Deliciously Easy Smoked Salmon Candy Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Treat

Discover the wonderful combination of sweet and savory in Smoked Salmon Candy! Enjoy the delicious taste of salmon with a touch of sweetness that will leave you amazed. This Deliciously Easy Smoked Salmon Candy Recipe, perfect for both experienced cooks and beginners. Join us on a flavorful journey as we guide you through making this tasty treat. Treat yourself to a fantastic culinary adventure that will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. Elevate your dining experience with this simple yet impressive dish that combines balanced and tantalizing flavors. Don’t miss out on the chance to savor this culinary gem!

What is Smoked Salmon Candy?

Smoked Salmon Candy, also known as “Indian Candy,” is a traditional Pacific Northwest dish. It’s called “candy” due to its sweet and chewy texture, not because it’s sugary. The process involves brining and smoking salmon to achieve a tender, flavorful treat that’s perfect for snacking, appetizers, or even as a unique addition to your salads.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

To make your own Smoked Salmon Candy, gather the following ingredients:

1. Fresh Salmon: Approximately 2 pounds of wild-caught salmon fillets, skin-on, and deboned.
2. Brine Ingredients:
   • 1 cup soy sauce
   • 1 cup water
   • 1/2 cup brown sugar
   • 1/4 cup non-iodized salt (kosher or sea salt works great)
   • 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
3. Sweet Glaze Ingredients:
   • 1/4 cup maple syrup (substitute with honey if desired)
   • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
   • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Let’s get cooking..

How To Cook Smoked Salmon Candy Recipe

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s jump into the simple steps to create your own Smoked Salmon Candy:

Step 1: Prepare the Brine

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.
2. Place the salmon fillets in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow container, ensuring they lay flat.
3. Pour the brine over the salmon, making sure it’s entirely covered. Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours. This process allows the salmon to absorb the flavors of the brine.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Glaze

1. While the salmon is soaking in the brine to enhance its flavor and texture, let’s get started on the delectable sweet glaze! Grab a small bowl and combine the maple syrup (or honey) with the soy sauce and freshly squeezed lemon juice. 
2. Give it a good stir until all the ingredients blend together perfectly. This mouthwatering glaze will add a burst of sweet and tangy goodness to the smoked salmon candy. Set it aside for later use, and you’ll be ready to take your salmon to the next level of deliciousness!

Step 3: Smoke the Salmon

1. Preheat your smoker to around 175°F (80°C). You can also use a grill with a smoking box or a smoker box filled with wood chips for added smoky flavor.
2. Remove the salmon fillets from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. Discard the brine.
3. Place the salmon fillets directly on the smoker grates or a perforated aluminum foil tray to avoid sticking.
4. Smoke the salmon for approximately 2 to 3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The low and slow smoking process ensures that the salmon gets infused with smoky goodness while retaining its tenderness.

Step 4: Apply the Sweet Glaze

1. When the salmon is getting close to your desired level of doneness, it’s time to add a burst of flavor! Take the sweet glaze you prepared earlier and generously brush it over the salmon fillets. This will infuse the fish with a deliciously sweet and tangy taste.
2. Once you’ve applied the glaze, let the smoking process continue for another 15 to 20 minutes. Watch as the glaze works its magic, creating a beautiful caramelized coating on the fillets. This extra step adds an irresistible touch of sweetness and enhances the overall taste of the smoked salmon candy.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Smoked Salmon Candy

1. Once the salmon is fully smoked and the glaze is perfectly caramelized, remove it from the smoker or grill.
2. Give the smoked salmon candy a little time to rest before slicing it into small, bite-sized pieces. 
3. Your Smoked Salmon Candy is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as an appetizer, add it to salads, or savor it as a delightful snack.

Also read: How to Get Crispy Skin on Smoked Chicken Thighs

Storage Tips:

Once you’ve made this scrumptious Smoked Salmon Candy (which is so tasty that leftovers are rare!), you can keep it fresh for later enjoyment. To keep the smoked salmon candy fresh, simply place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay good for up to a week! If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it too. But remember, it’s at its best when eaten within a few weeks. So, whether you’re savoring it right away or saving some for later, this delightful treat is sure to please your taste buds!

Conclusion

Step into an exceptional culinary adventure with Smoked Salmon Candy! It brings together the natural goodness of salmon with a delightful blend of sweet and smoky flavors. This simple recipe allows you to create a mouthwatering treat that will impress your loved ones. Just fire up your smoker or grill, follow the easy steps, and get ready to indulge in this delectable delight. It’s sure to become a favorite in your household for happy cooking and snacking moments! Enjoy the scrumptious goodness and share the joy of this delightful treat with friends and family.