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How to Make Smoked Salmon

Smoking salmon is a simple process, where the key is slow-cooking the fish over low heat using aromatic wood chips for flavor.

Prep Time
5 mins
Additional Time
2 d
Total Time
2 d 5 mins
Servings: 20 appetizers
Calories: 85 kcal
Course: Main Course , Appetizer , Brunch
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs salmon filet use Atlantic, Sockeye, King or Cohoe salmon ** see important notes below!
  • ¼ cup salt use sea salt or Kosher salt, not table salt.
  • ½ cup brown sugar

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. The salmon can be brined whole or cut into smaller pieces. ** See important notes below.
  2. Mix salt and sugar. Add to a container large enough to hold the filet with two cups of cold water.
  3. Store in refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight to cure.
  4. Once cured, rinse salmon very well and pat dry.
  5. Place the filet on a wire rack set on top of a rimmed baking sheet. Place that in the refrigerator, uncovered for four hours or overnight to form a pellicle.
  6. The salmon is ready to smoke when you see a shiny, slightly tacky film on the outside.
  7. Set up your smoker and preheat to 130°F. Place the filet directlu on the smoker rack. Smoke for two hours at this temp. Bump the temperature up to 170°F and finish it to 140°F internal temperature.
  8. LEt it rest and the temp will increase to 145°F.
  9. See notes for storage tips.

Notes

  • ** Store in refrigerator for up to a week. 
  • For longer storage, store in plastic bags in freezer, for up to six months.
  • Use only frozen salmon fillets and thaw them at home. Do not use pre-thawed salmon from your grocer.
  • Lox can be made with freshly caught salmon, as well, or use Atlantic, sockeye, King or Cohoe salmon.
  • Don't throw away the salmon skin. Dehydrate it for your dogs! It is very good for them.

Nutrition Information

Calories 85kcal (4%) Carbohydrates 5g (2%) Protein 9g (18%) Fat 3g (5%) Saturated Fat 0.4g (2%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 1g Cholesterol 25mg (8%) Sodium 1436mg (60%) Potassium 230mg (7%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 18IU (0%) Calcium 11mg (1%) Iron 0.4mg (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 20appetizers

Amount Per Serving

Calories 85

% Daily Value*

Calories 85kcal 4%
Carbohydrates 5g 2%
Protein 9g 18%
Fat 3g 5%
Saturated Fat 0.4g 2%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 25mg 8%
Sodium 1436mg 60%
Potassium 230mg 5%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 18IU 0%
Calcium 11mg 1%
Iron 0.4mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.