Bourbon Brine For Smoked Salmon Recipes

BOURBON-MARINATED SMOKED SALMON

Steps:

• Combine the bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce and mustard. Put the salmon in a gallon plastic bag, add the marinade and distribute evenly. Refrigerate for 1 ½ hours. Add a handful of the wood chips to the smoker box of the Char-Broil Digital Smoker. Add water to the recommended level in the water pan. Preheat the smoker for 40 minutes. Once preheated, set the temperature for 210 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the salmon from the refrigerator and place on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet, spacing the salmon apart so the smoke can circulate freely. Put the salmon in the smoker, attach the digital thermometer and put the probe in the thickest part of the salmon. Set the thermometer for 150 degrees internal temperature. Smoke the salmon until the internal temperature of 150 degrees is reached. Remove the salmon and let rest while combining the sour cream, mustard, dill and lemon juice in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly. Serve the salmon with the sour cream sauce on the side.

DRY BRINED SMOKED SALMON

Steps:

• Cut salmon into 1/2-inch strips.
• Prepare dry brine: Combine sugar, 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sea salt, garlic, orange zest, ginger, black pepper, cayenne, and chile flakes in a bowl. Put 1/2 inch of brine on the bottom of a large dish. Layer salmon strips on top and cover with remaining brine. Cover and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours.
• Take salmon out of the brine and place on wire racks; discard brine. Dry in front of a fan for at least 24 hours; the longer you dry the better texture the salmon will be.
• When ready to smoke the salmon, preheat a smoker to 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
• At the same time, combine brown sugar, honey, red wine, rum, cayenne, and black pepper for glaze in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir until thick, 5 to 10 minutes.
• Brush salmon with glaze and put in the preheated smoker. Smoke, brushing with glaze every hour, until salmon is dry to the touch, 4 to 5 hours.

BRINE FOR SMOKED SALMON

Steps:

• Place sugar in water and stir until incorporated. Add other ingredients and stir until mixed well. Place a 1 lb piece of fresh salmon into a baking dish (that just fits the fish) and pour the brine over top. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours. Disregard brine and smoke the fish as per the recommendations of your smoker.