Poor Man'S Smoked Salmon

Prep: 10 min Cook: 2 min Cuisine: American

A smoky, creamy salmon spread with a hint of lemon and onion, perfect for appetizers or snacks, appealing to seafood lovers and those seeking bold flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 16 oz. can salmon
  • 8 oz. light cream cheese
  • 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp. minced onion
  • 1 tsp. horseradish
  • 1 Tbsp. liquid wood smoke flavoring
  • 1/4 tsp. salt

Instructions

  1. Carefully and thoroughly wash the sea lettuce to remove sand and other substances.
  2. Sea lettuce may be used raw and added to tossed salads, added to seafood chowders or cooked.
  3. When cooking, drop sea lettuce into boiling, salted water.
  4. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and drain.
  6. Serve with butter, seafood salt or vinegar to taste.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat cream cheese instead of light. If you want to enhance the smokiness, try adding a touch more liquid wood smoke flavoring. If salmon isn't available, canned tuna can be a suitable substitute. Remember to taste as you go, especially when adjusting the salt and horseradish, to achieve the perfect balance.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish as a spread on crackers or toasted baguette slices, making it a great appetizer for gatherings. It pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables or a light salad. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Mom Romig's Scalloped Oysters for a delightful seafood feast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving leftovers, allow them to come to room temperature or gently reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can alter the texture of the cream cheese.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Poor Man'S Smoked Salmon contains roughly 164 calories, with 8g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value).

164 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8g 16% DV
Total Fat 8g 10% DV
Carbs 15g 5% DV
Fiber 0.2g 1% DV
Sugar 2.1g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 288.8mg 13% DV
Potassium 235.6mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 18.1mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 11.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 1mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 18.8mg 1% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Fish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time. It's even better when allowed to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight as the flavors meld together. Just be sure to keep it covered to maintain freshness.

What can I use instead of liquid wood smoke flavoring?

If you don't have liquid wood smoke, you can substitute it with smoked paprika for a different kind of smokiness. Alternatively, grilling the salmon before mixing can also impart a smoky flavor.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by replacing the salmon with mashed white beans or chickpeas. Add a little seaweed for a touch of umami flavor, mimicking the taste of seafood, while still keeping the dish creamy and delicious.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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