Easy Smoked Salmon Roll Ups Recipe

Zesty 20-Minute Smoked Salmon Roll Ups Recipe for Beginners

Smoked salmon roll ups bring a delightful twist to elegant appetizers that spark conversation and delight taste buds.

These compact bites combine rich, silky textures with bright, zesty flavors that dance across your palate.

Seafood enthusiasts appreciate the delicate balance of smooth cream cheese and tender fish wrapped in a soft, inviting package.

Each roll represents a miniature culinary adventure, offering complex taste profiles in one simple bite.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore these versatile little morsels that can revolutionize an ordinary gathering into something extraordinary.

The ingredients harmonize beautifully, creating a sophisticated yet approachable dish that feels both luxurious and comforting.

Elegant without being pretentious, these roll ups promise to impress even the most discerning guests.

Why Smoked Salmon Roll Ups Are Worth Every Bite

  • Craft Gourmet Appetizer: Transform simple ingredients into an elegant, restaurant-quality dish that impresses guests with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Quick and No-Cook Wonder: Prepare delicious salmon roll ups in just minutes without turning on the stove, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
  • Texture Party in Your Mouth: Experience a delightful combination of silky smoked salmon, creamy cream cheese, crisp cucumber, and smooth avocado that provides multiple sensory layers in every bite.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily adapt the recipe by switching seasonings, experimenting with different vegetables, or adjusting the citrus soy sauce to match your personal taste preferences.

Ingredients to Craft Smoked Salmon Roll Ups

Main Ingredients:

Seafood Base:
  • Smoked Salmon: Premium cold-smoked salmon with delicate texture, ideal for rolling and adding rich ocean flavor.
  • Salmon: Fresh salmon option for those preferring a lighter taste profile.
Filling Components:
  • Cream Cheese: Whipped variety providing smooth, creamy texture and tangy background to the roll.
  • Green Onion: Fresh, mild onion flavor that adds brightness and subtle sharpness to the filling.
  • Cucumber: Crisp vegetable bringing refreshing crunch and light hydration to the roll.
  • Avocado: Creamy fruit with healthy fats that adds richness and smooth texture.
Seasoning and Sauce Elements:
  • Everything But The Bagel Seasoning: Signature blend with multiple textures and flavors for external salmon coating.
  • Soy Sauce: Classic umami-rich base for citrus dipping sauce.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element adding zesty freshness to sauce.
  • Lemon Zest: Concentrated citrus essence enhancing cream cheese filling.
  • Mirin: Sweet Japanese rice wine providing balanced flavor to sauce.
  • Water: Diluting agent for balancing sauce intensity.
  • Green Onion: Garnish for adding fresh, sharp notes to sauce.

Rolling Instructions for Perfect Salmon Appetizers

Step 1: Craft the Zesty Cream Cheese Blend

Mix cream cheese with finely chopped green onion and lemon zest in a small bowl. Set aside for later magic.

Step 2: Create the Salmon Canvas

Spread plastic wrap on your workspace and sprinkle Everything But The Bagel Seasoning. Layer smoked salmon slices to form a rectangular base, slightly overlapping each slice.

Step 3: Build Your Flavor Layers

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the salmon. Place cucumber and avocado strips down the center of the rectangle.

Step 4: Roll with Precision

Using the plastic wrap as your guide, gently roll the salmon over the vegetable filling. Continue rolling until you reach the opposite side, creating a tight log.

Step 5: Chill and Stabilize

Place the salmon roll in the freezer for 5-10 minutes. This helps firm up the roll and makes slicing easier.

Step 6: Slice and Prepare

Remove the roll from the freezer and slice into your desired thickness using a sharp knife.

Step 7: Whip Up the Citrus Soy Sauce

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, lemon juice, water, mirin, and sliced green onion. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your salmon roll ups and serve with the citrus soy sauce on the side. Pair with crackers or enjoy as a standalone appetizer.

Helpful Tips for Neatly Wrapped Salmon Roll Ups

  • Chill Salmon Strategically: Freeze the salmon roll for 5-10 minutes to ensure clean, precise slices without breaking the delicate fish.
  • Season Smartly: Sprinkle Everything But The Bagel Seasoning generously to add extra crunch and flavor complexity to the roll ups.
  • Choose Quality Ingredients: Select fresh, high-grade smoked salmon and ripe avocados for the best taste and texture.
  • Overlap Salmon Carefully: When laying salmon slices, slightly overlap them to create a seamless, sturdy base for rolling.
  • Use Plastic Wrap Technique: Leverage the plastic wrap as a rolling tool to help create tight, uniform salmon rolls without breaking the delicate fish.

