Brunch Recipe
Portland Salmon Hash with Poached Eggs
A rich, satisfying brunch dish featuring crispy potatoes, tender salmon, smoky bacon, and perfectly poached eggs. Inspired by a classic from Portland, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen.
A Brunch Classic with a Story Behind It
During my college years, I had the chance to work at B. Moloch Heathman Bakery and Pub in Portland, where I got hands-on experience in a real kitchen. One dish stood out above the rest: a salmon hash with eggs that customers came back for again and again.
This recipe is inspired by that original. It brings together crispy potatoes, flaky salmon, smoky bacon, fresh herbs, and perfectly poached eggs for a dish that’s rich, balanced, and incredibly satisfying.
It’s the kind of meal that feels special without being complicated—perfect for a relaxed weekend brunch, especially paired with a Bloody Mary or a cold beer if you want to keep it true to its roots.
Pro Tips
How to Make Perfect Poached Eggs
Use fresh eggs: Fresh eggs hold their shape better and give you that tight, clean poach instead of wispy edges.
Add a splash of vinegar: A little vinegar helps the egg whites set quickly. You won’t taste it, but you’ll see the difference.
Keep the water at a gentle simmer: Not boiling. Too much movement will break the egg apart.
Crack into a small bowl first: Then gently slide the egg into the water for better control.
Optional swirl trick: Stir the water to create a gentle whirlpool before adding the egg—it helps wrap the whites around the yolk.
Cook for 2.5–3 minutes: This gives you a set white and a soft, runny yolk. Adjust slightly depending on egg size.
Lift with a slotted spoon: Let excess water drain before serving.
Quick shortcut: You can poach eggs ahead of time, store them in cold water, and reheat in hot water for 30–60 seconds before serving.
Why Salmon Hash with Poached Eggs Works So Well
Crispy meets creamy: Golden, crispy potatoes contrast perfectly with the silky yolk of a poached egg, creating that rich, satisfying texture in every bite.
Smoky + fresh balance: The depth of salmon and bacon is lifted by fresh herbs and bright flavors, keeping the dish from feeling too heavy.
Built-in sauce: Once you break the egg, the yolk becomes a natural sauce that ties everything together—no extra work required.
Layers of flavor: Each bite combines savory, salty, crispy, and herbaceous notes, giving the dish depth without complicated techniques.
Perfect for brunch: It’s hearty enough to feel indulgent but balanced enough to keep you coming back for another bite—exactly what a great brunch dish should do.
Frank Salmon Hash with Poached Eggs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Fry the bacon until crisp, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the onion and potatoes to the bacon fat. Cook them over medium heat and stir them occasionally. They should be golden and crispy in about 10 minutes.
- Add the crumbled bacon and the salmon to the potatoes and heat them until the salmon is warm.
- While the eggs are poaching over medium heat, cook them until the whites are firm but the yolks are still a bit soft, for about 3 minutes.
- Remove the eggs from the water with a slotted spoon and pat them dry with paper towels. Divide the hash among the plates and place an egg on each one. Serve immediately and offer hot sauce to your guests.
- Garnish with chives; season with salt and pepper
Notes
Salmon Hash FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is salmon hash?
Salmon hash is a savory brunch dish made with cooked salmon, crispy potatoes, aromatics, herbs, and often eggs. It is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for using leftover salmon.
Can I use leftover salmon for salmon hash?
Yes. Leftover cooked salmon works very well in salmon hash. Add it near the end of cooking so it warms through without drying out.
What kind of potatoes work best for hash?
Waxy or all-purpose potatoes work well because they hold their shape while crisping. Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or small new potatoes are all good choices.
Do I have to serve salmon hash with poached eggs?
No. Poached eggs are excellent because the runny yolk creates a natural sauce, but fried eggs, soft-boiled eggs, or even scrambled eggs also work.
What should I serve with salmon hash?
Salmon hash pairs well with toast, a simple green salad, roasted tomatoes, fruit, coffee, a Bloody Mary, or a cold beer for a classic brunch-style meal.
Salmon Hash with Poached Eggs Pairs well with:
