What Does 2 Ounces of Smoked Salmon Look Like? A Visual Guide
Smoked salmon is a delicacy that many people enjoy but if you’re new to eating it you may wonder – what does 2 ounces of smoked salmon actually look like?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a close look at smoked salmon, its nutrition profile, and provide a visual reference for what a 2 ounce portion looks like plated, sliced, in a salad, and more.
Consider this your complete visual guide to getting the right 2 ounce serving of this popular smoked fish!
An Introduction to Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon, sometimes called lox, refers to salmon that has been cured and cold-smoked over wood chips or sawdust. This gives the salmon a distinctive smoky aroma, silky texture, and pink “salmon red” color.
The fish is not actually cooked during smoking – it’s cured and smoked at a temperature range of 70-90°F, which preserves its delicate raw flesh.
Smoked salmon can be eaten as is, often accompanied by crackers, bread, or bagels. It also stars in appetizers, salads, pasta, sandwiches, and many other dishes.
Some popular varieties include:
- Scottish smoked salmon – Delicate, thinly sliced, mild smoke
- Norwegian smoked salmon – Firmer, dense texture, intense smoky flavor
- Nova smoked salmon – Cured with a touch of sugar, pronounced smoky-sweet taste
No matter the type, smoked salmon is prized for its velvety texture, savory depth of flavor, and nutrition.
Nutrition Profile of Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon packs an impressive nutritional punch. A 3.5 oz serving contains:
- 117 calories
- 18g protein
- 4g fat (mostly heart-healthy omega-3s)
- 600-1200mg sodium
- High amounts of vitamin D, selenium, vitamin B12, phosphorus
The high protein content makes it an excellent food for maintaining muscle mass. The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA offer anti-inflammatory effects and cardiovascular benefits.
The only downside is smoked salmon’s high sodium level from the curing process. Those monitoring sodium intake should eat it in moderation.
Overall, smoked salmon provides a powerhouse dose of protein, omega-3s, and other nutrients in each serving.
What Does 2 Ounces of Smoked Salmon Look Like?
Now that you know the basics about smoked salmon, let’s look at what a 2 ounce portion actually looks like visually:
On a Plate
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2 ounces of sliced smoked salmon is approximately the size of a smartphone or checkbook when neatly arranged on a plate.
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It’s roughly a rectangular shape about 3.5 inches wide by 4.5 inches long.
Sliced
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When sliced, 2 ounces of smoked salmon is around 5-7 thin slices depending on thickness.
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Each slice is 3-4 inches in length.
On a Bagel
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A 2 ounce serving will cover about half of a large bagel if placed in a single layer.
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If folded over, 2 ounces may cover a bit more surface area of the bagel.
In a Salad
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Flaked into bite-size pieces, 2 ounces of smoked salmon is around 1/2 cup in volume.
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As a salad topping, this amount will evenly cover the entire base.
In an Appetizer
- For smoked salmon rolls, 2 ounces makes 3-4 pieces when paired with cream cheese and wrapped around cucumber or celery.
Here are some example photos of roughly 2 ounce portions:
[image 1]
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As you can see, 2 ounces provides a satisfying serving size to enjoy the flavors and nutrition of smoked salmon!
Tips for Serving a 2 Ounce Portion
Here are some delicious ways to eat 2 ounces of smoked salmon:
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Place on half of a toasted bagel, english muffin, or bread. Top with cream cheese, mustard, or sliced tomatoes.
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Roll up with cream cheese or herbed goat cheese in lettuce leaves or rice paper as an appetizer.
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Fold into an omelet or frittata along with veggies like spinach and onions.
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Toss with hot pasta, fresh dill, lemon juice, and olive oil for a quick salmon pasta dish.
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Mix into cream cheese or goat cheese along with lemon zest and chives. Spread on crackers or celery.
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Add to a salad with arugula, roasted beets, avocado, pumpkin seeds, and balsamic vinaigrette.
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Enjoy on its own as a high protein snack!
With its velvety texture and savory umami taste, smoked salmon offers a pop of flavor and nutrition to any meal when portioned at 2 ounces. Use these visual cues for easy serving.
Storing Leftovers
Here are some storage tips:
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Keep smoked salmon refrigerated at all times for food safety. Use within 3-5 days of opening.
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Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
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Frozen leftovers maintain quality for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
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Flake and add to soups, casseroles, pasta dishes, and salads to use up leftovers.
Now Go Enjoy Smoked Salmon!
This is How I get PERFECT Smoked Salmon EVERY Time
FAQ
How many Oz is a serving of smoked salmon?
What does 2 oz of fish look like?
What is one portion of smoked salmon?
What does 3 oz of salmon look like?
How do you know if smoked salmon is done?
Salmon will be done when an inserted meat thermometer reads 145F degrees. A lot of smokers these days come with digital meat thermometers. It is extremely helpful when cooking any kind of meat to ensure doneness. How do I store leftovers? Smoked salmon can be refrigerated for up to a week properly stored in an airtight bag. It can also be frozen.
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.
What is smoked salmon?
Smoked salmon is salmon that goes through a curing process and is then smoked. Since salmon is quite an expensive fish, smoked salmon isn’t so cheap either. Despite being dear, smoked salmon happens to be a very popular cuisine in certain parts of Europe and the US.
How long does smoked salmon last in a smoker?
The salmon goes into a smoker for up to 30 hours at temperatures between 70°F – 90°F with indirect smoke. This does not raise the internal temperature enough to cook the fish, so cold smoked salmon remains in a raw state. The process adds mild smoky flavor and changes the texture.