Candied Smoked Salmon Bites Recipe

If you’re craving a showstopping snack that walks the line between rich indulgence and irresistible finger food, look no further than Candied Smoked Salmon Bites. These beautifully lacquered cubes of salmon are smoky, sweet, and just the right amount of savory—a total crowd-pleaser whether you set them out for the holidays, game night, or your next brunch party. With a glossy maple glaze and that melt-in-your-mouth texture, every bite disappears in a heartbeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of humble pantry staples transforms fresh salmon into something so festive and addictive! Every ingredient in Candied Smoked Salmon Bites does its part, delivering rich flavors, tender texture, and a gorgeous glossy finish that has guests reaching for “just one more.”

• Salmon: Choose a whole side of salmon, skin-on or off, for perfect cube-sized bites that hold up beautifully during smoking.
• Brown Sugar: This brings essential sweetness and a subtle molasses depth, creating that signature candied effect on the surface.
• Kosher Salt: Salt balances the sweetness, helps cure the salmon, and enhances every savory note.
• 100% Maple Syrup: Real maple syrup gives the glaze its sticky gloss and complex caramel flavor—accept no substitutes!
• Honey: Adds floral notes and helps thicken the glaze for gorgeous, shiny bites.
• Water: Blends the other ingredients into a gentle, flavorful brine that seasons and preps the salmon perfectly.

How to Make Candied Smoked Salmon Bites

Step 1: Cube the Salmon

Grab your sharpest knife and slice your whole side of salmon into 1-inch cubes, aiming for even pieces so they all smoke and glaze up at the same rate. You’ll get about 35 gorgeous, plump pieces—just the right size for popping straight into your mouth or loading onto skewers for sharing.

Step 2: Brine the Salmon

In a large bowl, stir together the brown sugar, kosher salt, maple syrup, honey, and 2 cups water until everything is dissolved. Submerge the salmon cubes in this sweet-savory brine and let them luxuriate in the fridge for at least 3 hours, or better yet, overnight. This step seasons the salmon throughout and sets the stage for ultimate tenderness.

Step 3: Prepare the Smoker

Get your smoker going at 180°F and line the grates with foil for easier cleanup—these Candied Smoked Salmon Bites will drip their luscious glaze! Lay out the salmon cubes, spaced an inch apart so the smoke can hug every surface. Keep that leftover marinade nearby; it’s about to become an irresistible glaze.

Step 4: Smoke and Glaze the Salmon

With your favorite wood chips loaded (think maple, alder, or apple), close the smoker and let the magic happen for 1 hour. Meanwhile, pour the reserved marinade into a saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes to reduce it into a sticky glaze. Skim off any film on top for a glossy finish—totally optional, but some folks swear by it!

Step 5: Flip, Brush, and Repeat

Flip the salmon cubes after that first hour, baste with a generous brush of glaze, then smoke for 4 to 5 more hours, flipping and basting every 45 minutes. If your smoker has multiple racks, rotate them for perfectly even color and caramelization. Watch as your Candied Smoked Salmon Bites develop that shiny, dark amber shell—just begging to be eaten!

Step 6: Finish and Serve

When an instant-read thermometer in the thickest piece reads at least 160°F and the glaze is thick and candied all around, pull your bites from the smoker. They’re rich, sticky, and guaranteed to be the first thing gone at every gathering.

How to Serve Candied Smoked Salmon Bites

Garnishes

To add a final flourish, sprinkle your Candied Smoked Salmon Bites with snipped chives, thinly sliced green onions, or toasted sesame seeds. A drop of crème fraîche or a squeeze of lemon elevates each bite, and for a bigger wow factor, finish with microgreens or a dusting of crushed pink peppercorns.

Side Dishes

Pair these bites with crisp cucumber slices, tangy pickled onions, or a crunchy baguette to balance their richness. They also shine alongside a refreshing arugula salad, creamy potato salad, or even atop fluffy rice for a hearty brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Thread Candied Smoked Salmon Bites onto skewers for elegant passed appetizers, or pile them onto a platter with toothpicks for easy grazing. Arrange them on a cedar plank with dill sprigs for rustic chic, or perch each piece atop a cucumber round for bite-sized party perfection.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Candied Smoked Salmon Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Their bold flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making them fantastic for next-day snacking or topping your favorite salads.

Freezing

If you (miraculously) have extras, freeze the cooled, glazed salmon bites on a tray, then transfer them to a zip-top bag once solid. They keep well for up to a month and reheat surprisingly well, so you’re just minutes away from a party-perfect treat anytime.

Reheating

To bring back that glossy, luscious texture, warm Candied Smoked Salmon Bites gently in a 250°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, just until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it can make them tough—the low, slow oven heat keeps them silky.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought smoked salmon instead of smoking my own?

Store-bought smoked salmon won’t give you the same candied exterior or sticky glaze, but you could brush pre-smoked salmon cubes with glaze and warm them in the oven for a tasty shortcut. The full experience, though, comes from smoking it yourself!

Do I need a specific type of wood for the smoker?

Woods like maple, apple, or alder are classic with salmon and add a subtle, sweet smokiness. Strong woods like mesquite or hickory can be overpowering, so stick with something lighter if you want the glaze to shine.

How can I tell when the salmon is done?

The salmon is ready when it reaches at least 160°F internally and the exterior is glossy, dark, and distinctly caramelized. The bites should be firm but still moist, like perfect little nuggets of flavor.

Can I make Candied Smoked Salmon Bites on a grill?

Absolutely! Set up your grill for indirect low heat and use a smoker box or foil pouch of wood chips. Keep the temperature low and steady, and you’ll get that same irresistible flavor (be ready to watch the heat a little more closely).

Are Candied Smoked Salmon Bites gluten free?

Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten free—just make sure your maple syrup and honey are pure, and you’re good to go for serving everyone safely.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried Candied Smoked Salmon Bites, it’s hard to go back—they turn any gathering into a celebration and disappear faster than you’d think possible. Give them a try and watch your friends and family light up; it just might become your new signature party recipe!

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