Brined and Smoked Salmon Recipe

Over the weekend, I had  a lot of free time so I decided to get busy in the kitchen. It’s been a long time since I’ve really spent time cooking. Most of the  recent meals  I’ve made are just quick and easy meals such as sheet pan dinners due to my very busy days.  Now that we have settled, I have time to cook again! This new smoked salmon recipe is unique as it is brined before smoking. However, you really need to prepare in advance to get the desired flavor.

I make it a point to eat healthy food and encourage my family to do the same so we stay away from microwave-ready food packets. I would rather prepare meals in advance, freeze them, and reheat them for later. Salmon is among the staple ingredients that we never run out of. If you will notice, I have a lot of salmon recipes such as Firecracker Salmon, Oven Baked Salmon, and Salmon with Lemon and Garlic. Salmon is a very versatile ingredient, plus it is rich in Omega-3s which is good for heart health.

How to Make this Smoked Salmon Recipe

If you want to make this recipe, make sure you prepare in advance. Anyway, as you cook, you can just leave it in the smoker while you prepare your salad or side dishes and tidy up. The secret to this smoked salmon recipe is in the brining process. This ensures that the flavor infiltrates the salmon while still retaining its juiciness.

Brining is the process of  submerging the meat, poultry, or fish in a salted solution. The salmon then absorbs the extra flavor and salt which makes it juicier and more flavorful. Brining recommended for lean meats that tend to dry out when cooked, such as poultry breasts,  turkey, ribs, and salmon. You can also brine fruit, vegetables, and cheeses which is otherwise known as pickling.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Anyway, I’d like to share with you this smoked salmon recipe. Healthy meals do not need to cost you an arm and a leg, you can easily make them at home. Serve with some salad greens for dinner for a complete and hearty meal!

Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends. Leave us a comment and share your salmon recipes, too!

Print Pin

5 from 1 vote

Brined and Smoked Salmon Recipe

The secret to this smoked salmon recipe is the brining process. It takes time to prepare but the end result is truly worth it!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword baked salmon, baked salmon recipe

Prep Time 1 day day

Cook Time 4 hours hours

Servings 5

Ingredients

• 1 whole salmon filleted

Brining Solution

• 1/4 cup salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/8 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1 1/2 cup water
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp garlic cilantro lime seasoning

Instructions

• Mix all ingredients for the brining solution.
• Place the salmon in a deep dish and pour the brining solution. Make sure the salmon is fully submerged. Cover with a plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
• After brining, wash with cold water and pat dry. You can also leave it on a cooling rack to dry for about 4 to 5 hours. Dry salmon smokes and tastes better.
• Smoke at 200 degrees F for 4 hours or until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.