Give Scrambled Eggs A Norwegian-Style Upgrade When You Add One Ingredient

Scrambled eggs can be a blank canvas for getting creative with flavors. You can swap out cooking oil for pesto or incorporate a high-protein meat like chorizo. If you look to Norway, you'll find a rich and nuanced upgrade — smoked salmon. 

At the end of cooking, simply fold slices of smoked salmon into your eggs for a flavorful, protein-rich breakfast. As the salmon is already cured, it doesn't have to be cooked. Turning off the heat before adding the salmon ensures you'll maintain its signature texture and flavor, especially if that salmon is high quality. 

This combination works because scrambled eggs and smoked salmon both have soft, creamy qualities. The butteriness of the eggs complements the salinity of the salmon. It's a combination people have been eating for ages, across the world, from Native Alaskans to Greeks, Romans, and Vikings.

The history of smoked salmon in Norway dates back to the Viking Age, when salting and cold smoking salmon was a way to preserve it without modern technology like refrigerators. That tradition has held up: As of 2022, Norway was the largest producer of smoked salmon in the world. 

In Norway, smoked salmon eggs are typically served in a smorgasbord (or smørbrød) on rye bread, grovbrød (whole-grain bread) or kneippbrød, which is a bread made with whole wheat flour, rye, and oats. Think of a smorgasbord like a charcuterie board. A well made smorgasbord will have every ingredient laid out so you can easily make an open faced sandwich using the bread and toppings available. Make your own smorgasbord by laying out smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, toasted bread, butter, and other toppings like cucumber, red onion, cream cheese, or herbs on a large platter.

Smoked salmon and eggs is seen as a celebratory meal. On Norwegian Constitution Day, which lands on May 17, Norwegians typically eat smoked salmon alongside eggs, strawberries, and sparkling wine.

Want to take your smoked salmon scrambled eggs up another level? Try adding dairy to the mix with sour cream or cream cheese at the end of cooking. You can also top your scrambled eggs with herbs like dill or chives. You could even add eggs to our loaded lox bagel recipe. Or take a note from the Norwegians and treat it as a special occasion meal by topping the eggs and salmon with caviar or salmon roe and pairing them with a sparkling wine for brunch.