Recipe For Smoked Salmon
Our amazing recipe for smoked salmon only requires four ingredients, to make the best smoked salmon you have ever tasted. Taste for yourself how delicious this smoked salmon recipe is, by following our step-by-step instructions below. This is one you definitely do not want to miss out on!
Simple Smoked Salmon
Our recipe for smoked salmon allows you to make a very simple smoked salmon that tastes absolutely fabulous! You have not had delicious smoked salmon until you try this tasty recipe. It’s so good and so easy, that your mouth will be watering for more.
When you make our simple smoked salmon recipe there are only four ingredients required in order to enjoy this fabulous salmon. It’s very basic and requires only a few minutes of hands-on time in order to make the best smoked salmon ever. You really have to taste it for yourself to understand how amazing this recipe for smoked salmon really is.
Hot- vs Cold-Smoked Salmon
Hot smoked salmon and cold smoked salmon are very different. This recipe is a delicious recipe for hot smoked salmon. Compared to its counterpart cold smoked salmon, which is very much like sushi salmon, is prepared cold, and still appears raw. Hot smoked salmon on the other hand is cooked over hot heat, and smoke making it taste amazing.
Traeger Smoked Salmon
There are many different kinds of grills you can use to smoke your salmon. Some of the more popular include Traeger or Weber smokers. You can also find grill inserts or smoke boxes that you can add to your normal charcoal, electric, or gas grills. This recipe is achievable on pretty much any kind of grill.
Now that you know anyone can do this, let’s look at what you need in order to make this amazing recipe for smoked salmon.
Brown Sugar Smoked Salmon
What You’ll Need: Equipment and Ingredients
Salmon filet
For the Smoked Salmon Rub:
Brown sugar
Maple syrup
Lemon juice (optional but recommended)
How to Prepare Smoked Salmon
Begin by preparing your salmon fillet. Remove any bones, and make sure that your salmon is ready to go.
Next, in a small mixing bowl combine brown sugar, maple syrup, and a little bit of lemon juice. Brush your rub on top of your salmon fillet.
What Temperature to Smoke Salmon
Preheat your smoker to 250°F (121.1°C).
How to Smoke Salmon
Place your salmon on a grill pan, or aluminum foil with holes cut into it because your salmon gets so tender, it may be difficult to transport if placed directly on the grill grates. Close the lid to your smoker and allow your salmon to smoke until the internal temperature reaches approximately 145°F.
You will notice that your salmon becomes more of a peachy color rather than the bright pink, it’s no longer slimy, and may have some sections of white or very light pink that have appeared. When your salmon is done, remove it from the heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. Then serve and enjoy your amazing smoked salmon!
How Long to Smoke Salmon
It does not take very long to smoke a salmon at 250°F. The amount of time it takes me a very, and there is not a great rule of thumb per pound, however, it will typically take between 30 minutes and 1 hour for your salmon to reach your desired internal temperature.
Pro Tips for Smoking Salmon
Low and Slow. Cooking your salmon low and slow will be the key to helping your smoked salmon turn out perfectly.
Keep an Eye on it. When smoking your salmon it’s important to keep a close eye on it so that it does not become overcooked. You can use an instant-read thermometer, to determine the internal temperature of your salmon. It’s also important that your smoker stays at a steady temperature.
Use A Grilling Pan. We strongly recommend using a cast-iron grilling pan with holes in it. Or any kind of grill pan that will decrease the size of your holes but still let the smoke go through. If you do not have a pan for grilling fish, you can easily pick one up at your local chain grocery store, or you can use aluminum foil and cut holes in it.
Water Pan Optional. If your grill has a hard time staying at a consistent temperature, you may consider adding a water pan to your smoker. This will help to maintain a consistent temperature and will provide steam inside of your smoker to help keep your salmon moist. Please note that having a water pan inside of your smoker may increase the amount of time it takes for your fish to cook.
The 3 Keys to the Best Smoked Salmon
Pellets. Best pellets or wood chips to use for smoking salmon and achieving the best flavor are apple, maple, cherry, and pecan.
Internal temperature. You are aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F for your salmon. However, you will also notice that your salmon will begin to flake apart easily, should no longer have the slimy appearance of raw fish, and should be a lovely peach color rather than a bright pink.
You may consider removing your salmon from the smoker when it reaches the internal temperature of 137°F. Wrap it in aluminum foil, and allow it to rest until it comes to an internal temperature of 145°F. This way you can avoid your salmon drying out if you are concerned.
What do you serve with this?
There are many different things you can serve with smoked salmon. Really, the sky is the limit. Adding other sides to your smoker is an easy and delicious way to avoid making a mess in the kitchen. Or you can simply make a delicious salad. Below are a few of our favorite side dishes for smoked salmon.
Pair your Smoked Salmon with these Smoked Side Dishes!
The Best Ways to Eat this Smoked Salmon
Although opinions may vary, this brown sugar and maple-glazed smoked salmon is the best way to enjoy your smoked salmon. It gets even better when you enjoy your freshly smoked salmon directly from the grill!
How To Store Smoked Salmon
Room Temperature. Smoked salmon should not be left at room temperature any longer than two hours. Before two hours have passed, you will want to store the smoked salmon in the fridge or freezer to avoid it spoiling.
Refrigerator. Smoked salmon should be transferred to an airtight container, or sealed in a plastic storage bag, then placed in the refrigerator at 40°F or below for up to three days. Although in some cases it may last slightly longer, we recommend storing this recipe for no more than three days in the fridge.
Freezer. Smoked salmon can also be frozen if you wish to keep your leftovers longer. To freeze, place it into an air tight container, or seal it in a plastic freezer bag, then place it into the freezer at 0°F or below for up to one month.
Smoked Salmon FAQs Answered
Is smoked salmon still raw?
Smoked salmon that is smoked over hot heat is cooked and not raw, however, smoked salmon over cold smoke is likely to still be raw. This recipe however is for smoked salmon over hot heat inside of your smoker and produces cooked salmon.
What temperature should salmon be cooked to?
It is recommended the internal temperature of your smoked salmon reaches 145°F in order to be considered fully cooked.
Do I need to Brine Smoked Salmon?
Although some recipes recommend brining smoked salmon, it is not required for this recipe.
Is Smoked Salmon Healthy?
Yes! Salmon is one of the best foods for you to eat because it is loaded with amazing things for your body. Although we do add some sugar to this smoked salmon recipe which enables it to turn out delicious, it is still quite healthy for you overall.
How long does Smoked Salmon keep?
How long smoked salmon keeps depends on how it is stored. We recommend keeping smoked salmon at room temperature no longer than two hours, refrigerating smoked salmon for up to three days, and freezing smoked salmon for up to one month.
Does Smoked Salmon Freeze Well?
Although smoked salmon is the best when it is fresh from the smoker, it still freezes alright if you need to store it for later.
How to Smoke Salmon – Easy Smoked Salmon Recipe
This recipe for smoked salmon is super easy to make, and it tastes amazing. You only need four ingredients to make this fabulous dish. You should seriously give it a try and see what you think about our tasty smoked salmon recipe.
The BEST Smoked Salmon!
Perhaps we are partial, but we believe this smoked salmon recipe is the best-smoked salmon ever! If you’re looking for a very easy recipe, that tastes amazing, and will have your mouth watering for more, this recipe for smoked salmon is the one for you.
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Recipe for Easy Smoked Salmon
Recipe For Smoked Salmon
Ingredients
- 2½ pound Salmon Fillet
- ¼ cup Brown sugar more if you like it extra sweet
- ¼ cup Maple syrup
- 1 tsp Lemon juice optional but recommended
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your salmon fillet. Remove any bones, and make sure that your salmon is ready to go.
- Next, in a small mixing bowl combine brown sugar, maple syrup, and a little bit of lemon juice. Brush your grub on top of your salmon fillet.
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F (121.1°C).
- Place your salmon on a grill pan, or aluminum foil with holes cut into it because your salmon gets so tender, it may be difficult to transport if placed directly on the grill grates. Close the lid to your smoker and allow your salmon to smoke until the internal temperature reaches approximately 145°F.
- You will notice that your salmon becomes more of a peachy color rather than the bright pink, is no longer slimy, and may have some sections of white or very light pink that have appeared. When your salmon is done, remove it from the heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. Then serve and enjoy your amazing smoked salmon!
- It does not take very long to smoke a salmon at 250°F. The amount of time it takes me a very, and there is not a great rule of thumb per pound, however, it will typically take between 30 minutes and 1 hour for your salmon to reach your desired internal temperature.
