Have you ever wondered what the difference between lox and smoked salmon is?
Both are delicious, but they are not the same. Read on to learn the differences between these two types of salmon, so you can decide which one (or both!) are for you.
THE KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LOX & SMOKED SALMON
Lox and smoked salmon are two popular types of salmon dishes. But how are they different?
Both lox and smoked salmon are cured, meaning that they are preserved through the process of salting and smoking. However, there are some key differences between these two types of salmon dishes.
Lox is usually made from the belly of the salmon, while smoked salmon is typically made from the wild-caught fish’s upper portions. Lox is also saltier than smoked salmon and has a brighter, more orange color.
In contrast, smoked salmon is darker in color and has a milder flavor. While lox is often eaten on its own or crackers as an appetizer, smoked salmon is more commonly used as an ingredient in other dishes such as bagels with cream cheese or pasta salad.
Ultimately, choosing lox or smoked salmon comes down to personal preference.
UNDERSTANDING LOX SALMON
Lox is a type of cured salmon, often used as a bagel topping, in salads, or as an ingredient in other dishes. To be categorized as lox, the fish must undergo a curing process that can sometimes last up to 3 months.
The salmon will be cured with salt or brine (wet-cure) to preserve and give the lox its signature salty taste. The resulting product is then refrigerated and can be consumed either smoked or unsmoked.
While there are many different types of lox, the two most popular ones are Nova lox and Pacific lox. Nova lox is made from belly meat, while Pacific lox is made from fillets. Nova lox has a richer flavor, while Pacific lox has a milder taste.
UNDERSTANDING SMOKED SALMON
Smoked salmon is a typical delicacy, often eaten as is or on top of bagels with cream cheese. The process of making smoked salmon begins with curing or brining the fish, which helps to preserve the salmon and infuse it with flavor.
Next, the salmon is smoked over wood chips, giving it its signature smoky flavor. The type of wood used for smoking can also affect the taste of the salmon.
Depending on the ingredients and types of wood used, you’ll taste slight differences in flavor due to the curing process and the type of wood used for smoking. No matter which variety you choose, smoked salmon is a delicious and healthy option for a quick snack or a satisfying meal.
So, what’s the difference between lox and smoked salmon? Primarily, it comes down to taste. Lox tastes primarily salty, while smoked salmon has (you guessed it!) a smoky flavor.
The texture is another distinguishing factor – lox is typically made with the belly of the salmon, making it more tender and fatty. It can also be sliced extremely thin; so if you’re looking for something salty and fatty that will melt in your mouth, go for lox.
Smoked salmon is the way to go if you want a smokier flavor profile with a bit of chewiness; smoked salmon is the way to go!
Have you tried both lox and smoked salmon before?
