Table of Contents: Smoked Salmon Burnt Ends
Smoked Salmon Burnt Ends
Imagine tender, smoky salmon cubes glazed in a sticky-sweet BBQ sauce, caramelized to perfection—this is Smoked Salmon Burnt Ends, the seafood twist on a BBQ classic! If you love the rich, buttery flavor of salmon and the irresistible char of burnt ends, this recipe is your new obsession. Forget the usual brisket burnt ends—this version is lighter, quicker, and packed with omega-3 goodness.
Fun fact: Burnt ends were originally made from the crispy edges of smoked brisket, but creative pitmasters have reinvented them with everything from pork belly to salmon. And trust me, once you try these melt-in-your-mouth bites, you’ll never look back. Perfect for summer cookouts, game day, or a fancy appetizer, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ready to fire up the smoker? Let’s dive into this easy, flavorful, and foolproof recipe that’ll make you the star of any BBQ!
Introduction
If you’re a seafood lover who also craves smoky, BBQ flavors, Smoked Salmon Burnt Ends are about to become your new favorite dish. These bite-sized salmon cubes are marinated, smoked, and glazed until they’re caramelized on the outside and tender on the inside—pure BBQ heaven!
Unlike traditional brisket burnt ends (which take hours to cook), this salmon version is quick, easy, and packed with healthy fats. Plus, the sweet and smoky glaze adds an irresistible depth of flavor that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Here’s a fun fact: The term “burnt ends” comes from Kansas City BBQ, where pitmasters would serve the crispy, flavorful edges of smoked brisket as a chef’s treat. Now, we’re giving salmon the same royal treatment!
This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard BBQs, or even a fancy appetizer. It’s also a great way to introduce seafood to picky eaters—because who can resist sticky, smoky bites of salmon?
If you loved our Smoked Meatloaf Recipe: Juicy & Flavorful, you’ll adore this seafood twist. Ready to get smoking? Let’s go!
What Are Smoked Salmon Burnt Ends?
Ever wondered why they’re called “burnt ends” if they’re not actually burnt? (Spoiler: They’re just gloriously caramelized!) These Smoked Salmon Burnt Ends are the seafood version of the BBQ classic—tender salmon cubes smoked low and slow, then glazed with a sticky-sweet sauce until they’re crispy on the edges and juicy inside.
The name comes from the Kansas City BBQ tradition, where pitmasters would chop up the crispy, smoky ends of the brisket and serve them as a delicious snack. Now, we’re giving salmon the same love!
Think of these as gourmet salmon bites—perfect for dipping, snacking, or piling onto a charcuterie board. They’re smoky, sweet, and a little spicy, with a texture that’s crispy outside, buttery inside.
As the old saying goes, “The way to a man’s (or woman’s!) heart is through their stomach,” and these burnt ends will win over any crowd. Whether you’re a BBQ pro or a seafood newbie, this recipe is foolproof and fun.
Ready to try them? Grab your salmon and let’s get smoking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Irresistible Flavor & Texture
These burnt ends are smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy, with a crispy exterior and melt-in-your-mouth center. The glaze caramelizes into a sticky, finger-licking coating that’s pure BBQ bliss.
2. Quicker Than Traditional Burnt Ends
Unlike brisket (which takes 12+ hours), salmon cooks in under 2 hours, making this a perfect weeknight BBQ dish.
3. Healthier & Packed with Omega-3s
Salmon is rich in healthy fats, so you can indulge guilt-free. Plus, homemade means no hidden sugars or preservatives—just fresh, delicious flavor.
Love BBQ seafood? Try our Grilled Sockeye Salmon Recipe – Easy, Flaky & Delicious in 20 Mins! next!
How to Make Smoked Salmon Burnt Ends
Quick Overview
– Prep Time: 15 mins
– Cook Time: 1.5 hours
– Servings: 4-6
– Difficulty: Easy
Key Features:
✔ Smoky, sweet, and caramelized
✔ Perfect for appetizers or main dishes
✔ Great for meal prep
Key Ingredients
– 1.5 lbs salmon fillet (skinless, cut into cubes)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
– ½ cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Salmon – Cut into 1-inch cubes and toss with olive oil and spices.
2. Smoke at 225°F – Place salmon on a wire rack and smoke for 45 mins.
3. Glaze & Caramelize – Toss with BBQ sauce, honey, and soy sauce. Return to smoker for 20-30 mins until sticky.
4. Serve & Enjoy! – Garnish with fresh herbs or extra sauce.
What to Serve With Smoked Salmon Burnt Ends
These burnt ends are versatile—serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks, over rice, or alongside grilled veggies. For a full BBQ spread, pair with:
– Creamy Coleslaw (balances the smoky richness)
– Grilled Asparagus (adds a fresh crunch)
– Garlic Butter Rice (soaks up the glaze)
– Cold Beer or Citrusy White Wine (perfect pairing!)
Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe
✔ Use fresh, skinless salmon for even cooking.
✔ Don’t skip the resting time—letting the salmon sit after smoking ensures juicy bites.
✔ Adjust sweetness/spice by tweaking honey or cayenne.
Storing and Reheating Tips
– Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 mins to keep them crispy.
– Freeze: Not recommended (salmon texture changes).
People Also Ask
Q: Can I make this in the oven instead of a smoker?
A: Yes! Bake at 275°F for 30 mins, then broil with glaze for 5 mins.
Q: What type of wood chips work best?
A: Alder or applewood adds a mild, sweet smoke flavor.
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Thaw completely first—excess moisture affects texture.
Conclusion
These Smoked Salmon Burnt Ends are a game-changer—easy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a BBQ enthusiast or a seafood lover, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home.
Pro Tip: Double the batch—they disappear fast!
Ready to try it? Fire up that smoker and let us know how it goes in the comments!
Craving more? Check out our THE BEST Zesty Chipotle Lime Salmon Tacos for more inspiration!
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Smoked Salmon Burnt Ends
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Smoked Salmon Burnt Ends are sweet, smoky, and buttery bites of salmon perfection. Glazed with honey and BBQ sauce, they’re irresistible appetizers or main course stars for any BBQ lover.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds salmon fillet (skin-on, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons BBQ rub (preferably sweet and smoky)
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
- Pat salmon cubes dry with paper towels.
- Toss the salmon in olive oil, BBQ rub, smoked paprika, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange the salmon pieces on a wire rack or smoker tray, skin side down.
- Smoke for 1 hour until the salmon becomes slightly firm and glossy.
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, brown sugar, honey, and soy sauce to make the glaze.
- Brush the glaze generously over the smoked salmon.
- Continue smoking for 30–45 more minutes until caramelized and sticky.
- Remove from smoker, rest for 5 minutes, and serve warm with lemon wedges.
Notes
Use high-quality salmon with the skin on for best flavor. For extra caramelization, brush with glaze twice during the final 30 minutes of smoking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Smoked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: smoked salmon, burnt ends, BBQ, honey glaze, appetizer