Savory Smoked Salmon Delight
This Savory Smoked Salmon Delight offers the rich, smoky flavor of traditional smoked salmon without the hassle of a smoker. Inspired by a recipe discovered in a beloved culinary magazine, this dish transforms simple ingredients into an impressive appetizer that's perfect for any occasion. The salmon is coated with a blend of brown sugar, salt, and pepper, then infused with liquid smoke before being baked to perfection. Pair it with pumpernickel slices for a delightful treat that’s sure to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
salmon fillet
2 pounds (with skin)
brown sugar
2 tablespoons (packed)
salt
2 teaspoons (coarse or kosher)
ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
liquid smoke
1-2 tablespoons (to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare an 11-inch by 7-inch glass baking dish by generously coating it with non-stick cooking spray.
3
Place the salmon fillet in the dish, skin side down.
4
Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar, salt, and ground black pepper over the entire surface of the salmon, ensuring an even coating.
5
Drizzle the salmon with liquid smoke, adjusting the amount according to your taste preference.
6
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
7
After marinating, carefully remove the salmon from the dish and discard any accumulated liquid.
8
Place the salmon back in the dish and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
9
Once baked, allow the salmon to cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight, to enhance the flavor.
10
Slice and serve chilled, preferably with pumpernickel slices for a truly delicious appetizer.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Smoked Salmon Delight?
It is a dish that offers the rich, smoky flavor of traditional smoked salmon prepared in an oven rather than a smoker.
Do I need a smoker to make this recipe?
No, this recipe uses liquid smoke and a standard oven to achieve a smoky taste without the need for a smoker.
What size salmon fillet should I use?
The recipe calls for a 2-pound salmon fillet.
Should the skin be left on the salmon?
Yes, the salmon fillet should be prepared with the skin on and placed in the dish skin side down.
What are the main ingredients for the salmon rub?
The rub consists of 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of coarse or kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How much liquid smoke is needed?
You should use 1 to 2 tablespoons of liquid smoke, adjusting to your personal taste preference.
What type of baking dish is recommended?
An 11-inch by 7-inch glass baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
Generously coat the glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray before adding the salmon.
How long does the salmon need to marinate?
The salmon should be covered and refrigerated for 4 to 6 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Should the salmon be covered while marinating?
Yes, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap during the refrigeration period.
What do I do with the liquid after the marinating process?
Carefully remove the salmon from the dish and discard any accumulated liquid before baking.
What temperature should I set the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the salmon bake?
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes.
How can I tell when the salmon is done?
The salmon is finished baking when the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Is it okay to eat the salmon immediately after baking?
The recipe suggests allowing it to cool at room temperature and then refrigerating it for at least 8 hours before serving.
Why should the salmon be refrigerated overnight?
Refrigerating the salmon for 8 hours or overnight helps enhance the smoky flavor and firm up the texture.
How should the salmon be served?
Slice the salmon and serve it chilled for the best appetizer experience.
What is the best bread to pair with this salmon?
This dish pairs exceptionally well with pumpernickel slices.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredient list and tags, this recipe is gluten-free.
What kind of sugar works best for the coating?
Use 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar for the best results.
What type of salt is recommended?
Coarse or kosher salt is recommended for the salmon coating.
Can I use regular black pepper?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper for superior flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, it is described as an impressive appetizer that is perfect for any special occasion.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 primary ingredients: salmon, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and liquid smoke.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet dish.
Can I make this on a weeknight?
Yes, while it requires marinating time, the active preparation time is short, making it suitable for weeknight planning.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a seafood appetizer.
How is the liquid smoke applied?
Drizzle the liquid smoke over the salmon after applying the dry rub of sugar, salt, and pepper.
Should I wash the salmon after marinating?
No, simply remove it from the dish to discard the liquid, then place it back in the dish to bake.
Can I serve this salmon warm?
While it can be eaten warm, the recipe is specifically designed to be sliced and served chilled for a traditional smoked salmon feel.