Smoked Salmon time again

[Michigan Badger]

I like salmon fixed many ways but hickory smoked is my favorite.

Over the years I've tried about every smokin recipe out there. Today I have mastered the process. Well, at least for my taster.

They are moist, well done, with a deep and smooth flavor.

These are way better than any I've ever purchased.

Yum Yum

 

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[packerbacker]

dang badger, that looks great!!!!!!!!! Now you have to write down your "HIGHLY DETAILED" recipe from brine to smoke time. I smoke some once in a while myself and two items are ALWAYS part of the recipe. Fresh, corse ground, black pepper and pure maple syrup. The syrup gives it a tinge of sweet and a golden finish.

 

[Michigan Badger]

I do mine very simple and like it the best but we all have different tastes.

I discovered this super simple method by noticing how a large smoke house does theirs and by listening to my wife.

First off, forget the brine.

Thick salmon fillets work best.

I use a gas smoker because I can control the heat easier. It's just a cheap Walmart model.

I use hickory pellets or chips. The pellets just last longer.

Simply salt and pepper (a little heavy) the fillets and place them on the racks skin down.

Make sure the smoker is smoking before placing the fish into it.

Put fish in and keep the heat at about 160 degrees (no higher than 175).

I smoke for 2 hours (thick fillets). If you reload the smoker wood box make sure you leave the door of the smoker open until the smoke starts again. The time reloading the hickory is not part of the total smoking time. I pour the smoke to the fish a full 2 hours because I like a strong smoke flavor.

After 2 hours I remove the fish and place the fillets in the freezer until the meat is cold but not frozen.

I then place the fillets into a Tupperware container and refrigerate for about 4 hours. The cold time causes the smoke to permeate the meat and makes it 3 times better than when hot.

This produces a smoked salmon that even my wife loves (and my wife generally hates ALL smoke fish). The fish is juicy and full of mellow (not bitter) flavor.

I've purchased smoked fish from many of the most expensive sources in the world and none even come close to my fish.

But again, we all have our own tastes.

 

[GPS53]

Oh, I love salmon, that looks GOOD!

 

[Jeffro]

I'm with ya on the "simpler is better" recipe Badger. A lot of people try all sorts of different recipes that include all sorts of heavy flavors. To me, this kills the taste of the fish!

If i wanted to eat "Liquid Smoke", "A-1", honey, BBQ sauce, or anything else.... well I'd grab the bottle and drink it.

A little salt and some good smoke is really all that's required, in my own opinion anyways.

My Grandad used to use fresh cut (green) Alder branches, "2 inches long and no thicker than your thumb" he used to say, for the best flavor.

 

[Michigan Badger]

I'm with ya on the "simpler is better" recipe Badger. A lot of people try all sorts of different recipes that include all sorts of heavy flavors. To me, this kills the taste of the fish!

If i wanted to eat "Liquid Smoke", "A-1", honey, BBQ sauce, or anything else.... well I'd grab the bottle and drink it.

A little salt and some good smoke is really all that's required, in my own opinion anyways.

My Grandad used to use fresh cut (green) Alder branches, "2 inches long and no thicker than your thumb" he used to say, for the best flavor.

I've never tried Alder but I want to very soon. Alder was the wood used by Native Americans.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

I LOVE Salmon, I eat it every chance I get..... Smoked is one of my favorites...............

 

[Michigan Badger]

I've got it good because my son gets hundreds of pounds of fresh Great Lakes salmon every summer. He has a very fancy boat with all the stuff to go with it. A couple times a year he drops off about 50lbs. of frozen fillets.

 

[spartacus53]

I smoke them with a pack of Marlboro menthol for a good, fresh taste

 

[baspinall]

That is one of my favorites as well! Usually through some dill in the mix if it's still growing around the house.

 

[baspinall]

Another one of my favorites on the smoker!