I picked up this Bumblebee Smoke Flavored Coho Salmon at Walmart about a month ago. At the time I was exploring different brands of tinned smoked salmon with varying results. This one was inexpensive enough, under $3, so I gave it a try.
Initial impression upon opening the can: 4.8/5.
I had already taken notice of the fact the carton says "smoke flavored". At this price point, I wasn't expecting actual smoked fish. The aroma of smoke, however, is very present. A sip of the oil has the same flavor. That the smoke taste is artificial is obvious. The can is reasonably full. The oil (soybean) is tinged a reddish color, noted in the ingredients list as an artificial additive. Trying a little of the meat by itself, I find it possesses a flakier texture than some other tinned salmon in its price range. I consider that a plus.
I thought this might be an opportunity to perk things up a bit, so I opened the jar of FLYBYJING Sichuan Chili Crisp I bought while on sale during the recent Amazon Prime Big Deal Days.
There is a very good smoked salmon sold by Fishwife which includes this same chili crisp condiment. Realistically, I wasn't expecting to replicate that product, nor even come close. But I did find it made an improvement here.
I ended up adding a little more than what's shown in the photo, and probably should have left well enough alone. It's not that the heat of the chili crisp is overpowering, but less of it might have made for a better balance with the taste of the fish.
Well priced at Amazon.
Brand: Bumble Bee Seafoods
Description: Smoke Flavored Coho Salmon
Species: Medium red salmon
Country of Origin: Thailand
Source: FAO N/S
Skin/Bones: No/No
Net Wt: 3.75 oz.
Price Range: $3