I grabbed this can of Cole's Patagonian Smoked Salmon in Extra Virgin Olive Oil during a trip to Walmart a couple of months ago, and am just now getting around to trying it. It was a little spendier than even their smoked rainbow trout, so I hoped I wouldn't be disappointed.
Initial impression upon opening the can: Disappointing,
I didn't know quite what to expect, but had hoped it would look better than this. The appearance is of an amorphous, pink hunk of something that might be fish. A sip of the oil provides a hint of smokiness. Again, as with their smoked trout, it promises "an aromatic Applewood blend". I wasn't getting it.
I broke off a small bit to give an initial taste. It had a hint of smoke, a mild taste and a soft texture. I thought it needed a bit more salt. Blindfolded, I'm not sure I could have told you what kind of fish it was. Don't get me wrong, at this price point I don't expect Wildfish Cannery or Fishwife levels of smoked salmon, but maybe something a little closer in taste and appearance to a fresh salmon fillet.
Diving In
Plopped out over rice, it barely broke apart. The milky white stuff is apparently fat that had exuded out into the bottom of the can. I'm used to this from cooking fresh salmon.
Soldiering on, it didn't improve much, so it was time to make the best of it and experiment.
I had just obtained a jar of S&B Crunchy Garlic in Chili Oil, the spicy version, as part of my deep dive into comparing chili crisp toppings.
I tried to be fair to the fish and not overpower it with this new, higher octane condiment. To that end, I applied it only very sparingly. It did make a minor improvement, I think more from the added salt and umami, which the fish by itself was lacking.
Anyway, another one taken for the team. I wish it had been better news.
Main Takeaways
- Visually unappealing
- Promised premium-quality smoke flavor undelivered
- Lacked salt
Brand: Cole's Seafood
Description: Patagonian Smoked Salmon in EVOO
Species: Farm-raised salmon
Country of Origin: Chile
Source: FAO N/A
Skin/Bones: No/No
Net Wt: 3.2 oz.
Price Range: $5-6