Name: LOAM Surry Hills SMOKED SALMON Recipe
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz smoked salmon (thinly sliced); 1 whole lemon; 2 tbsp capers (rinsed); 0.25 cup red onion (very thinly sliced); 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped); 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional, for lighter spread); 1 tbsp chives (finely chopped); 4 each bagels or toasted bread, to serve; 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil; 0.5 tsp everything bagel seasoning (optional); 0.5 cup microgreens or arugula (optional)

Method

Smoked Salmon Base

Prep the salmon

Remove smoked salmon from packaging and lay slices out on a cutting board. If large, slice into 1–2 inch wide strips for easier serving.

Thinly slice the red onion into half-moons. Place sliced onion in a small bowl of cold water for 5 minutes to mellow the bite, then drain and pat dry.

Rinse the capers briefly under cold water and drain to remove excess brine.

Zest half the lemon and then cut it into wedges. Reserve zest for the spread and wedges for serving. Squeeze remaining lemon to check if extra juice is desired for finishing (about 1–2 tsp).

Chop the fresh dill and combine with the drained capers and sliced salmon pieces in a shallow bowl. Grind black pepper over the mixture and gently toss to combine, being careful not to break the delicate salmon.

Accompaniments & Spread

Make the cream cheese spread

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a fork or small whisk until smooth. Stir in Greek yogurt or sour cream if using to loosen the texture, then add lemon zest and half the chopped chives. Taste and add a small squeeze of lemon juice (about 1 tsp) if you want brighter flavor. Season lightly with a pinch of black pepper.

Toast bagels or bread until golden and warm. If serving bagels, split and lightly toast cut sides. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture on each serving (adjust to taste).

Top each spread-covered bagel or toast with an even portion of the dressed smoked salmon (roughly 2 oz salmon per serving if making 4 servings). Distribute some of the drained red onion and capers atop the salmon.

Finishing & Optional Garnishes

Drizzle a small amount (about 1/4 tsp) of extra-virgin olive oil over each portion, then sprinkle the remaining chives and the everything bagel seasoning if using.

Garnish with microgreens or a few arugula leaves and serve lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the salmon. Offer additional capers and black pepper at the table.

Serve immediately while the toast is warm. Leftover dressed salmon (without bagels/toast) can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Smoked Salmon Recipe