Smoked salmon is a delicious and luxurious ingredient that can elevate any meal But determining how much to serve per person can be tricky. You want your guests to get a proper portion without providing too much and wasting expensive ingredients In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about serving sizes, recipes, and tips for smoking salmon at home.
Key Factors That Determine Portion Size
There are a few key factors that determine how much smoked salmon each person needs
The Meal Course
- Appetizer – 2 to 3 ounces or 56 to 85 grams
- Main course – 4 to 6 ounces or 113 to 170 grams
- Salad topping – 1 to 2 ounces or 28 to 56 grams
- Brunch buffet – 2 to 3 ounces or 56 to 85 grams
Larger portions are suitable for main courses where smoked salmon is the star. Smaller portions work for appetizers, salads, and buffets.
Other Menu Items
- If smoked salmon is part of a buffet or charcuterie assortment, 1 to 2 ounce portions are sufficient since other foods make up the meal.
Appetites
- Hearty eaters need larger portions around 4 to 6 ounces.
- Older guests and children often eat smaller servings of 2 to 3 ounces.
Avoiding Leftovers
- Smoked salmon only lasts 3 to 4 days refrigerated. It’s better to have a little extra than run short, but don’t overbuy.
Recommended Portion Sizes
Here are some standard smoked salmon portion sizes to follow per person:
- Appetizers – 2 to 3 ounces or 56 to 85 grams
- Main courses – 4 to 6 ounces or 113 to 170 grams
- Salad topping – 1 to 2 ounces or 28 to 56 grams
- Brunch buffets – 2 to 3 ounces or 56 to 85 grams
- Charcuterie boards – 1 to 2 ounces or 28 to 56 grams
A whole side of salmon (about 1 pound) provides 6 to 8 appetizer portions or 3 to 4 entree portions.
Serving Smoked Salmon Slices
For pre-sliced smoked salmon:
- 100 grams serves 2 people
- 200 grams serves 3 to 4 people
- 454 grams (1 pound) serves 6 to 8 people
If slicing a whole side yourself, expect around 12 to 16 slices per pound. Each slice will be 1 to 1.5 ounces or 28 to 42 grams.
Buying and Storing Tips
- Buy sliced packs for small gatherings. Reseal to prevent drying out.
- Order whole salmon sides for crowds and slice yourself. More economical.
- Get more than you think you’ll need. Running out is disappointing.
- Refrigerate unused portions promptly in sealed containers. Use within 3 to 4 days.
- Freeze vacuum-packed leftover salmon for 1 to 2 months. Thaw overnight before using.
Serving Smoked Salmon for Crowds
When serving smoked salmon for large gatherings:
- Allow guests to assemble their own portions with crackers, breads and condiments.
- Offer smaller 2-ounce portions. Refill platters as needed.
- Slice salmon thinly and arrange artfully on platters.
- Keep extra portions refrigerated until needed. Remove 30 minutes before replenishing platters.
- Have 6 to 8 pounds available for 50 to 75 guests. Adjust as required.
- Keep platters on ice to maintain ideal temperature for long serving times.
Storing Leftover Smoked Salmon
Refrigerate unused smoked salmon promptly in sealed containers. Use within 3 to 4 days. Freeze vacuum-packed portions for 1 to 2 months. Thaw overnight before using.
Portion leftovers into recipes like salmon cakes or scrambled eggs within 2 days. Use in cooking rather than eating raw.
Creative Serving Ideas
In addition to traditional bagels and crackers, try these creative ways to serve smoked salmon:
- Salmon Benedict – Top poached eggs with smoked salmon, hollandaise and fresh dill on English muffins
- Salmon salad – Toss flaky salmon with greens, capers, onion and lemon vinaigrette
- Hand rolls – Add spicy salmon rolls to your sushi spreads
- Salmon quiche – Bake into a baked egg, cream and Swiss cheese custard
- Salmon mousse – Whip cream cheese and lemon juice into flaked salmon
- Salmon pizza – Top thin crusts with cream cheese, red onion, capers and salmon
- Salmon omelette – Saute onions and fold in salmon and dill
Smoked Salmon FAQs
How many people does 1 pound of smoked salmon serve?
One pound serves 6 to 8 people as an appetizer or 3 to 4 people as a main course.
How many slices per person?
Plan on 2 to 3 slices per person as an appetizer. Slices are about 1 to 1.5 ounces each.
How much for 8 people?
Allow 1 to 1.5 ounces or 30 grams per person. One pound should be enough for 8 guests.
Is 1 pound enough for 2 people?
Yes, 1 pound of smoked salmon provides ample portions for 2 people.
How much per month is recommended?
The EPA recommends no more than two servings of salmon per week due to contaminants. Wild salmon is safer than farmed.
How much per person for a meal?
4 to 6 ounces or 113 to 170 grams per person for a main course focused on salmon. Reduce portions for appetizers or side dishes.
Key Takeaways
Figuring out smoked salmon portions takes some planning, but our guide provides all the tips you need. The essentials:
- Allow 4 to 6 ounces or 113 to 170 grams per person for main courses
- Appetizers only need 2 to 3 ounces or 56 to 85 grams per guest
- Order 1 pound for every 3 to 4 people eating salmon as a main dish
- Slice smoked salmon thinly and attractively arrange on platters
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 3 to 4 days
With our handy portioning advice, you can feel confident you have the right salmon amounts for any menu. Your guests will be impressed with your gourmet cooking skills. The only thing left is to enjoy mouthwatering smoked salmon creations!
Is It High In Mercury
Salmon is low in mercury, making it one of the best types of seafood to incorporate into your diet regularly.
Other types of low mercury fish are anchovy, char, hake, herring, Atlantic mackerel, mullet, pollock, rainbow trout, lake whitefish, crab, shrimp, clams, mussels and oysters.
Recommended Serving Size For Cooked Salmon
The recommended daily intake of fresh salmon varies slightly, based on a persons age, gender, weight, and activity level so these amounts are an average.
The American Heart Association recommends consuming at least two servings of fatty fish like salmon per week. Each serving should be 3.5 ounces of salmon or a serving that is equivalent to the size of a deck of cards. This means that 1 pound of salmon will feed 4 people.
This serving size provides approximately 1.5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. For those on a high protein, low carb diet, 6-8 ounces is perfectly safe. Salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145F for well done or to 125F for medium rare.
Salmon is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin B 12, and selenium. These nutrients are important for maintaining strong bones, healthy skin, and a strong immune system. Vitamin D, in particular, is essential for people who live in areas with limited sunlight exposure.