Have you ever thought about preparing in advance and freezing smoked salmon? Smoked salmon is a popular savory complement to a multitude of different dishes; including salads, rice, and banquet dishes. This flaky deep flavored fish is incredibly popular for its flexibility of use; however it’s very expensive and comes in pretty large packages. With the abundant supply, many people simply cannot use it up quickly enough.
Popular Ways to Use Smoked Salmon
- To top off salads
- Fish on a bed of rice anyone?
- Smoked Salmon Wrapped Cheese Ball
- Crackers topped with cream cheese and flaky smoked salmon
- Various Appetizers
- Banquet Dinners
- Breakfast Dishes
- Smoked Salmon A le Carte
There are numerous reasons one might have too much smoked salmon on hand. Maybe they live a great distance from any fish market or retailer, and are forced to buy in bulk. Perhaps they only needed enough for an appetizer or such and couldn’t find a small enough package. One might wonder, “What in the world do I do with all this smoked salmon?”
The answer is swift and simple. If you need a way to preserve your smoked salmon before it goes bad, freeze it. You might be skeptical right now, but seriously, freezing your salmon is the best way to preserve not only the quality, but also the texture and flavor.
Image used under Creative Commons from stu_spivack
Just think, much of the smoked salmon sold in stores comes already frozen. Showing just how well salmon responds to freezing. And once you’ve frozen it, the fish will maintain perfect quality and flavor for up to six months. When deciding to freeze your smoked salmon, ensure you are doing so in a timely manner. Smoked salmon has a refrigerated shelf life of 3 days. If you feel you may have excess fish after the allotted 3 days, just go ahead and freeze it to be safe. You always want to be sure to preserve the fish before it even begins to turn.
Take the following steps to freezing your smoked salmon, and you’ll never again have to waste money throwing it away.
Standard Freezing
- Cut the smoked salmon into your desired serving size.
- Double wrap the fish, tightly, in plastic wrap. Double wrapping reduces the risk of freezer burn. If you are so inclined, as many are, you can add a layer of foil.
- Place wrapped pieces in a freezer bag and expel all air as you completely seal.
- Label and date the bag for six months.
Flash Freezing
- Spread fish pieces evenly onto a cookie sheet or other flat tray.
- Place the tray into the freezer and freeze.
- Once fish is completely frozen, wrap pieces and seal in a freezer bag.
- Label and date for a six month period.
Thawing Smoked Salmon
- Remove desired pieces from freezer
- Place in refrigerator until completely thawed
- Unwrap and enjoy
Just remember, once you’ve frozen and thawed it, it must be eaten immediately. Never refreeze thawed salmon.
That’s it! That is all there is to freezing smoked salmon. You don’t have to throw that delicious fish away, just preserve it, and delight in it whenever you please.
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