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Cider Hot-Smoked Salmon

Cider Hot-Smoked Salmon

By Traeger Kitchen

This recipe for Cider Hot-Smoked Salmon is perfectly timed for cooler weather and comforting food.

Prep Time

25 Min

Cook Time

1 Hrs

Pellets

Oak

Ingredients

Number of People Serving

4

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Units of Measurement:
main
1 1/2 Pound Wild Caught Salmon Fillet, skinned, pin bones removed
12 Ounce apple juice or cider
4 Pieces juniper berries
1 Pieces Star Anise, Broken
1 Pieces bay leaf, coarsely crumbled
1/2 Cup kosher salt
1/4 Cup brown sugar
2 Teaspoon Traeger Blackened Saskatchewan Rub
1 Teaspoon coarse ground black pepper, divided

Step

  • 1

    Rinse the salmon fillet under cold running water and check for pin bones by running a finger over the fleshy part of the fillet. If you feel a bone, remove it with kitchen tweezers or a needle-nose pliers.

  • 2

    In a sturdy resealable plastic bag, combine the cider, crushed juniper berries, star anise, and bay leaf. Add the salmon fillet and put the bag in a bowl or pan in the refrigerator. Let sit for at least 8 hours, or overnight.

  • 3

    Remove the salmon from the bag and discard the cider mixture. Dry the salmon well on paper towels. Make the cure: In a small mixing bowl, combine the kosher salt, brown sugar, and Traeger rub.

  • 4

    Pour half into a shallow plate, or baking dish. Put the salmon fillet, skin-side down, on top of the cure. Generously sprinkle the top with the remaining cure, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 to 1-1/2 hours. Any longer, and the fish will get too salty.

  • 5

    Remove the salmon from the cure and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the black pepper on top of the fillet.

  • 6

    When ready to cook, set the temperature to 200 degrees F and preheat for 10 to 15 minutes.

  • 7

    Lay the salmon skin-side down on the grill grate. Cook for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the fish reaches 150 or the fish flakes easily when pressed with a finger or fork.

    200 ˚F / 93 ˚C

    150 ˚F / 66 ˚C

  • 8

    Let cool slightly. Turn the fillet over and remove the skin; it should come off in one piece.

  • 9

    If not serving immediately, let the salmon cool completely, then wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Transfer to a platter and serve with some or all of the suggested accompaniments. Enjoy!

My Notes


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