How to smoke salmon. 10 delicious dishes with smoked salmon

Smoke Salmon

What is smoked salmon?

Smoked salmon is a dish made from salmon that is seasoned and then smoked (usually with wood) to create a unique flavor. The smoking process helps preserve the fish longer while making the flesh tender, slightly sweet, and aromatic.

Benefits of smoked salmon 

Along with its unique flavor from the salmon meat and smoky wood aroma, smoked salmon is also known for its high nutritional value. It’s especially rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, and contains plenty of B vitamins and potassium. As for calories, the USDA estimates that smoked salmon has about 117 calories per 100 grams.

In summary, smoked salmon is quite good for you, but due to its higher salt content, it might not be something you’d want to eat every day.

How to smoke salmon

There are two methods for smoking salmon: hot smoking and cold smoking. In the cold smoking method, the salmon is cured and then smoked at a very low temperature, typically around 80°F (27°C). However, cold-smoked salmon doesn’t have a long shelf life and is less versatile for cooking than hot-smoked salmon. Therefore, in this article, X-BBQ will guide you through making hot-smoked salmon.

Ingredients:

• Salmon fillet: 500g or 1kg
• 1 cup of salt (~50g)
• 1 cup of brown sugar (~50g)
• Black pepper
• Smoking wood (oak, apple, or cherry): Optional, to add a special aroma.

Detailed instructions:

Preparing the Salmon

• Rinse the salmon thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels. Make sure the salmon is completely dry to help the seasoning absorb evenly during the curing process.

Marinate the fish with spices.

• Heat a mixture of water gently, then add salt and sugar, cooking until completely dissolved.
• Allow the brine mixture to cool completely before adding the fish; otherwise, the fish will cook too quickly.
• Place the fish skin-side up in the brine mixture and store it in the refrigerator for 8 to 12 hours.

Smoking the fish

• Remove the salmon and rinse it under cold running water; this step is essential to remove any excess salt. If you don’t rinse, the salmon will be too salty.
• Let the fish rest and air dry for 2 hours in a cool, well-ventilated area. When the salmon is dry, you will notice it begins to develop a shiny skin called pellicle. This pellicle layer helps the smoke adhere to the salmon during the smoking process.
• Prepare the smoker with your chosen smoking wood (oak, apple, or cherry work well).
• Place the salmon in the smoker, maintaining a temperature of about 100 to 110°C. Smoke for approximately 2 to 4 hours until the internal temperature of the fish reaches 60 to 65°C, which is ideal.
• Remove the rack from the smoker and let the salmon rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
• After the salmon has rested, you can store it in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Tips and notes:

• Always maintain a stable temperature during the smoking process to prevent the fish from drying out.
• If you don’t have a dedicated smoker, you can still try indirect grilling on a charcoal grill. Place the charcoal and smoking wood away from the fish, ensuring that the charcoal burns slowly and steadily. For the best results, use American-exported smokeless coconut charcoal. With its evenly compressed texture, this type of charcoal not only burns longer but also maintains a stable heat throughout the smoking process, allowing the dish to absorb flavor and achieve a perfect aroma.

How long can smoked salmon be stored?

Homemade smoked salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for 6 to 9 days after opening. To maintain its moisture and aroma, simply seal the remaining portion tightly. If you want to keep it for a longer time, you can freeze the smoked salmon by placing it in an airtight bag and storing it in the freezer. When you need to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight to preserve the flavor and texture of the fish.

10 delicious dishes with smoked salmon

Smoked salmon salad

Smoked salmon salad is a delicious and nutritious light dish that combines the savory flavor of smoked salmon with the crisp freshness of vegetables. It’s the perfect choice for a light lunch or dinner, offering both great taste and health benefits.

Smoked salmon cream cheese bread

Smoked salmon cream cheese bread is a simple dish that delivers a delicious, enticing flavor and is packed with nutrients. It’s the perfect choice for breakfast, a light snack, or when you have guests.

Smoked salmon sushi roll with avocado

Smoked salmon sushi roll with avocado is a delicious, appealing, and easy-to-make dish that combines the creamy richness of avocado with the distinct flavor of smoked salmon. This sushi not only tastes great but is also very nutritious.

Smoked salmon pasta carbonara no cream

Smoked salmon pasta carbonara (No Cream) is a unique and delicious version of the traditional pasta dish, offering a flavorful experience without the use of cream. The combination of smoked salmon and traditional ingredients creates an appealing meal, perfect for family dinners or when you want to treat your friends.

Smoked salmon pizza

Smoked salmon pizza is an enticing dish that offers a wonderful combination of the rich flavor of smoked salmon and a crispy pizza crust.

Smoked salmon avocado with herb tarts

Smoked salmon and avocado herb tarts are a perfect light dish for parties, family gatherings, or simply when you want to enjoy a luxurious treat. The combination of the creaminess of avocado, the rich flavor of smoked salmon, and fresh herbs provides a wonderful culinary experience.

Smoked salmon canapé

Smoked salmon canapé is a luxurious and elegant snack, ideal for cocktail parties, small gatherings, or simply to impress your guests. The combination of the delicious flavor of smoked salmon and the crispy base creates a unique culinary experience.

Smoked salmon pancakes

Smoked salmon pancakes are an intriguing dish that combines the distinct flavor of smoked salmon with the softness of pancakes. This meal is perfect for breakfast or brunch, offering you a rich and delicious culinary experience.

Smoked salmon tacos

Smoked salmon tacos are a creative and flavorful dish that combines the freshness of vegetables with the rich taste of smoked salmon. This meal is not only delicious but also very easy to prepare.

Scrambled eggs with smoked salmon

Scrambled eggs with smoked salmon is an easy-to-make, nutritious, and flavorful breakfast dish, ideal for breakfast or brunch. The combination of creamy scrambled eggs and smoked salmon provides you with a wonderful culinary experience.

Conclusion

Smoked salmon is not only a delicious dish but also offers numerous health benefits due to its high nutritional value and distinctive flavor. With a simple preparation method, you can easily make smoked salmon at home. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, from fresh salads to bread, sushi, and pasta. This not only enhances the flavor of everyday meals but also enriches the menu for parties or family gatherings. However, remember that smoked salmon has a high salt content, so it should be consumed in moderation to protect your health. Try different dishes featuring smoked salmon and explore the wonderful flavors of this delightful food!