Recipe and directions for top shelf smoked salmon with dry brine

[TommyH]

  I do it very similar! But I have been using a wet brine.. I will have to tryout the dry brine method. Here’s some Reds from our trip to AK. They were great but my brine got watered down some, and then the propane smoker liked to be hotter than I wanted..

[Kc_Kracker]

KC
How do you feel about smoking fish that was already frozen??  We eat a ton of it baked/BBQ's but I was thinking about smoking some too since I have a bit more than usual.

Yes do it

[Kc_Kracker]

I do it very similar! But I have been using a wet brine.. I will have to tryout the dry brine method. Here’s some Reds from our trip to AK. They were great but my brine got watered down some, and then the propane smoker liked to be hotter than I wanted..

yes propane can be hard to get down low considering the smallest flame makes big heat in a small box. you can help it by regulating it down, plumbing in a bigger vent, or just go to an elec burner.

[Alchase]

You can also move the burner out of the box and pipe in the smoke.
This helps cold smoke. I do this with one of my Bradley’s when I do cheese or want cold smoke.

Smoking previously frozen is perfectly fine. I would do 25-30 pound loads of Kokanee keeping it frozen until I get a full load. Then store the skinned and boned smoked Kokanee meet in one gallon freezer ziplock bags in the freezer. Always had one bag in the fridge for adding to salads, dips, etc... or just munching.

TommyH, your pics are making my mouth water, lol
How many pounds is that load?

[TommyH]

You can also move the burner out of the box and pipe in the smoke.
This helps cold smoke. I do this with one of my Bradley’s when I do cheese or want cold smoke.

Smoking previously frozen is perfectly fine. I would do 25-30 pound loads of Kokanee keeping it frozen until I get a full load. Then store the skinned and boned smoked Kokanee meet in one gallon freezer ziplock bags in the freezer. Always had one bag in the fridge for adding to salads, dips, etc... or just munching.

TommyH, your pics are making my mouth water, lol
How many pounds is that load?

I’m not sure on the lbs... 30? I did 2 batches the other was the same size.

Do any of you add any glaze to yours?? Real maple syrup..

[Alchase]

Yes, I add real maple syrup for a glaze as well. Yoshidas terryaki makes an Interesting glaze. The teriyaki adds a nice different taste.
I also do Squaw candy with a brown sugar glaze, my boys love this one, lol.
Changing up the wood can add a flavor change as well. For salmon I use mostly fruit wood lately, apple and cherry mostly with alder next. Squaw candy I always do with alder.

[TommyH]

 

[Kc_Kracker]

sometimes, the kids like it when i do a brown sugar sprinkle because it comes out like candied goo 

[cavemann]

great tips, thanks for all the info KC and others...  I'll be doing a batch next week!!

[Kc_Kracker]

Mt wife is native american and likes everything dry/well cooked, and since this is a traditional recipe for squaw candy, i will leave some in the smoker til its like jerky and then put some sugar paste on it. she loves fish jerky so do the kids.

[Alchase]

Mt wife is native american and likes everything dry/well cooked, and since this is a traditional recipe for squaw candy, i will leave some in the smoker til its like jerky and then put some sugar paste on it. she loves fish jerky so do the kids.

This is a family favorite in our house, about 10 years ago, I had to breakup a fight that almost came to blows when my oldest son tried to take a piece of his younger brother's Squaw Candy.

[The Weazle]

I do mine very similar.  I add a few teaspoons of garlic powder the the brine mix and then pour an Alaskan amber over the whole container after packing fish and dry brine.  I also do skin off though, and make it more jerky like...It comes out very good!

[HarboritE]

Do you have a preference on what kind of wood chips ? Apple, alder, cherry ?

[WAElkhunter89]

Holy smokes, that salmon looks tasty as heck KC. I get back stateside next week, hoping I can find some time to go salmon fishing while I'm home if the rivers are doing well. Since I live in Yelm we usually make the trek down south and hit up the Cowlitz. Any of that salmon left? 

[Kc_Kracker]

Do you have a preference on what kind of wood chips ? Apple, alder, cherry ?

yes pretty much always apple