Smoked salmon is a popular delicacy that is loved by many for its rich, smoky flavor. While traditional smoked salmon is simply cured with salt and smoke, honey smoked salmon also incorporates sweet honey during the curing process.
The addition of honey gives the salmon a lovely caramelized exterior that perfectly balances the smokiness. It adds a subtle sweetness without overpowering the natural flavor of the fish.
Is honey smoked salmon safe to eat?
Yes, honey smoked salmon is perfectly safe to eat. The honey helps to preserve the fish, while the smoking process cooks it thoroughly to kill any potential bacteria or parasites. As long as the honey smoked salmon is properly refrigerated and consumed before the expiration date, it poses no health risks.
Smoking fish was originally used as a preservation method before refrigeration was widely available. The salt and smoke work together to dehydrate the fish while also inhibiting bacterial growth. This allows smoked salmon to remain edible for quite a while without spoiling.
Today, smoking remains popular for its impact on the salmon’s texture and flavor. When properly cured and stored, smoked fish can last for several weeks in the refrigerator or several months in the freezer.
How is honey smoked salmon made?
Honey smoked salmon is cured in a brine before being smoked over fragrant wood chips. Here is the basic process:
- A salt brine is prepared with water, salt, honey, and spices like garlic, brown sugar, or peppercorns.
- The fresh salmon fillets are soaked in the brine to cure for anywhere from a few hours to a couple days. This firms up the flesh and infuses flavor.
- The fish is then removed from the brine and thoroughly rinsed off to remove excess salt.
- It is hung or laid out on racks and placed in a smoker. Oak, hickory, applewood and other hardwoods impart a sweet, smoky flavor over several hours.
- Finally, the smoked salmon is sliced and packaged for sale.
The honey in the brine gives the fish a lovely glazed exterior and a subtly sweet flavor that complements the smokiness. Sugar and salt also help remove moisture, concentrating the salmon’s natural flavors.
Nutrition facts of honey smoked salmon
Like regular smoked salmon, the honey smoked variety is a nutritious source of protein, healthy fats, and other nutrients:
| Nutrient | Amount Per 3oz Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 750mg |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Protein | 15g |
Some key nutritional benefits of honey smoked salmon include:
- High-quality protein – Salmon is an excellent source of protein needed for muscle growth and development. The 15g per serving provides over 25% of the recommended daily intake.
- Omega-3 fatty acids – Salmon is rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3s that support heart health. It has both EPA and DHA fatty acids.
- B vitamins – Salmon contains B vitamins like niacin, B12, and B6 which help convert food into energy.
- Potassium – Useful for lowering blood pressure, salmon provides around 5% of the RDI of potassium per serving.
- Selenium – This trace mineral in salmon has antioxidant properties and supports immune function.
Is honey smoked salmon keto-friendly?
Yes, honey smoked salmon can definitely be part of a ketogenic diet. A 3-ounce serving contains zero carbohydrates. It’s a nutritious high-fat, protein-rich choice perfect for keto.
Some keto dieters may worry about the honey used to cure the salmon. However, most of the sugars are washed off during processing. A 3-ounce portion only contains around 2 grams of carbohydrates from the residual honey.
This minimal amount of carbs makes it easy to incorporate honey smoked salmon into a low-carb ketogenic meal plan. It can be eaten as is, used in salads, wraps, appetizers and many other keto recipes.
Keto-friendly serving ideas for honey smoked salmon
- Smoked salmon and avocado roll-ups
- Salmon salad stuffed in tomato cups
- Scrambled eggs with smoked salmon
- Smoked salmon on cucumber slices
- Salmon toast made with low-carb bagels or seed bread
Is honey smoked salmon paleo-friendly?
Honey smoked salmon is perfectly acceptable on the paleo diet as it contains no grains, legumes, dairy or processed ingredients. Paleo dieters aim to eat wholesome, unprocessed foods like meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds.
As a nutritious protein source that humans have been eating for thousands of years, salmon fits right in with paleo principles. The touch of honey adds natural sweetness without reliance on refined sugar.
That said, strict paleo followers may want to check on the curing process. Some producers use artificial preservatives or flavorings not permitted on paleo. Opt for salmon cured just with natural salt, honey and spices to keep it fully paleo-compliant.
Tasty paleo recipes featuring honey smoked salmon
- Smoked salmon bites with avocado
- Salmon salad wrapped in collard greens
- Baked salmon cakes
- Salmon and vegetables sheet pan dinner
- Salmon poke bowl with cauliflower rice
How to tell if honey smoked salmon has gone bad
Like regular smoked salmon, the honey smoked variety has a relatively long shelf life. However, it can still spoil eventually if stored improperly or kept past its use-by date. Here are some signs that honey smoked salmon has gone bad:
- Sliminess – Fresh salmon has a smooth, firm texture. Slippery sliminess indicates bacteria growth.
- Fishy smell – Discard if the aroma is overly fishy, acidic or ammonia-like.
- Off colors – Greyish, greenish or yellowish hues point to spoilage.
- Mold – Furry mold spots mean the salmon is inedible.
- Dryness – Salmon that’s dried out or flaky has lost freshness.
