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Smoked Salmon

This recipe outlines a method for making smoked salmon using a salt and sugar cure. The process involves curing the salmon under weight for 24 hours, rinsing and air-drying to form a pellicle, and finally slow-smoking it at a low temperature until cooked through.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine nordic
Servings 20 people
Calories 1911.9 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Extra-wide aluminum foil and plastic wrap For wrapping the fish during curing
  • 2 Planks or sheet pans For pressing the fish during curing
  • 1 Smoker With hardwood chips or sawdust
  • 1 Instant-Read Thermometer To check internal temperature

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon crushed black peppercorns
  • 2 large salmon fillets or sides pin bones removed

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, mix together salt, sugar, brown sugar and peppercorns. Spread extra-wide aluminum foil a little longer than the length of the fish and top with an equally long layer of plastic wrap. Sprinkle 1/3 of the rub onto the plastic. Lay 1 side of the fish skin down onto the rub. Sprinkle 1/3 of the rub onto the flesh of the salmon. Place second side of salmon, flesh down onto the first side. Use the remaining rub to cover the skin on the top piece. Fold plastic over to cover then close edges of foil together and crimp tightly around the fish. Place wrapped fish onto a plank or sheet pan and top with another plank or pan. Weigh with a heavy phone book or a brick or two and refrigerate for 12 hours. Flip the fish over and refrigerate another 12 hours. Some juice will leak out during the process so make sure there's a place for the runoff to gather. Unwrap fish and rinse off the cure with cold water. Pat salmon with paper towels then place in a cool, dry place (not the refrigerator) until the surface of the fish is dry and matte-like, 1 to 3 hours depending on humidity. A fan may be used to speed the process. Smoke fish (see Note) over smoldering hardwood chips or sawdust, keeping the temperature inside the smoker between 150 degrees F and 160 degrees F until the thickest part of the fish registers 150 degrees. Serve immediately or cool to room temperature, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Cook's Note: Trout, mackerel, and bluefish also smoke well.

Notes

Ensure pin bones are thoroughly removed before curing. The drying step (forming the pellicle) is crucial for smoke adherence and achieving the desired texture. A fan can significantly speed this up, especially in humid conditions. Monitor smoker temperature closely; maintaining 150-160°F is key for both flavor and food safety, cooking the fish gently to 150°F internal temp in the thickest part. Be prepared for liquid runoff during curing and ensure your setup accommodates this.