Quick & Easy Gourmet: Salmon recipes
Cabin Life Left Header Ad
FOLLOW US >

Quick & Easy Gourmet: Salmon recipes

Easy Smoked Fish

Here is a basic wet brine, hot smoke recipe that works perfectly for salmon or rainbow trout:

1 cup of kosher salt (Always use non-iodized salt; if you use iodized salt the fish will have a metallic taste after smoking)
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
3 quarts of warm water
5-6 pounds salmon or trout fillets, cut into 6-8 ounce servings

? Using 3 quarts of warm tap water, dissolve the first 5 ingredients in a non-metallic glass or plastic 9x13-inch high-sided pan. Place pan in the refrigerator until water has cooled.
? Place your fish skin side up in the dissolved brine and put in the refrigerator for 8 hours.
? After brining, rinse the fillets with cold water, pat dry with paper towels and place on wire racks for approximately 2 hours to air-dry (a fan may be used to speed up the drying process if you wish). After 2 hours, a tacky glaze called a “pellicle” should form on the fish, keeping moisture in and contaminants out.
? At this point I add some Cajun spice blend or fresh, cracked black pepper – you may want to omit both depending upon your taste.
? Spray the grill grate with a non-stick oil (this will keep the fish from
sticking). Then fire up your smoker.
? Place fish on grates skin side down and begin smoking. A good tip is to keep your smoker’s lid slightly ajar for the first 1½ to 2 hours of the smoking process. This allows the fish to partially “cold smoke” and concentrates the smoke flavor. After 1½ to 2 hours of cold smoking, secure the lid and continue smoking for another 1½ to 2 hours, checking frequently and adding extra wood chips when necessary. Your smoker needs to be heated at a constant temp of 145 to 155 degrees Fahrenheit during the last 1½ to 2 hours for safety purposes as it kills any bacteria and ensures a dry fish.

After smoking you can use a vacuum sealer to preserve the fish for up to a month in your refrigerator or 3 to 4 months in your freezer. However, a zipper-top bag may be used for shorter periods of storage.  

Smoked Salmon Dip

16 ounces cream cheese, softened
10-12 ounces smoked salmon, minced
3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hot sauce
¼ cup fresh dill, minced (can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried dill)
1 cup of chopped green onions
Pepper to taste

?  Mix together in a non-metallic bowl and then chill in your refrigerator for 2-3 hours.
? Serve with warm rye bread toast points or, really, any cracker you can find.
John and Tanya Bäck
John and Tanya Bäck

Editor's Picks

All products featured are carefully reviewed and selected by our editors. As an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Subscribe Now + Get 2 Free Gifts!