For maximum freshness and shelf life, store honey smoked salmon properly. Keep it sealed in the fridge at 40°F or less and use within 3 weeks of opening. Discard any leftover bits after eating. Freezing can extend the lifespan for several months.
As long as it looks and smells normal, previously frozen salmon that’s been thawed in the fridge is still fine to eat. But refreezing thawed salmon increases risk of bacterial growth.
Where to buy honey smoked salmon
You can find honey smoked salmon in many grocery stores, markets, warehouse clubs and online:
- Grocery seafood counters – Check the refrigerated seafood section near the fresh fish. Vacuum-sealed packs are common.
- Smoked fish displays – Some stores have dedicated displays just for smoked seafood.
- Specialty markets – Stores like Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s often carry it.
- Warehouse clubs – Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s sell it in large packages.
- Online – Companies like Seattle Fish Co, Vital Choice and Wild Planet offer mail order.
- Smoked seafood companies – Buy directly from brands like Ducktrap, Acme, Morey’s, and Tilley’s.
For the best quality, eat honey smoked salmon within a month of purchase. Look for sustainably caught wild salmon like sockeye or coho over farmed Atlantic salmon.
Once opened, keep the salmon tightly wrapped in the fridge and use quickly. Frozen packs can be safely thawed overnight in the fridge before serving.
Is honey smoked salmon safe for pregnancy?
Yes, honey smoked salmon is safe to eat during pregnancy as long as it’s fresh and has been properly refrigerated. In fact, salmon is an excellent fish choice for pregnant women thanks to its stellar nutritional profile.
Salmon is loaded with DHA and EPA, two key omega-3 fatty acids that are crucial for your baby’s brain and eye development. The high-quality protein also helps your growing baby form muscles, organs and tissues.
Other nutrients like vitamin D, selenium and B vitamins found in salmon support maternal health and decrease risks of preeclampsia or preterm birth. Experts recommend pregnant women eat at least 8 to 12 ounces of low-mercury fish per week.
To stay on the safe side, choose wild-caught salmon and make sure any smoked fish you eat is prepared and stored properly to prevent contamination with bacteria or parasites like Listeria or Toxoplasma.
Tips for eating honey smoked salmon during pregnancy
- Check expiration dates and only purchase fresh salmon.
- Store sealed packs on ice or in the fridge below 40°F.
- Wash hands and dishes thoroughly after handling.
- Avoid raw or undercooked salmon.
- Cook hot smoked salmon to 160°F to kill parasites.
- Heat deli-style smoked salmon to steaming before eating.
Can honey smoked salmon be frozen?
Yes, freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of honey smoked salmon. It pauses bacteria growth, keeping it safe indefinitely at 0°F until thawed.
For best quality, use frozen salmon within 3 to 6 months. Portion the salmon into meal-size amounts so you can thaw only what you need each time.
Wrap honey smoked salmon tightly in plastic wrap or place in zip-top freezer bags. Try to remove as much air as possible before sealing. This prevents freezer burn which can degrade the texture.
Thaw frozen salmon overnight in the fridge before using. You can also run the bag under cool tap water for faster thawing. Avoid thawing at room temperature as the outer parts could enter the danger zone before the inside thaws.
It’s fine to refreeze salmon that was previously frozen as long as it was kept chilled below 40°F the entire time after thawing. However, don’t refreeze after cooking salmon or if it was left at room temperature for over 2 hours.
Can honey smoked salmon be canned?
Yes, you can absolutely preserve honey smoked salmon by canning it for long-term room temperature storage. Home canning smoked fish is safe when done correctly using a pressure canner. This allows the contents of the jar to reach at least 240°F needed to kill any botulism spores.
Follow a trusted canning recipe and observe proper hygiene. Only use fresh, high-quality fish. Refrigerate for several days before eating to allow flavors to meld. Canned smoked salmon keeps for up to a year unopened but should be consumed within a week once opened.
Here are some tips for safely canning honey smoked salmon at home:
- Use a pressure canner, NOT a water bath.
- Start with very fresh smoked salmon, not expired product.
- Keep all equipment sterilized.
- Follow validated recipes for processing times.
- Allow sealed jars to depressurize naturally.
- Check seals are concave and lids don’t move when pressed.
- Label jars with contents and date.
- Store in a cool, dark place; refrigerate after opening.
Canned salmon is a convenient way to make the most of seasonal abundance. Enjoy delicious honey smoked salmon all year round!
Conclusion
Honey smoked salmon is a delicious treat that makes the most of salmon’s rich flavor. Curing with a honey brine and slowly smoking over fragrant wood imparts a lovely caramelized sweetness and texture that perfectly balances the saltiness.
When properly refrigerated, honey smoked salmon is completely safe to eat. It makes a nutritious high protein addition to a keto or paleo diet. Pregnant women can also confidently enjoy honey smoked salmon for its bountiful omega-3s and other nutrients that support maternal health.
Seeking out high-quality sustainably caught salmon from a trusted source ensures safety and maximum freshness. Follow storage guidelines, check for signs of spoilage and freeze for prolonged shelf life. With its scrumptious sweet and smoky flavor, honey smoked salmon can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle.