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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Slice salmon side into uniform 1-inch cubes, targeting approximately 35 pieces.
- 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.
- Smoker Setup: Preheat smoker to 180°F, strategically line grates with aluminum foil, and arrange salmon cubes with ample spacing for optimal smoke circulation.
- 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.
- 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.
- Temperature Check: Monitor internal temperature, aiming for 160°F to achieve perfect candied texture with a caramelized exterior.
- 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