Proper Ways to Store and Reheat Salmon Roll Ups

  • Refrigerate: Wrap salmon roll ups tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freezing: Place roll ups in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Avoid refreezing to preserve texture and quality.
  • Reheating: Thaw refrigerated roll ups for 10-15 minutes at room temperature. For best taste, consume cold or at room temperature to prevent salmon from becoming tough or losing delicate flavor.

What to Serve With Smoked Salmon Roll Ups

  • Craft a Zesty Citrus-Infused Pairing: Match the smoked salmon roll ups with a crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, whose bright acidity and herbal notes perfectly complement the citrus soy sauce and creamy salmon.
  • Elevate with Textural Crunch: Serve alongside thin, delicate rice crackers or toasted seaweed chips to provide a satisfying crisp contrast to the smooth salmon and cream cheese filling.
  • Design a Fresh Starter Plate: Accompany the roll ups with a light cucumber and dill salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, which echoes the fresh cucumber inside the roll and adds a refreshing component to the dish.
  • Balance with Sparkling Refreshment: Pair with a chilled sparkling water infused with lemon or yuzu to enhance the citrus elements and cleanse the palate between bites of the rich salmon roll ups.

Fun Twists on Classic Salmon Roll Ups

  • Spicy Salmon Sushi Rolls: Add sriracha or wasabi to the cream cheese mixture for a fiery kick that transforms the classic recipe into a zesty appetizer.
  • Mediterranean Salmon Wrap: Replace cream cheese with herbed goat cheese, swap cucumber for roasted red peppers, and sprinkle za'atar seasoning for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Herb-Infused Salmon Roll: Mix fresh dill, chives, and parsley into the cream cheese filling, creating a bright, herbaceous flavor profile that elevates the original recipe.
  • Smoked Salmon Pinwheels: Create mini appetizers by cutting the roll into smaller, bite-sized pieces and serving with a light dill cream sauce for elegant party snacks.
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Easy Smoked Salmon Roll Ups Recipe

Easy Smoked Salmon Roll Ups Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Delicate smoked salmon roll ups bring Norwegian coastal flavors to your table with elegant simplicity. California-style ingredients combine seamlessly, creating a quick appetizer that impresses guests without complicated preparation.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) smoked salmon

Creamy & Fresh Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) whipped cream cheese
  • ½ avocado
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) green onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) lemon zest

Garnish & Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 small Persian cucumber, sliced into thin strips
  • Everything But The Bagel Seasoning

Citrus Soy Sauce (Optional):

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) water
  • 1½ teaspoons (7.5 milliliters) mirin
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) green onion, sliced thin

Instructions

  1. Craft a zesty citrus soy sauce by whisking together soy sauce, lemon juice, water, mirin, and finely chopped green onion in a small mixing vessel. Refrigerate the sauce to preserve its vibrant flavors.
  2. Create a luxurious cream cheese filling by blending whipped cream cheese with minced green onion and delicate lemon zest until smooth and well-integrated.
  3. Arrange a generous sheet of plastic wrap on a clean work surface and generously dust with Everything But The Bagel Seasoning for an extra flavor punch.
  4. Strategically layer smoked salmon slices to form a rectangular base, ensuring slight overlapping for complete coverage.
  5. Gently spread the prepared cream cheese mixture across the salmon surface, maintaining an even, thin consistency.
  6. Position fresh cucumber and avocado strips centrally along the length of the salmon rectangle, ensuring balanced placement.
  7. Utilize the plastic wrap as a rolling guide, carefully encasing the vegetable filling by lifting and folding the salmon edges, creating a tight cylindrical shape.
  8. Transfer the assembled roll to the freezer for a brief 5-10 minute chill, which will enhance structural integrity and facilitate precise cutting.
  9. Extract the roll from the freezer and slice into elegant medallions using a sharp knife, adjusting thickness according to preference.
  10. Present the salmon roll-ups alongside the chilled citrus soy sauce, or pair with crisp artisan crackers for an elegant appetizer experience.

Notes

  • Effortlessly prepare restaurant-quality salmon rolls at home with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Chilling the roll briefly before slicing ensures clean, precise cuts and prevents filling from squishing out.
  • Everything But The Bagel Seasoning adds incredible flavor and transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet appetizer.
  • Using plastic wrap helps create a tight, uniform roll without messy hands or complicated techniques.
  • Fresh ingredients like cucumber and avocado provide crisp texture and enhance the creamy salmon’s richness.
  • Citrus soy sauce offers an optional tangy complement that elevates the delicate salmon flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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