Smoked Salmon

Classic smoked salmon with a brown sugar cure. Simple ingredients, authentic smoke flavor. Perfect for brunch, bagels, or eating straight off the smoker.

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Prep Time
20 minutes
Total Time
24 hours (includes curing + overnight rest)
Servings
4-6 portions
Difficulty
intermediate
#salmon#smoked#fish#seafood#healthy

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Ingredients

Recipe yield: 4-6 portions

  • 4 Salmon Portions(thawed overnight in fridge)
  • 4 parts Brown Sugar
  • 2 parts Kosher Salt
  • Granulated Garlic(to taste)
  • Paprika(to taste)
  • Black Pepper(to taste)
  • Granulated Onion(to taste)
  • Worcestershire Sauce(for coating)

Equipment Needed

  • Glass dish
  • Paper towels
  • Plastic wrap
  • Wire rack
  • Smoker
  • Probe thermometer

Instructions

10 steps
1

Defrost salmon

Thaw frozen salmon portions in the refrigerator overnight.

Tips

  • Never thaw at room temp
  • Individual portions thaw faster
2

Make the rub

Mix 4 parts brown sugar, 2 parts kosher salt, then add granulated garlic, paprika, black pepper, and granulated onion to taste.

Tips

  • Scale up for multiple portions
  • Mix well for even distribution
3

Rinse and dry

Rinse salmon under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels.

Tips

  • Dry surface is key
  • Remove any scales or debris
4

Apply worcestershire

Paint a thin layer of worcestershire sauce on all sides for added umami flavor.

Tips

  • Just a light coat
  • Helps cure stick
5

Apply cure

In glass dish, layer rub on bottom, place salmon skin-side down, then generously coat top and sides with more rub.

Tips

  • Don't be shy with the rub
  • Glass dish prevents reaction
6

Cure in fridge

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 5 hours.

Time:5 hours

Tips

  • Set a timer
  • Cure draws out moisture
7

Rinse and dry again

Rinse off all the cure under cold water and pat completely dry with fresh paper towels.

Tips

  • Remove all cure
  • Dry thoroughly
8

Form pellicle

Place on wire rack and refrigerate uncovered overnight (5+ hours) to form a pellicle (tacky surface layer).

Time:Overnight (5+ hours)

Tips

  • Pellicle helps smoke adhere
  • Uncovered is important
9

Smoke low and slow

Smoke at 180°F (82°C) until internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).

Time:2-3 hoursTemp:180°F (82°C) smoker temp → 140°F (60°C) internal

Tips

  • Use mild wood like apple or cherry
  • Check temp early and often
10

Rest and serve

Remove from heat, tent with foil, and rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

  • Carries over a few degrees
  • Serve warm or chilled

You've completed all 10 steps. Time to eat.

Important Notes

Regular wild king salmon tends to be more moist and flavorful when smoked compared to marbled varieties. Save the marbled salmon for pan searing instead.

Pro Tips

  • The pellicle step is crucial - don't skip it
  • Low temp prevents white albumin from forming
  • Leftovers are perfect for bagels and cream cheese
  • Store refrigerated up to 5 days

Gear for This Recipe

Check out the gear we use and recommend for this recipe.