Candied Smoked Salmon Bites

Candied Smoked Salmon Bites: Sweet, Smoky, and Irresistibly Delicious

If you’re looking for a unique appetizer that brings together a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors, these Candied Smoked Salmon Bites are the answer. Made from tender cubes of salmon marinated in a flavorful brine, then slowly smoked to perfection and glazed with a caramelized maple-honey mixture, these bites are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or salad topping, these delicious salmon bites will steal the show at your next gathering!

Ingredients:

• 4-5 lbs salmon (whole side)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 3/4 cup 100% maple syrup
• 1/4 cup honey

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salmon:
   • Start by slicing the whole side of salmon into 1-inch by 1-inch cubes. You should get approximately 35 pieces from 4-5 pounds of salmon.
2. Marinate the Salmon:
   • In a large bowl, mix together the brown sugar, kosher salt, maple syrup, honey, and 2 cups of water to form a brine.
   • Add the salmon cubes to the brine, ensuring that they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salmon for at least 3 hours or, for best results, overnight. This step infuses the salmon with rich flavors and ensures it remains moist during the smoking process.
3. Preheat the Smoker:
   • Preheat your smoker to 180°F (82°C). Line the smoker grates with aluminum foil to prevent sticking, then place the salmon cubes on the foil, leaving about 1 inch of space between each piece.
4. Start Smoking:
   • Add wood chips to your smoker (alder wood or applewood work great for salmon) and smoke the salmon for 1 hour. Be sure to save the extra marinade liquid for making the glaze later.
5. Prepare the Glaze:
   • While the salmon is smoking, pour the remaining marinade into a saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes, reducing the mixture into a slightly thickened glaze. Skim off any protein film that forms on the surface if desired.
6. Glaze and Smoke:
   • After the first hour of smoking, carefully flip the salmon cubes and brush them with the reduced glaze. Continue smoking the salmon for 4-5 more hours, flipping the cubes and brushing with glaze every 45 minutes. If necessary, rotate the racks to ensure even smoking.
7. Check Doneness:
   • The salmon bites are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the glaze has beautifully caramelized around the cubes. The result is a tender, flavorful bite with a perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness.
8. Serve:
   • Enjoy these candied smoked salmon bites immediately! They make a great appetizer or snack, and you can also use them as a topping for salads, grain bowls, or even breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs or bagels.

Quick Tips:

• For even more flavor, experiment with different types of wood chips in your smoker. Alder, cherry, or applewood are excellent choices that complement the sweetness of the glaze.
• If you’re short on time, you can marinate the salmon for a minimum of 3 hours, but overnight marinating yields the best results.

Quick Facts:

• Prep Time: 3 hours (including marinating time)
• Cook Time: 5-6 hours
• Total Time: 8-9 hours
• Servings: 35 salmon bites
• Calories: 220 kcal per bite

These Candied Smoked Salmon Bites are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and smoky. With a little patience and some time in the smoker, you’ll be rewarded with incredibly flavorful salmon bites that will impress even the most discerning guests. Serve them at your next party or enjoy them as a delicious snack!

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