Smoked Salmon & Avocado Toast with Poached Egg

Introduction
Smoked Salmon & Avocado Toast with Poached Egg is a delicious, healthy, and satisfying dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light lunch. The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the rich, smoky flavor of salmon, while the poached egg adds a velvety texture and boosts the dish’s protein content. This meal not only tastes amazing but also provides a great balance of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making it both nourishing and filling.
Ingredients
2 slices of whole-grain or sourdough bread
1 ripe avocado
4 ounces of smoked salmon
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon white vinegar (for poaching eggs)
Lemon juice (optional, for seasoning)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fresh herbs (such as dill or chives) for garnish (optional)
Olive oil or butter (for toasting the bread)
Cherry tomatoes (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Prepare the toast:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly toast the bread slices with olive oil or butter until golden brown and crispy. You can also use a toaster for this step.
Prepare the avocado:
While the bread is toasting, cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a small bowl. Mash it with a fork until smooth, or leave it slightly chunky for texture. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Poach the eggs:
Bring a small saucepan of water to a gentle simmer. Add the vinegar to the water.
Crack each egg into a separate small bowl or cup.
Stir the water in a circular motion to create a whirlpool. Gently lower each egg into the center of the whirlpool and cook for 3-4 minutes for soft poached eggs. Use a slotted spoon to remove the eggs from the water and set aside.
Assemble the toast:
Spread the mashed avocado evenly over each slice of toasted bread.
Top with slices of smoked salmon, layering them generously.
Finish the dish:
Place one poached egg on top of each slice of toast with smoked salmon.
Garnish with fresh herbs like dill or chives, and add additional seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Serve:
Serve the smoked salmon & avocado toast immediately, with optional sides like cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
Description
This Smoked Salmon & Avocado Toast with Poached Egg combines rich and creamy avocado with the delicate saltiness of smoked salmon. The poached egg adds a luxurious texture that complements the dish’s ingredients perfectly. Each bite offers a delightful mix of flavors and nutrients, from the healthy fats in the avocado to the protein from the egg and salmon. It’s a dish that’s not only incredibly flavorful but also visually appealing, making it a perfect choice for brunch or a light meal.
Tips
Poaching Eggs: If you’re new to poaching eggs, make sure to use the freshest eggs possible, as they will hold their shape better during cooking. If you’re unsure about poaching, you can also fry the eggs or scramble them as an alternative.
Avocado Consistency: For a smoother avocado spread, mash it well with a fork or blend it for a creamier texture. If you like a chunkier spread, simply mash it less.
Bread Choice: Sourdough or whole-grain bread works best for this dish as it provides a robust flavor that pairs well with the richness of the salmon and avocado.
Customization: Feel free to add extra toppings like arugula, capers, or red onion slices for added flavor and texture.
Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the avocado mash ahead of time and store it in an airtight container with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
Corrections
Make sure to adjust seasoning to your taste. If you prefer a little extra tang, you can use lemon zest in addition to the juice.
Ensure the water for poaching the eggs is at a gentle simmer, not boiling, to prevent the eggs from breaking apart.
If you’re using thin smoked salmon, you may want to layer it a bit more generously to ensure you get a good balance of flavor with every bite.
This dish is easy to prepare, and its versatility allows you to tweak the ingredients based on personal preferences. Enjoy!