Hot sMoked vs. Cold sMoked Salmon Cold Smoked Salmon: Since the fish doesn’t get cooked, the flesh is very moist and silky and has a beautiful translucent pink color. Cold sMoked salmon has a similar texture to lox, but has an additional layer of sMoky flavor. Hot Smoked "Kippered" Salmon: The fish gets sMoked at higher temperatures all the way through, with a texture very similar to baked or grilled salmon. The result is a moist yet firm, and flaky texture. It also has a distinct sMoki flavor.