Description
Candied smoked salmon bites deliver an irresistible fusion of sweet and savory flavors. Maple-glazed salmon morsels create a luxurious appetizer that delights guests with Canadian-inspired culinary magic.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4–5 lbs salmon (whole side)
Sweet Curing Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup (180 ml) 100% maple syrup
- ¼ cup (60 ml) honey
Seasoning:
- ¼ cup kosher salt
Instructions
- Transform a whole salmon side into uniform, bite-sized cubes measuring precisely 1 inch by 1 inch, targeting approximately 35 delectable pieces.
- Craft a robust brine by thoroughly blending brown sugar, kosher salt, maple syrup, honey, and water in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a flavor-infusing liquid bath.
- Submerge salmon cubes completely in the brine, ensuring total coverage, and refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours or ideally overnight to maximize flavor penetration.
- Configure your smoker to a precise 180°F, strategically lining grates with aluminum foil and arranging salmon cubes with generous spacing to promote optimal smoke circulation.
- Introduce wood chips to the smoker, initiating the smoking process for one hour while reserving the marinade liquid for subsequent glazing.
- Simultaneously, transform the remaining marinade into a rich glaze by simmering in a saucepan over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes, allowing gentle reduction and optional protein film removal.
- After initial smoking, carefully flip salmon cubes and generously apply the reduced glaze, continuing the smoking process for an additional 4-5 hours.
- Periodically rotate cubes and reapply glaze every 45 minutes, potentially rotating smoker racks to guarantee uniform smoking and caramelization.
- Monitor internal temperature, aiming for 160°F, which indicates the salmon has reached perfect candied consistency with a beautifully caramelized exterior.
- Serve these luxurious candied smoked salmon bites as a versatile delicacy, complementing salads, standalone appetizers, or enjoyed as an indulgent snack.
Notes
- Marinading overnight intensifies the sweet and savory flavor profile, allowing the salmon to absorb maximum taste from the brine.
- Wood chip selection dramatically impacts the final smoky essence, with fruit woods like apple or cherry recommended for delicate salmon.
- Consistent temperature monitoring ensures perfectly cooked salmon without drying out the delicate protein.
- Glazing technique creates a beautiful caramelized exterior while keeping the interior moist and tender.
- Protein film skimming is optional but helps create a cleaner, more refined glaze with enhanced visual appeal.
- Storing smoked salmon bites in an airtight container extends shelf life up to 5-7 days when refrigerated properly.
- Prep Time: 3 hours (including marinating time)
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
- Calories: 368
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 0.6 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg