Smoked Brined Salmon

  • Prep 10 min
  • Total 4 hr 10 min
  • Servings 6

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup salt
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange peel (from 1 small orange)
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 1/2- to 3-lb skin-on salmon fillet
  • 4 to 6 wood chunks for smoking (hickory, mesquite or apple)*
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps

  • 1
    In large heavy-duty resealable plastic food-storage bag, mix sugar, salt, orange peel, onion, peppercorns and 4 cups water. Seal bag and squeeze to mix until sugar and salt have dissolved. Place salmon in bag of brine; seal bag. Refrigerate at least 3 hours but no longer than 4 hours.
  • 2
    Cover wood chunks with water; soak at least 30 minutes.
  • 3
    Drain wood chunks. Prepare and heat smoker using wood chunks and adding water to water pan following manufacturer’s directions.
  • 4
    Meanwhile, remove salmon from brine; discard brine. Blot salmon dry with paper towels. Brush both sides of salmon with oil. Place salmon, skin side down. Sprinkle with paprika and pepper.
  • 5
    Place salmon, skin side down, on top grill rack in smoker. Cover and smoke about 1 hour or until salmon flakes easily with a fork. If smoking stops, add additional wood chunks through side door of smoker.
  • 6
    Place salmon, skin side up, on foil. Peel skin from fish and discard. Use foil to turn fish onto serving platter.

  • 2 cups hickory, mesquite or apple wood chips can be substituted.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories
270
Calories from Fat
110
Total Fat
13g
19%
Saturated Fat
3g
15%
Trans Fat
0g
Cholesterol
105mg
35%
Sodium
490mg
20%
Potassium
800mg
23%
Total Carbohydrate
4g
1%
Dietary Fiber
0g
0%
Sugars
4g
Protein
34g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
4%
4%
Vitamin C
2%
2%
Calcium
0%
0%
Iron
6%
6%
Exchanges:
0 Starch; 0 Fruit; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 5 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 0 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choice
0
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
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