Lox Recipe

Smoked salmon: Thinly sliced, this is the star of the dish, offering a rich, savory flavor.

Bagels: A classic base, toasted lightly to add a bit of crunch.

Cream cheese: Softened to spread easily, providing a creamy contrast to the other ingredients.

Red onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp, tangy bite.

Tomato: Adds freshness and a slight sweetness.

Capers: These small, briny buds add a unique tangy flavor.

When toasting the bagels, aim for a light golden brown to ensure they are crisp but not overly hard. This will provide a perfect contrast to the creamy cream cheese and the tender smoked salmon. Additionally, to enhance the flavor of the red onion, you can soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow out their sharpness before layering them on the bagels.

• smoked salmon - Substitute with gravlax: Gravlax is a similar cured fish that provides a comparable texture and flavor profile.

• smoked salmon - Substitute with smoked trout: Smoked trout offers a similar smoky flavor and can be used as a direct replacement.

• bagels - Substitute with whole grain bread: Whole grain bread provides a healthier alternative while still offering a sturdy base for toppings.

• bagels - Substitute with English muffins: English muffins have a similar texture and can hold the toppings well.

• cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier option that provides a similar creamy texture.

• cream cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese offers a mild flavor and creamy consistency, making it a good alternative.

• red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be used as a direct replacement for red onions.

• red onion - Substitute with green onions: Green onions provide a milder taste and a fresh crunch.

• tomato - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers offer a sweet and smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• tomato - Substitute with cucumber: Cucumber adds a refreshing crunch and pairs well with the other toppings.

• capers - Substitute with pickled jalapeños: Pickled jalapeños add a tangy and slightly spicy kick.

• capers - Substitute with olives: Olives provide a briny flavor that can mimic the taste of capers.

• To keep your smoked salmon fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its delicate flavor and texture.
• For the bagels, place them in a resealable plastic bag or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Store them at room temperature if you plan to consume them within a day or two. For longer storage, freeze them.
• Cream cheese should be kept in its original packaging or transferred to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator to keep it soft and spreadable.
• Red onions and tomatoes should be stored separately in the refrigerator. Place the sliced onions in a sealed container to prevent their strong aroma from affecting other foods. Tomatoes can be stored in a produce drawer to maintain their freshness.
• Capers can be stored in their original jar in the refrigerator. Ensure the lid is tightly sealed to keep them fresh and flavorful.

Freezing Guidelines

• To freeze smoked salmon, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a resealable freezer bag. This double-layer protection will prevent freezer burn and preserve its quality.
• Bagels can be sliced in half before freezing for convenience. Wrap each half in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag. When ready to use, simply toast them directly from the freezer.
• Cream cheese can be frozen, but it may change in texture. If you choose to freeze it, place it in an airtight container. Thaw it in the refrigerator and stir well before using.
• Red onions and tomatoes are best used fresh, but if you must freeze them, slice the onions and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. Tomatoes can be frozen whole or sliced, but they will be best used in cooked dishes after thawing.
• Capers generally do not freeze well due to their brine, so it’s best to store them in the refrigerator.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled lox bagels on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the texture of the smoked salmon and keeps the bagels from becoming too crispy.

• If you prefer a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the lox bagels on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as the cream cheese can become too runny.

• For a stovetop option, use a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Place the lox bagels in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure they are warming evenly. This method helps keep the bagels slightly crispy while warming the smoked salmon and cream cheese.

• If you have a toaster oven, set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the lox bagels inside. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking to ensure they are warmed through but not overly toasted.

• For a more gourmet touch, use a steam oven if available. Set it to a low steam setting and heat the lox bagels for about 5 minutes. This method keeps the smoked salmon moist and the cream cheese creamy.

• Knife: To slice the bagels, red onion, and tomato.

• Cutting board: To provide a stable surface for slicing the ingredients.

• Toaster: To lightly toast the bagel halves.

• Spreading knife: To spread the softened cream cheese on the bagel halves.

• Serving plate: To arrange and serve the prepared bagels.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the capers accurately.

• Small bowl: To hold the capers before adding them to the bagels.

Pre-slice ingredients: Slice the red onion and tomato in advance and store them in airtight containers.

Use pre-toasted bagels: Buy pre-toasted bagels to skip the toasting step.

Softened cream cheese: Keep cream cheese at room temperature for easy spreading.

Organize your workspace: Arrange all ingredients and tools before starting to streamline the process.

Batch preparation: Prepare multiple bagels at once to save time.