How We Make Our Smoked Salmon So Good: From Fresh Fish to Final Slice
Discover the care, craft, and culinary tradition behind every slice.
At Fish Delish Canada, great smoked salmon isn’t just a product - it’s a process. A meticulous, hands-on journey from fresh Canadian fish to buttery, hand-sliced perfection. Here’s a peek behind the curtain at what makes our smoked salmon truly exceptional.
Step 1: Sourcing Only the Best
Our process starts with premium Canadian steelhead and Atlantic salmon sourced from kosher-certified suppliers who meet the highest standards of freshness and sustainability. These fish are raised without antibiotics, hormones, or pesticides.
Why it matters: Fresh fish = better texture, better taste, and a cleaner final product. No weird aftertaste. Ever.
Step 2: The Family Recipe Rub
We use a dry cure inspired by our founder's family recipe, developed over decades in luxury restaurants and fine hotels. Each fillet is rubbed by hand with a carefully balanced mix of salt, sugar, and select spices. No liquid brines. No shortcuts.
Why it matters: This allows the natural flavours of the fish to shine through, while enhancing texture and drawing out moisture without making it soggy or too salty.
Step 3: Slow Cure, Clean Conditions
The salmon is left to cure slowly in temperature-controlled conditions - not rushed, not mass-produced. We allow time to do its work, ensuring a firm, sashimi-like texture and deep, well-developed flavour.
Why it matters: The longer curing time develops that signature buttery bite with no mushy middle.
Step 4: Gentle, Filtered Cold Smoke
After curing, our salmon is smoked using clean, filtered cold smoke at temperatures under 90°F. We use a controlled process to infuse the fish with natural smokiness - never overpowering, always balanced.
Why it matters: Subtle smoke = an elevated culinary experience. Our lox complements your food - it doesn’t dominate it.
Step 5: Hand Sliced, Artisan Touched
Every fillet is inspected, trimmed, and hand-sliced by trained artisans. We even remove most of the dark bloodline for a cleaner, more elegant presentation. No machine slicing. No mass packs.
Why it matters: Uniform, beautiful slices that taste as good as they look.
Step 6: Packaged with Care
Each pack is vacuum-sealed to lock in freshness and preserve the texture and flavour. We offer sliced packages, whole sides, or bulk fillets - whatever suits your table.
Why it matters: Whether you’re feeding yourself or 200 guests, you deserve premium smoked salmon that’s been treated right every step of the way.