The Fish and Food Co. | 6 hours ago

Cold-Smoked vs Hot-Smoked Salmon: Which Should You Choose?

Both are delicious, but cold-smoked and hot-smoked salmon are quite different in texture, flavour and how they're best enjoyed.


Cold-smoked salmon is silky, delicate and thinly sliced. It has a smooth texture and a gentle smoky flavour, making it ideal for platters, starters, bagels and elegant entertaining.


Hot-smoked salmon is cooked during smoking, giving it a firmer, flaky texture and a more pronounced smoky flavour. It's perfect for salads, pasta, light lunches or a quick dinner.


Which should you choose?


Building a beautiful starter platter?

Choose cold-smoked salmon.


Making a fresh summer salad?

Hot-smoked salmon flakes beautifully through the ingredients.


Need an easy family dinner?

Hot-smoked salmon is ready to serve with potatoes or vegetables.


Hosting brunch?

Cold-smoked salmon is ideal with bagels, cream cheese and lemon.


Fish & Food Expert Tip

Cold-smoked salmon is all about delicate slices and presentation. Hot-smoked salmon is about satisfying flakes and versatility.


Two different textures. Plenty of delicious possibilities.


Explore our cold-smoked and hot-smoked Norwegian salmon, flash-frozen at source and delivered throughout Johannesburg by The Fish & Food Co.

The Salmon Specialists

The Fish and Food Co.

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For defrosted Norwegian salmon portions, preheat your oven to 200°C.


As a general guide:


125g portions:

approximately 10–12 minutes.


200g portions:

approximately 12–15 minutes.


A whole salmon side:

approximately 20–25 minutes, depending on thickness.

These are starting points — thicker pieces may need longer, and a thin side may cook more quickly.

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Looking for restaurant-quality fish without visiting multiple shops?

The Fish & Food Co. is a specialist online fish supplier delivering premium, flash-frozen fish throughout Johannesburg.


What Can You Order?

Our range includes Norwegian salmon, hake, kingklip, sea bass and sole, along with smoked salmon and convenient family favourites.

Whether you're planning an everyday dinner, Shabbat meal or special occasion, choosing the right fish doesn't need to be complicated.


Why Buy From a Fish Specialist?

We focus on quality sourcing, carefully selected products and helping customers choose the right fish and quantities for their needs.


With convenient online ordering and Johannesburg delivery, restaurant-quality fish is only a few clicks away.

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One of the questions we're asked most often is: "How much fish do I need?"


As a general guide, allow 180–200g of fish per adult when fish is the main course.

For a lighter lunch, starter or meal with several other dishes, you may need less.


Quick Portion Guide

Main course: 180–200g per adult

Starter: Approximately 50–80g per person

Children: Approximately 80–120g, depending on age and appetite


Remember that these are guidelines for edible fish portions. Whole fish, bones and other inedible parts need to be considered separately.

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Yes. Good-quality frozen fish can be every bit as enjoyable as fish that hasn't been frozen.

What matters most is the quality of the fish before freezing, how it was frozen and how it has been stored and handled.


What should you look for?


Choose fish from a supplier that understands quality, sourcing and the importance of maintaining the cold chain.


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Hake is mild, soft and versatile — ideal for family meals.


Kingklip is firmer and more substantial when you want something a little more special.


Sea bass is delicate and elegant, while sole is light and refined.

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How do you cook sole?

Brush lightly with olive oil or melted butter, season simply and bake at 200°C until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily.


Because sole is relatively delicate, keep an eye on it — you don't want to overcook it.


Serve with baby potatoes, green vegetables or a crisp salad for an easy dinner that still feels special.

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Sea bass is delicate, flavourful and surprisingly easy to prepare.

One of our favourite ways to cook it is in the oven. Brush the fish lightly with olive oil, season with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon, then bake at 200°C until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.


The key is not to overcomplicate it. Good-quality sea bass has a delicate flavour that needs very little interference.


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Keep it simple with roasted vegetables, baby potatoes, rice or a crisp salad. A little lemon and fresh herbs are often all you need to finish the dish.


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