Pairing your smoked salmon dish with the perfect spices, side dishes, and even beverages can take your meal from good to divine. If you're craving a delicious smoked salmon feast but not sure where to begin, let us offer a few of our favorite recommendations.
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The Best Seasonings for Salmon
Salmon pairs well with a variety of herbs. While your method of cooking will play a large part in which herbs pair the best, these herbs are always incredible with a smoked salmon filet:
- Sage – warm and aromatic
- Dill – fresh
- Basil – a hint of sweetness
- Thyme – a hint of mint, earthy
- Coriander Seed - lemony
- Bay leaves – woody and earthy
Additionally, a mouth-watering mix of sweet and savory seasonings is always delicious with smoked salmon, no matter how you plan to prepare it. As a dry rub or for extra flavoring, experiment with blends of:
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- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Chili pepper
- Paprika
- Sugar
- Red pepper flakes
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Salmon Sauces and Marinades
A tasty marinade can complement your smoked salmon recipes nicely. We highly recommend trying a honey, ginger, and soy sauce marinade to add a sweet and salty flavor. Allow your filets to marinate for twenty to thirty minutes before cooking for the best outcome. We love our filets on the grill with this incredible marinade.
If sauces are more your style, we have a few favorite suggestions for you to try. Salmon’s bold taste should speak for itself. Try not to mask your salmon with overpowering spices and heavy creams. Instead, find the perfect blend of spices and herbs that enhance a light cream or butter sauce. We often use lemon and dill in our sauces, using a touch of light cream or parmesan cheese to thicken them up slightly. You can never go wrong with a traditional butter, garlic, and lemon sauce for any of your smoked salmon dishes.
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Best Salmon Side Dishes
Selecting your salmon side dishes can be as simple as steaming broccoli, sautéing your favorite vegetables, or tossing a crisp, fresh salad. If you’re a bit more adventurous, we love pairing our filets with a healthy side of quinoa and oven-roasted parmesan brussels sprouts.
You’ll have an incredibly healthy meal packed full of:
- omega 3 fatty acids
- lean protein
- fiber
- vitamins
- minerals
- iron
- potassium
- antioxidants
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The Best Wine Pairings for Salmon
Selecting the right glass of wine is the perfect addition to any smoked salmon meal. If you aren't much of a connoisseur, may we make a few suggestions? The richness of salmon, primarily when serving with a creamy sauce, is easily complemented by a medium to full-bodied chardonnay. This white wine is our favorite with most butter or cream sauces, and you're sure to love the pairing too. If you’re enjoying smoked salmon sushi or sashimi, our go-to’s are always a fresh, crisp white. A pinot grigio or riesling enhances the bold flavors of your salmon. If grilled or seared salmon is more to your liking, then opt for your favorite red.
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Now that you’re full of ideas for your perfect salmon pairings, place your seafood delivery order and prepare for a feast!