Smoked salmon is a delicious and healthy protein that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. While smoked salmon is fully cooked and safe to eat straight out of the package, cooking it allows you to enjoy its flavor in new recipes. Whether you want to add smoked salmon to pasta, eggs, pizza, salads, or casseroles, cooking it properly is important. Here is a guide on how to cook already smoked salmon so you can enjoy this versatile ingredient to its full potential.
Can You Eat Smoked Salmon Without Cooking It?
Yes, you can absolutely eat smoked salmon straight from the package without any additional cooking. Smoked salmon is fully cooked during the smoking process, so it is safe to eat as is. The smoking process cooks the salmon to an internal temperature that destroys any dangerous bacteria.
Smoked salmon is commonly eaten uncooked in dishes like smoked salmon cream cheese bagels, smoked salmon platters, and salmon sushi rolls. Its rich, salty, smoky flavor shines when consumed straight out of the package.
So if you’re in a rush or want to keep preparation minimal, go ahead and enjoy smoked salmon without cooking it further. However, cooking smoked salmon unlocks new flavors and allows you to use it in a wider variety of dishes.
Should You Cook Smoked Salmon Before Eating?
While entirely safe to eat straight from the package, cooking smoked salmon can provide some benefits:
- Brings out new flavors – Cooking smoked salmon allows its smoky flavor to permeate through and mingle with other ingredients.
- Makes it flakier – Quick cooking makes smoked salmon flakier, which gives a better mouthfeel.
- Allows use in more recipes – From scrambled eggs to pizza, cooking it expands how you can use smoked salmon.
- Kills any surface bacteria – Though smoked salmon is cooked, quick cooking ensures its safety.
- Warms it up – Serving warm smoked salmon dishes can be comforting.
So while not strictly necessary, cooking smoked salmon can unlock new textures, flavors, and recipes. Even a brief warming in the oven or pan can bring the flavor out. It depends on your preferences and how you want to use the smoked salmon.
How to Cook Already Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon requires very little cooking to prepare it for recipes. Some easy cooking methods include:
Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the smoked salmon fillets flesh-side down on a baking sheet. Warm in the oven for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
This gentle warming helps bring out the smoky flavor and makes the salmon hot and flaky. Baked smoked salmon is great served over salads or grains.
Pan-Seared
Place a skillet over medium heat. When hot, add a drizzle of olive oil or butter. When the oil is shimmering, add the smoked salmon fillets flesh-side down.
Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside. Pan-searing gives a nice texture contrast. Use pan-seared salmon in pastas or on pizza.
Poached
Bring a skillet with 1 cup water to a gentle simmer. Add the smoked salmon fillets and poach gently for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Poaching keeps the salmon tender and moist for using in salads or sandwiches. The poaching liquid also takes on the smoky flavor.
Grilled
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Oil the grates lightly. Add the smoked salmon fillets flesh-side down. Grill for about 1 minute per side.
Grilling gives smoked salmon attractive grill marks and a smoky char. Chop grilled salmon into salads or tacos.
Add to Soups/Stews
Add bite-size chunks of smoked salmon in the last few minutes of cooking soups, chowders, or stews. The heat will warm it through and add flavor.
Smoked salmon works great in seafood stews, creamy chowders, tomato soup, ramen, etc. Just avoid boiling, which can make the salmon tough.
Smoked Salmon Recipes to Try
Once you’ve cooked the smoked salmon, you can now use it in a variety of delicious recipes. Here are some great ways to use cooked smoked salmon:
Smoked Salmon Scrambled Eggs
Cook eggs as normal in butter or oil. At the end, fold in flaked smoked salmon just until warmed through. The salty smokiness pairs perfectly with creamy scrambled eggs.
Smoked Salmon Pizza
Top prepared pizza crust with smoked salmon, diced red onion, capers, and dill. Bake until the crust is crisp and salmon is warmed through.
Pasta with Smoked Salmon and Peas
Make your favorite pasta, like penne or farfalle. Toss with extra virgin olive oil, cooked peas, flakes of smoked salmon, lemon zest, and Parmesan.
Smoked Salmon Salad
Break smoked salmon into chunks over a salad of greens, cucumber, tomato, and boiled eggs. Drizzle with a dijon vinaigrette.
Smoked Salmon Dip
Blend together smoked salmon, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, and pepper. Serve with crackers or bread.
Smoked Salmon Quiche
Make a quiche filling with eggs, milk, herbs, and Swiss cheese. Add chunks of smoked salmon before baking.
Smoked Salmon Hash
Saute potatoes and onions. Add smoked salmon and cook until warmed through. Top with a fried egg.
The possibilities are endless! Cooking the smoked salmon first helps release even more rich flavor.
Tips for Cooking Smoked Salmon
Follow these tips for the best results when cooking already smoked salmon:
- Pat dry before cooking – Dry off excess moisture first so it browns better.
- Use a non-stick pan – The fish can stick, so coat your skillet with oil or butter first.
- Cook skin-side down first – This keeps the tender flesh intact.
- Cook over medium heat – High heat risks drying out the fish.
- Cook until just opaque – Smoked salmon only needs warming, not thorough cooking.
- Flake gently with a fork – Harsh mixing makes the texture mushy.
- Avoid boiling or grilling too long – The fish will dry out.
With these simple tips, you can cook already smoked salmon so it stays tender and infused with flavor.
Storing Leftover Cooked Smoked Salmon
To safely store leftover cooked smoked salmon:
- Let cool completely, then store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- You can freeze cooked smoked salmon for 1-2 months.
- Reheat gently before serving again.
Avoid leaving cooked smoked salmon out at room temperature too long. Follow these storage tips to enjoy delicious smoked salmon throughout the week.
Conclusion
Though already cooked and smoked, warming smoked salmon helps intensify its flavors and allows you to use it in more recipes like scrambles, pasta, pizza, quiche, and more. Cook smoked salmon gently using methods like oven-baking, pan-searing, grilling or poaching for 1-3 minutes per side until just heated through. Flake into recipes or serve warm smoked salmon over salads or grains. Store leftover cooked smoked salmon properly in the fridge or freezer. With so many possibilities for enjoying smoked salmon, take your time to cook up creative new dishes.