Cold smoked sockeye salmon is salmon that has been dry-cured in salt and then smoked at low temps. A species of wild Pacific salmon called sockeye is the foundation of smoked sockeye salmon. This fish has rich red-orange flesh, a firm texture, and a bold salmon-forward flavor. It’s smaller than most other salmon and a treat to eat, especially when smoked.
What Does “Cold Smoked” Mean?
Cold smoked salmon is a method of preserving and flavoring salmon without high heat. The salmon is usually cured with salt and sugar and then exposed to cool smoke that’s below 85 degrees F, which results in a distinct smoky flavor and delicate texture.
You might think cold smoked salmon is interchangeable with lox. It’s not. Although they’re both cured fish, the preparations have fundamental differences.
Here are how other types of cured salmon are different from cold smoked salmon:
-
Nova: The term “Nova” refers to both the preparation method and the geographical origin (Nova Scotia). Nova smoked salmon undergoes a curing process with salt before you smoke it below 85 degrees F. This gentle smoking technique preserves the silky texture of the fish while infusing it with a smoky flavor. Because of the low temperature, nova is technically a cold smoked salmon.
-
Hot smoked salmon: Popular on the West Coast, this method involves smoking the salmon at a temperature higher than 85 degrees F, which imparts a smoky flavor and creates a texture that resembles cooked salmon. Learn more about the difference between hot smoked and cold smoked sockeye salmon.
-
Lox: Popular on the East Coast, lox is salmon cured with salt and not smoked at all. This process draws out moisture from the fish and produces a robust salty flavor without any smokiness.
-
Gravlax: This is a Nordic style where you cure the salmon in salt, sugar, dill, and sometimes alcohol.
What Does Cold Smoked Sockeye Salmon Taste Like?
Cold smoked sockeye salmon has a pronounced smoky “salmon” flavor and a silky texture. Since this fish is wild-caught, it’s leaner and lower in fat than farmed fish. Thin slices allow its velvety consistency to shine.
Is Cold Smoked Sockeye Salmon Healthy?
Research has shown that the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids in wild salmon remain unchanged after smoking. So, cold smoked Alaskan salmon delivers an incredible taste and is a healthy protein choice. It’s linked to potential benefits such as combating heart disease, promoting brain development, and reducing inflammation, making it a nutritious choice for your overall well-being.
Nutrition per 2-ounce serving:
-
Calories: 60 calories
-
Fat: 0.5 grams
-
Protein: 12 grams
-
Vitamin D: 18.4 micrograms, or 90 percent RDI
-
Potassium: 190 milligrams
How Is Cold Smoked Sockeye Salmon Made?
The first step to making wild sockeye smoked salmon is to source excellent sockeye from Alaska. Then, individual fishes are hand-selected based on size, as smaller salmon cures more evenly.
The fish is then cured with salt and brown sugar. The sugar penetrates the salmon, which helps it maintain moisture. It also adds a mild sweet flavor.
Next, the cure is rinsed off the fish before beginning the smoking process. Finally, the fish is smoked using an aromatic wood blend.
Because it’s wild, not farmed, smoked sockeye salmon is leaner than other salmon types and has a lower fat content. That translates to a richer, more robust flavor.
Is Cold Smoked Sockeye Salmon Sustainable?
Sockeye salmon is generally considered one of the most sustainable salmon species. It’s commercially caught all around coastal Alaska using gillnets — curtain-like mesh with sockeye-specific openings designed to limit catching other types of fish — or via seining, which is a method that uses a large, parachute-like trap with a weighted bottom.
Where to Buy Alaskan Cold Smoked Sockeye Salmon
The best quality cold smoked sockeye salmon starts with sourcing the best wild fish from Alaska. Stock your kitchen with sustainably-harvested cold smoked sockeye salmon from Wild Alaskan Company for high-quality, wild-caught seafood delivered straight to your doorstep. Choose your seafood subscription box today.
How to Serve and Eat Cold Smoked Salmon
Cold smoked wild salmon offers a convenient way to savor its salty and smoky flavors, with no cooking required. It’s ready to eat straight from the package, allowing you to indulge in its deliciousness effortlessly. Keep it classic with a bagel and cream cheese, or get creative. Here are some ideas:
