Smoked Salmon Substitute: Best Alternatives for Lox and Smoked Fish
Discover the best smoked salmon substitutes including other smoked fish, plant-based alternatives, and homemade options. Learn how to recreate the smoky, salty flavor of lox.
Quick Answer
The best smoked salmon substitutes are other smoked fish like trout, mackerel, or herring, or plant-based alternatives like carrot lox, smoked tofu, or commercial vegan lox products. These provide similar smoky, salty flavors.
Best Substitutes
Smoked Trout
1:1Smoked trout has a very similar texture and flavor profile to smoked salmon, making it an excellent substitute. It's often more affordable and widely available in most grocery stores.
Best for:
Similar texture and flavor to smoked salmon, often more affordable
Smoked Mackerel
1:1Smoked mackerel has a stronger, more assertive flavor than salmon but similar texture. It's rich in omega-3s and works well in most smoked salmon applications.
Best for:
Stronger flavor than salmon but similar texture. Remove skin and bones before using
Smoked Herring
1:1Smoked herring has an intense, salty flavor that's perfect for those who love strong-tasting fish. It's smaller than salmon but packs a lot of flavor in each bite.
Best for:
Smaller fish with intense flavor. Remove bones and skin before using
Carrot Lox
1:1Thinly sliced carrots, marinated in a mixture of nori, liquid smoke, lemon, and maple syrup, create an incredibly convincing smoked salmon alternative that's perfect for vegan cooking.
Best for:
Thinly sliced and marinated carrots create a convincing vegan smoked salmon alternative
Smoked Tofu
1:1Firm tofu, marinated in liquid smoke, soy sauce, and nori, can create a convincing smoked salmon alternative. The key is proper marination and slicing technique.
Best for:
Marinate firm tofu in liquid smoke, soy sauce, and nori for smoky flavor
Commercial Vegan Lox
1:1Commercial vegan lox products are designed to mimic the taste and texture of smoked salmon. They're convenient and work well in most applications, though they can be more expensive than homemade alternatives.
Best for:
Products like Sophie's Kitchen or Good Catch offer ready-made vegan smoked salmon alternatives
Smoked Whitefish
1:1Smoked whitefish has a similar texture and flavor to smoked salmon, often at a lower price point. It's a great option for those looking for a more affordable alternative.
Best for:
Similar to trout, often more affordable and widely available
Cooking Tips
- 💡When using other smoked fish, remove any bones and skin before serving
- 💡For carrot lox, slice carrots as thinly as possible for best texture
- 💡Marinate plant-based alternatives for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight
- 💡Use liquid smoke sparingly - it's very potent and can easily overpower other flavors
- 💡For bagels, let the substitute come to room temperature before serving
- 💡Store smoked fish substitutes in the refrigerator and use within 3-5 days
- 💡For sushi, use the coldest, freshest ingredients and work quickly to maintain texture
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular salmon instead of smoked salmon?
Regular salmon won't have the smoky flavor of smoked salmon, but you can add liquid smoke to your marinade or use smoked salt to achieve a similar taste profile.
What's the best vegan substitute for smoked salmon?
Carrot lox is the most popular vegan substitute for smoked salmon. It's made by marinating thinly sliced carrots in nori, liquid smoke, and lemon, creating a convincing alternative.
Can I make smoked salmon at home?
Yes! You can make smoked salmon at home using a smoker, or create a 'smoked' effect by marinating salmon in liquid smoke and salt, then curing it in the refrigerator.
What's the difference between lox and smoked salmon?
Lox is salt-cured salmon, while smoked salmon is both cured and smoked. Both work well as substitutes for each other, though lox has a saltier, less smoky flavor.
Can I use smoked salmon in sushi?
Yes! Smoked salmon works well in sushi, especially in rolls or as a topping. Just make sure it's fresh and properly stored before using.
How long does smoked salmon last in the refrigerator?
Smoked salmon typically lasts 3-5 days in the refrigerator when properly stored. Always check for signs of spoilage before using, and when in doubt, throw it out.
Summary
Find the best smoked salmon substitutes including other smoked fish, plant-based alternatives, and homemade options. Learn how to recreate the smoky, salty flavor of lox.