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Smoked Salmon Brine Recipe

Smoked Salmon Brine Recipe

This smoked salmon brine recipe delivers a perfectly balanced, tender, and flavorful salmon with a subtly sweet and smoky finish. Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients, this brine enhances texture, retains moisture, and preserves freshness, making your homemade smoked salmon restaurant-quality every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Brine Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Brine: Combine water, sea salt, sugar, bay leaves, black peppercorns, and lemon zest in a large pot. Heat gently while stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve completely. Remove from heat and let the brine cool to room temperature to prevent cooking the fish prematurely.
  2. Trim and Rinse Salmon: Remove any bones and skin imperfections from the salmon fillet. Rinse lightly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels to prepare the surface for even brine absorption.
  3. Submerge Salmon in Brine: Place the salmon in a non-reactive container or large zip-lock bag. Pour the cooled brine over the fish until fully covered. Seal and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours depending on fillet thickness.
  4. Rinse and Dry: Remove the salmon from the brine and rinse quickly to remove excess surface salt. Pat completely dry with paper towels to help develop a pellicle, which improves smoke adhesion and flavor.
  5. Smoke the Salmon: Prepare your smoker with preferred wood chips (alder, applewood, or cherry). Maintain a temperature of 175°F to 200°F and smoke the salmon for 1.5 to 3 hours based on thickness and desired doneness.

Notes

  • Use non-reactive containers (glass or stainless steel) to avoid chemical reactions with the brine.
  • Do not over-brine; stick to the recommended timing to prevent overly salty fish.
  • Keep the salmon refrigerated during brining to avoid bacteria growth.
  • Pat salmon dry thoroughly after rinsing to develop the pellicle and enhance smoke flavor.
  • Experiment with different wood chips like alder, applewood, or cherry for varied smoky profiles.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked salmon, salmon brine, homemade smoked fish, brining recipe, smoked fish, easy salmon recipe, seafood appetizer