texture.

Storage Matters: Once opened, wrap tightly in plastic and use within 3-5 days – exposed smoked salmon dries out quickly.

Recipes

Smoked Salmon Bagel

A classic combination of creamy cheese, silky smoked salmon and briny capers on a toasted bagel.

Salmon Sushi Bowl

All the flavours of sushi in an easy bowl – salmon, rice, veggies and soy sauce.