Smoked salmon creole may sound odd because New Orleans is 2000 miles away from the nearest wild salmon fishery. The pacific salmon fishery is even further away, so how did New Orleans develop a creole dish when salmon is not native to Louisiana’s waters? The short answer is they didn’t, I did.

Is Salmon a Creole Ingredient?

I found salmon recipes in Galatoire’s cookbook among others from decades ago. Regardless I think it’s safe to say that’s a relatively new development given NOLA is over 300 years old. Today there are many restaurants there that offer salmon seasonally, because the supply chain can deliver and people love salmon.

Creole food is known for its amalgamation of ingredients and flavors, but primarily uses local game, meat, fish , poultry and shellfish. There-in lies the inspiration for smoked salmon creole. While dining at Arnaud’s in the french quarter I fell in love with their smoked pompano. Then I developed a craving while at home with no chance of traveling there in the immediate future. Further complicating matters, the Arkansas river is utterly devoid of pompano, so there is no chance of catching my own.

Craving Satisfied

If not pompano, what suitable substitute might I use? Native Arkies were quick to suggest their beloved catfish, but even the thought of that seemed terribly wrong. I do have access to fresh salmon and it’s easily smoked, so that became the answer. The flavor is more pronounced than pompano but delicious in every way.

French Creole Dinner Menu

This became the first course of our men’s gathering, paying homage to New Orleans French Creole heritage. It’s a fine substitute for the real thing and I don’t have to wait until visiting Arnaud’s for a taste. Perhaps with my craving satisfied, I can explore other menu offerings the next time I dine there.