Smoked salmon is a delicious and nutritious delicacy that many people enjoy. But if you’re new to eating smoked salmon you may be wondering – what does 2 ounces of it actually look like?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at smoked salmon, its nutrition facts, and what a 2 ounce serving looks like visually. Keep reading to learn more about this smoked fish favorite!
An Overview of Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon, also sometimes called lox, is salmon that has been cured and smoked over wood chips or sawdust. This gives it a distinctive smokey flavor and rich pink color. The fish is usually cold-smoked, meaning it’s smoked at a temperature between 70-90°F. This preserves the delicate texture of the salmon without actually cooking it.
Smoked salmon is a popular ingredient in appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and more It’s often enjoyed on its own served with bagels, toast, or crackers and paired with cream cheese or other spreads It makes a classic brunch pairing!
Some of the most popular types of smoked salmon include:
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Scottish smoked salmon – Known for its delicate texture and subtle smoky flavor. Often cut into thin slices.
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Norwegian smoked salmon – More intensely smoky and salty than Scottish. Has firm, dense texture.
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Nova smoked salmon – Brined with sugar and smoke-cured. Has a more pronounced smoky-sweet flavor.
No matter what type you choose, smoked salmon is prized for its rich umami depth and silkiness.
Nutrition Facts of Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon is packed with nutrition. A 3.5 ounce serving contains:
- 117 calories
- 18g protein
- 4g fat
- 600-1200mg sodium
- High amounts of vitamins B12, D, selenium, phosphorus, and omega-3s
The high protein and omega-3 fatty acid content offer many health benefits. The omega-3s, including EPA and DHA, are linked to improved heart health, brain function, and inflammation levels in the body.
The only downside nutrition-wise is the high sodium content. Smoked salmon contains much more sodium than fresh salmon due to the salt used in processing. Those sensitive to salt may want to limit their intake.
Overall though, smoked salmon is a great source of lean protein, healthy fats, and nutrients. Now let’s look at what 2 ounces of it looks like!
What Does 2 Ounces of Smoked Salmon Look Like?
So you’ve bought a pack of smoked salmon and want to enjoy a serving. But what does 2 ounces look like exactly?
Here’s a visual guide to what a 2 ounce portion of smoked salmon looks like:
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On a plate: 2 ounces of smoked salmon is about the size of a checkbook or smartphone. It’s a rectangle shape approximately 3.5 inches by 4.5 inches if neatly arranged.
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Sliced: When sliced, 2 ounces of smoked salmon is around 5-7 thin slices depending on thickness. Slices are around 3-4 inches long.
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On a bagel: A 2 ounce serving will cover about half of a large bagel if placed in a single layer. Or it may cover a bit more if folded over.
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In a salad: Flaked into bite-sized pieces, 2 ounces of smoked salmon is about 1/2 cup worth when added to a salad.
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In an appetizer: 2 ounces makes 3-4 smoked salmon rolls when paired with cream cheese and wrapped around cucumber slices.
Here are some examples images of approximately 2 ounce portions:
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As you can see, the 2 ounce portion provides a satisfying amount of smoked salmon to enjoy!
Tips for Serving 2 Ounces of Smoked Salmon
Here are some tips for incorporating a 2 ounce serving of smoked salmon into your next meal or snack:
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Top half a toasted bagel, english muffin, or bread slice. Spread with cream cheese, goat cheese, or avocado first.
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Roll up in romaine lettuce leaves with cream cheese or goat cheese for an appetizer.
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Bake into an omelet or frittata with eggs and veggies.
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Toss with pasta, fresh dill, lemon juice, and olive oil.
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Mix into cream cheese or goat cheese along with fresh herbs. Spread on crackers or celery.
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Serve over a salad topped with greens, avocado, hard boiled egg, and citrus vinaigrette.
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Enjoy on its own as a protein packed snack!
A 2 ounce portion of smoked salmon packs a punch of flavor and nutrition. Next time you’re preparing an appetizer, meal, or snack featuring this smoked fish, use these visual cues to portion out the perfect 2 ounce serving size. Enjoy its savory taste and impressive nutritional benefits.
The Truth About How Smoked Salmon Is Made
FAQ
What does 3oz of salmon look like?
How many slices of smoked salmon is a serving?
What is smoked salmon supposed to look like?
Is it okay to eat smoked salmon every day?
What is smoked salmon?
Smoked Salmon is a delicacy that is perfect in savory dishes. It’s a great alternative for when you can’t find fresh salmon. There are a couple of ways to create smoked salmon. The difference is in the smoking process. It can be cured and cold-smoked. This creates a raw fish with a sushi texture.
What are the benefits of smoked salmon over raw salmon?
It actually has the same characteristics as raw salmon, being relatively low in calories, it is an excellent source of protein, good fat and several vitamins and minerals. The smoking process just adds an aroma.
How do you know if smoked salmon is bad?
Signs of spoilage include a dull color, slimy texture, and sour smell. Some conditions increase the chance of smoked salmon going bad (like the BBQ scenario where it was out of the fridge for hours). So, you need to know how to store your fish to keep it nutritious and tasty.
What does hot smoked salmon taste like?
Hot-smoked salmon is silky and tender on the inside with a delicately chewy exterior capped off with a smoky, slightly sweet flavor. It’s great to enjoy on its own, flaked and stirred into fluffy rice or scrambled eggs, or as a worthy substitute for store-bought smoked salmon for bagels.