Linda's Smoked Salmon

    Everytime I make this smoked salmon and serve it, I get raves! For best results you will need a proper smoker/cooker that has a water tray for moisture.

    I vary the ingredients used every time I make it by using whatever herbs are available (sometimes none), and substituting lemons for limes. In otherwords, I use whatever I have available at the time I'm ready to do the smoking. Be creative!

    BRINE: 2 1/2 tablespoons plain salt (without iodine) to 1 cup water

    2 large salmon fillets
    Zest and juice of 2 to 3 limes
    1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves*
    1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
    1 teaspoon coarse Kosher or coarse sea salt**
    1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (depending on size of fillets)
    1 lime for finish
    Coarse salt

    *I use whatever fresh herbs that I have at the moment. I've also used lavender and it was great!


    ** The coarse salt is fabulous on the salmon.

    BRINE: Rinse the salmon steaks in cold water. Prepare a salt-water brine of 2 1/2 tablespoons plain salt to 1 cup of water, using approximately 1 quart of water; heat to just lukewarm. Add salt and stir until dissolved. Add warm salt water to approximately 4 quarts cold water (I use my sink as a bowl for this step). Place salmon, skin side down, in brine at for 20 minutes (make sure the fish is entirely covered by the brine).

    After 20 minutes, gently remove salmon from brine and lightly rinse both sides with cold water to remove all traces of salt; gently pat dry with paper towels. Let salmon air dry on wire racks for at least 2 hours (this causes a "pellicle" - a tacky glaze on the fish to form. This indicates that it is ready for the smoking process).

    Prepare your smoker according to manufacturer's directions. I have an electric smoker and I like to use either alder or cherry wood. Smoking temperature of your smoker should be between 200 to 225 degrees F. (no higher). The easiest way to help keep the temperature low, is to almost close down the vents. Do not raise the lid of the smoker any more than you absolutely need to (it reduces the temperature inside everytime you do). Monitor your temperature of your smoker during the smoke time.

    Place salmon fillets (skin side down) on sheets of aluminum foil and cut the foil around the fillets approximately 1/4-inch bigger (this keeps the fillets from sticking to the racks in the smoker). I also spray the racks with vegetable oil (makes for easier cleaning).

    Grate the zest from the limes then squeeze the juice. In a small bowl, combine lime zest, lime juice, thyme (or other herbs), pepper, salt and olive oil; stir to mix. Rub the seasoning mix on the salmon fillets; coating them well.

    Place salmon fillets on the oiled smoker rack. Smoke until a meat thermometer registers an internal temperature of 140 degrees F. in thickest part of salmon (salmon will be slightly opaque in thickest part). Remember the salmon continues to cook after it is removed - you don't want an overcooked and dried out salmon. I prefer a moist salmon and not dried out.) Remove salmon fillets from smoker.

    Cut extra lime in half and squeeze over cooked salmon fillets. Sprinkle lightly with more coarse salt. Serve salmon either warm, cool, or chilled (refrigerate until ready to serve). If making ahead, cover airtight and refrigerate up to 3 days.