These candied smoked salmon bites are a sweet and savory treat that’ll disappear fast at any gathering. They’re made with bite-sized chunks of smoked salmon that are glazed with a sticky-sweet mix of maple syrup and brown sugar, then baked until caramelized and slightly crispy around the edges.
This is one of those recipes that looks fancy but couldn’t be easier to pull off. It’s perfect for an appetizer platter, brunch spread, or even as a snack for yourself when you’re craving something a little special. You only need a few ingredients, and the prep is minimal.
Helpful Tips
- Use hot-smoked salmon chunks, not cold-smoked slices. Hot-smoked has a firmer texture that holds up better during baking.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. The glaze gets sticky!
- Let the bites cool slightly before serving so the glaze sets up and you get that perfect chewy texture.
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Candied Smoked Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 4 pounds salmon
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup 100% maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Cube the salmon into about 1”x1” pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the sugar, salt, maple syrup, and honey. Add 2 cups of water and mix well.
- Add the salmon and let marinate overnight.
- When ready to cook, preheat your oven or smoker to 180°F.
- For the oven, line a baking sheet with foil. For the smoker, cover the grates with foil.
- Set the salmon pieces, spread out, on the foil. Cook or smoke for 1 hour. If using the smoker, add sweet wood chips, like apple or cherry. Save the marinade.
- While the salmon is cooking, put the remaining marinade in a pot and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes, until reduced by half. Skim off any protein that collects on the surface.
- After 1 hour, flip the cubes of salmon and brush with the glaze. Smoke for up to 4 hours, brushing with glaze every 45 minutes, until the salmon’s internal temperature reaches 160°F
- Serve hot.
Nutrition
Laura is a home cook, with 25 years experience behind the stove, who spends an extraordinary amount of time in the kitchen cooking. She loves making new recipes and finding wonderful new things to eat, both at home or abroad. She spends a lot of time researching, crafting, and perfecting her recipes.