Zesty Candied Smoked Salmon Bites Recipe for Snack Lovers

Smoky, sweet, and utterly irresistible, these candied smoked salmon bites dance between decadence and comfort.

Infused with a delicate maple glaze, this candied smoked salmon recipe turns simple ingredients into a luxurious appetizer that sparks conversation.

The delicate balance of flavors creates a mouthwatering experience that surprunds your taste buds with rich, complex notes.

Tender salmon pieces caramelize beautifully, developing a glossy, golden exterior that promises pure indulgence.

Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of smoky undertones and subtle sweetness that melts effortlessly on your palate.

The recipe is surprisingly simple, requiring minimal prep but delivering maximum flavor impact.

Serve these elegant morsels at your next gathering, and watch them disappear in moments.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 3 hours (including marinating time)

Cook Time: 5-6 hours

Total Time: 8-9 hours

Calories: 309 kcal

Servings: 11

What You’ll Need for Candied Smoked Salmon Bites

• Salmon Side: Premium, fresh cut with vibrant pink color and minimal bones for smooth texture.
• Water: Pure, filtered water helps create balanced brine and ensures clean salmon flavor.

• Brown Sugar, Honey, Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners that create caramelized, glossy exterior with deep, rich flavor profile.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps cure salmon during marinating process.

• Wood Chips: Select fruit woods like apple or cherry for subtle, sweet smoky notes that complement salmon's richness.
• Aluminum Foil: Prevents direct heat contact and helps manage moisture during smoking process.

Tools for Making Candied Smoked Salmon Bites

• Large Bowl: For mixing brine ingredients and marinating salmon cubes.
• Smoker: Essential for smoking and flavoring the salmon.
• Aluminum Foil: To line smoker grates and prevent sticking.
• Saucepan: Used for reducing marinade into a glaze.
• Brush: For applying glaze during smoking process.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to slice salmon into uniform cubes.
• Cutting Board: To safely cut salmon.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping salmon cubes during smoking.
• Meat Thermometer: To check salmon's internal temperature.

How to Prepare Candied Smoked Salmon Bites with Ease

• Salmon Selection

Choose a high-quality fresh salmon side with smooth, vibrant color and minimal skin. Look for wild-caught or sustainably sourced salmon for best flavor and texture.

• Flavor Foundation

Create a rich marinade combining sweet and savory elements like brown sugar, maple syrup, and sea salt. The mixture will infuse the salmon with deep, complex flavors during brining.

• Brining Process

Submerge salmon cubes completely in the liquid marinade. Allow fish to rest in refrigerator for several hours, enabling ingredients to penetrate deeply and tenderize the meat.

• Smoker Preparation

Set up smoker at low temperature around 180 degrees. Cover grates with aluminum foil to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of delicate salmon pieces.

• Smoking Technique

Place salmon cubes carefully on prepared smoker surface. Add wood chips for enhanced smoky flavor. Monitor temperature and cooking progression periodically.

• Glaze Development

Transform remaining marinade into a rich, sticky coating by simmering and reducing liquid. This creates a caramelized exterior that adds incredible depth to the salmon bites.

• Final Touches

Brush salmon repeatedly with glaze during smoking process. Watch for golden-brown coloration and slight caramelization, indicating perfectly cooked candied salmon bites.

• Serving Suggestions

Plate these delectable morsels as elegant appetizers or protein-rich snack. Pair with fresh herbs, crackers, or light salad for a complete culinary experience.

Flavor Tips for Sweet and Smoky Salmon Bites

• Choose high-quality, fresh salmon with firm flesh and minimal bones for the best texture and flavor in your candied bites.
• Experiment with different wood chips like apple, cherry, or maple to create unique smoky undertones that complement the sweet glaze.
• Modify the marinade's sugar content by adding more maple syrup for extra sweetness or reducing it for a more balanced flavor profile.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a subtle heat that cuts through the sweetness.
• Bake the salmon in the oven at 250°F for 3-4 hours if a smoker isn't available, maintaining similar temperature and glazing techniques.

Ways to Serve Candied Smoked Salmon Bites at Events

• Charcuterie Board Companion: Arrange these delectable salmon bites alongside creamy cheeses, tangy pickles, and crusty artisan crackers for a stunning appetizer spread that will impress guests.
• Salad Elevation: Crumble these smoky-sweet salmon cubes over mixed greens, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts, and drizzle with a light citrus vinaigrette for a protein-packed salad sensation.
• Cocktail Hour Delight: Skewer the salmon bites with small wooden picks, pair with a crisp white wine or craft gin cocktail, creating an elegant and sophisticated party nibble that sparks conversation.
• Breakfast Surprise: Nestle these candied salmon cubes atop warm, buttered bagels with cream cheese, adding a luxurious and unexpected morning treat that transforms a simple breakfast into a gourmet experience.

Storage Advice for Salmon Bites

• Refrigerator Rescue: Store cooled candied salmon bites in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. These delectable bites can be frozen for 2-3 months without losing their rich smoky flavor. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Smart Snack Prep: Create grab-and-go portions by packaging small batches in sealed containers. Perfect for quick protein-packed snacks during busy workdays or outdoor adventures. They work wonderfully in lunch boxes or picnic baskets.
• Temperature Control: Always keep smoked salmon chilled below 40°F (4°C) to prevent bacterial growth. Use a food thermometer to ensure safe storage temperatures, especially when transporting or serving at gatherings.

Crispy Smoked Salmon Bites

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 8-9 hours
• Yield: 11 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Delightful candied smoked salmon bites combine sweet and savory flavors from Pacific Northwest cuisine. Small seafood appetizers showcase salmon’s rich complexity with elegant garnish details.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4–5 lbs salmon (whole side)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup (180 ml / 6 fl oz) maple syrup (100%)
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) honey
• ¼ cup kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Slice salmon side into uniform 1-inch cubes, targeting approximately 35 pieces.
2. Brining: Create a robust flavor foundation by mixing brown sugar, kosher salt, maple syrup, honey, and water in a large container, completely submerging salmon cubes and refrigerating for 3-12 hours.
3. Smoker Setup: Preheat smoker to 180°F, strategically line grates with aluminum foil, and arrange salmon cubes with ample spacing for optimal smoke circulation.
4. Initial Smoking: Introduce wood chips and smoke for one hour, simultaneously reducing reserved marinade into a rich glaze by simmering in a saucepan over medium heat for 10 minutes.
5. Glazing and Continued Smoking: Apply reduced glaze to salmon cubes, continue smoking for 4-5 hours, rotating cubes and reapplying glaze every 45 minutes to ensure uniform caramelization.
6. Temperature Check: Monitor internal temperature, aiming for 160°F to achieve perfect candied texture with a caramelized exterior.
7. Serving: Present these luxurious candied smoked salmon bites as a versatile delicacy, ideal for salads, appetizers, or an indulgent snack.

Notes

• Precision Matters: Cut salmon exactly 1-inch cubes for consistent cooking and professional presentation.
• Brining is Critical: Longer refrigeration (overnight) allows deeper flavor absorption and better texture.
• Smoke Control: Maintain constant 180°F temperature and generous spacing between salmon pieces for even smoking.
• Glaze Technique: Reduce marinade carefully to create a rich, sticky coating that caramelizes beautifully during smoking process.

• Prep Time: 3 hours (including marinating time)
• Cook Time: 5-6 hours
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 309
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 1450 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg