Smoked Fish — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 3, 2024
Smoked fish nutrients
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 150 kcal
Nutrition per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
---|---|---|
Carbs | 0 g | - |
Fiber | 0 g | - |
Sugars | 0 g | - |
Glycemic Index | 0 | - |
Protein | 25 g | 50% |
Sodium | 800 mg | 34.78% |
Total Fat | 5 g | 6.41% |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
25 g
💪 High Protein Content
Smoked fish facts & tips
Health benefits
- Rich in protein, essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function.
- High in omega-3 fatty acids (especially in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel), which support heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve brain function.
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D, B12, selenium, and iodine, which support overall health and well-being.
- Preservation of nutrients through smoking, making it a nutritious and flavorful option.
Health risks
- High sodium content due to the smoking and curing process, which can contribute to hypertension and increased cardiovascular risks when consumed frequently.
- Potential for contamination with harmful substances such as nitrates and nitrites, used in the smoking process, which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer.
- Risk of contamination with harmful bacteria like Listeria, particularly in cold-smoked fish, which can pose health risks if not properly stored or handled.
- Potential for mercury contamination particularly in larger fish, which can pose health risks if consumed in large quantities, especially for pregnant women and young children.
How to choose smoked fish
Smoked fish should have a glossy appearance with a golden to brown color, indicating proper smoking technique. The flesh should be firm and flake easily without being dry.
Do not purchase smoked fish if it appears overly dry or has a chalky texture. Fish with an overly strong smoky or fishy odor should also be avoided, as it indicates over-processing or poor quality.
How to store smoked fish
Smoked fish should be stored in the refrigerator, preferably in its original packaging or an airtight container. Refrigeration helps preserve its flavor and texture for up to a week.
Exposure to air can cause smoked fish to dry out and lose its quality. Avoid leaving it uncovered, as this can lead to spoilage. Always ensure the packaging is tightly sealed and check for any signs of off smells before consuming.
✅ Extra Tip
How long does it last?
Smoked fish can last for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. For longer storage, smoked fish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftover smoked fish can be used in a variety of savory and flavorful dishes. Flake it and add to salads, sandwiches, or wraps for a smoky, rich flavor, or mix it into a pasta dish with cream, garlic, and fresh herbs. Smoked fish is also great when used as a topping for bagels, crackers, or crostini, paired with cream cheese, capers, and dill.
Use smoked fish in a spread or pâté by blending it with cream cheese, lemon juice, and spices, perfect for serving with bread or vegetables. If you have a lot of smoked fish, consider making a batch of smoked fish cakes by mixing the fish with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, then frying until golden. Smoked fish can also be added to a seafood chowder or bisque for added depth of flavor, or used as a filling for stuffed vegetables or pastries. For a quick snack, enjoy smoked fish on its own, or serve it with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon over a salad.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
How smoked fish supports specific health conditions
Smoked fish is a flavorful source of protein, supporting muscle health and tissue repair. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health by lowering cholesterol and reducing inflammation.
However, smoked fish can be high in sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation to maintain heart health and blood pressure control. Pairing smoked fish with vegetables can help balance its nutritional impact.
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Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
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