Boards Showpiece Boards Koi Pond Charcuterie Board
Showpiece Boards
Koi Pond Charcuterie Board
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Ten smoked-salmon koi swimming in circles in a dark pond, with cucumber lily pads and radish lotus flowers.
- Serves
- 12–15
- Board
- 48 × 30 in
- Prep
- 2 hours
- Cost
- $130–$160
- Level
- 4 of 5
Get the full plan Shopping list with amounts, placement and timeline.
The book it's in
Build it exactly, with the book
This board is in Charcuterie Lab: Impossible Boards, with 24 more showpiece boards. The book has the full shopping list, the layout, all eight build steps with the trick that makes the shape work, and easy, budget and luxe versions.
Why it works
Each koi is one slice of thick smoked salmon cut with a simple template, with cream cheese markings piped on. Set on a dark tray, the orange fish look like they're swimming.
The garden around the pond is the rest of the board: shrimp, a salami bridge, cubes of Gouda and white cheddar, cucumber lily pads and radishes cut into lotuses. It's an elegant choice for a spring party, a shower or anyone who loves sushi.
Timeline
- Day beforeMake the rice balls (wrap them tightly and refrigerate), cut the radish lotus flowers (store them in ice water so they open), and make the koi template.
- 2 hours beforeBuild the garden around the pond.
- + 1 more stepsThe rest of the timeline and the step-by-step placement are in the full plan.
Questions
How do you make smoked salmon koi?
Cut each fish from a thick slice of smoked salmon using a paper template, then add cream cheese markings and tiny eyes. The book has the template and the steps.
What do you need for the pond?
A dark round tray works best, set on a larger board so the garden can go around it.
Can I make it ahead?
Make the template, cut the cucumbers and cube the cheese the day before. Cut and place the salmon koi last and keep the board cool. Keep meat, cheese and cut fruit out no more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F. For a long party, build half, keep the refill in the fridge and top it up halfway through.
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Want more ideas? Read Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese: Why This Pairing Works or Themed Charcuterie Board Ideas: 25 Shaped Boards That Make Guests Ask “How?”.