freezing hot smoked salmon

[frankie007]

Has anyone frozen hot smoked salmon? What is it like when out I wander?

 

[gmc2003]

I've done it, but it was quite a while ago. If I remember correctly it was still pretty darn good. It can be enjoyed whole or made into a good salmon dip. The biggest issue was preventing the vacuum sealer from crushing the fish.

Chris

 

[Florida Chris]

The biggest issue was preventing the vacuum sealer from crushing the fish.

For soft foods you can partially freeze before vac sealing to prevent crushing. Then when you go to thaw it, vent the bag while it's still frozen so it doesn't get squished after it thaws.

 

[nchapelheel]

I have done it dozens of times. I let the fish cool after smoking and then double bag it for
the freezer. When I am NOT lazy, I vacuum pack single serve portions. The smoked salmon
is still good 6 months later.

 

[thirdeye]

Has anyone frozen hot smoked salmon? What is it like when out I wander?

The texture is slightly different, but the flavor is still there. If you make a dip or use it in something like a pasta dish it is barely noticeable.

For soft foods you can partially freeze before vac sealing to prevent crushing.

And I par-freeze meats to prevent liquid getting into the machine. And I freeze liquid things in containers, then vacuum seal.

Now for gifting or transporting to a party, I use a grilling plank in the bag to prevent smoked salmon from getting crushed. And as a bonus, you have a serving board.

 

[frankie007]

Thanks to all that replied.
I will be serving brunch, in a bar professionally and the first one is in two weeks time. I have been a chef for more than 30 years but it will be first time I served smoked meat & fish week in, week out. I am just trying to organize myself regarding long brining times and than smoking every week.

 

[maineac]

Has anyone frozen hot smoked salmon? What is it like when out I wander?

I usually smoke about 4 pounds at a time and freeze all of it. I have been doing this since 2010. I always test it fresh out of the smoker but I don't see a big difference between that and what I've frozen. My wife has dietary issues so she eats my smoked salmon all the time for breakfast, all frozen. I'll do a whole filet for family gatherings and it will be frozen. I have 2 in the freezer right now; one is for turkey day.

 

[CZN]

We've been vac sealing and freezing dry brined, hot smoked salmon for years and its great. Freeze away!

 

[frankie007]

Yes, 5 weeks in and I had no problem. I think I am the only one that can tell the difference between the two. I get very good comments about the hot smoked salmon and it is is quite popular it's one of the top sellers.

 

[normanaj]

I've frozen hot smoked bluefish many times,I can't imagine that there is much difference.

 

[millerbuilds]

For soft foods you can partially freeze before vac sealing to prevent crushing. Then when you go to thaw it, vent the bag while it's still frozen so it doesn't get squished after it thaws.

Exactly what Chris said, I toss them on a cookie sheet and let them freeze about 50% and then vacuum pack. Taste and texture does not have a a noticable difference than non-frozen, but fish is delicate and even vac packed, I would bnot keep it froze for more than 12-18 months.

- Jason