Smoked Salmon Layer Recipes

SMOKED SALMON

Steps:

• In a bowl, mix together salt, sugar, brown sugar and peppercorns. Spread extra-wide aluminum foil a little longer than the length of the fish and top with an equally long layer of plastic wrap. Sprinkle 1/3 of the rub onto the plastic. Lay 1 side of the fish skin down onto the rub. Sprinkle 1/3 of the rub onto the flesh of the salmon. Place second side of salmon, flesh down onto the first side. Use the remaining rub to cover the skin on the top piece. Fold plastic over to cover then close edges of foil together and crimp tightly around the fish. Place wrapped fish onto a plank or sheet pan and top with another plank or pan. Weigh with a heavy phone book or a brick or two and refrigerate for 12 hours. Flip the fish over and refrigerate another 12 hours. Some juice will leak out during the process so make sure there's a place for the runoff to gather. Unwrap fish and rinse off the cure with cold water. Pat salmon with paper towels then place in a cool, dry place (not the refrigerator) until the surface of the fish is dry and matte-like, 1 to 3 hours depending on humidity. A fan may be used to speed the process. Smoke fish (see Note) over smoldering hardwood chips or sawdust, keeping the temperature inside the smoker between 150 degrees F and 160 degrees F until the thickest part of the fish registers 150 degrees. Serve immediately or cool to room temperature, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Cook's Note: Trout, mackerel, and bluefish also smoke well.

SMOKED SALMON 7-LAYER DIP

Steps:

• Line a 6"-diameter ring mold, 6"-diameter cake pan or springform pan, or 16-oz. ramekin with plastic wrap, pressing it along the bottom and up the sides (you can also use a small bowl, but the layers won't be quite as even). Pulse cream cheese, goat cheese, horseradish, and lemon zest in a food processor until well combined and creamy.
• Press a third of smoked salmon into an even layer across the bottom of mold. Spread half of cream cheese mixture evenly over salmon, smoothing surface with a rubber spatula.
• Toss radishes and onion in a small bowl to combine, then scatter over cream cheese mixture and press down lightly into mixture. Top with half of remaining salmon, making an even layer, then scatter capers over. Spread remaining cream cheese mixture over capers and finish with a final layer of the remaining salmon. Cover dip with plastic wrap and chill at least 1 hour to let dip set and flavors meld.
• Uncover dip and carefully invert onto a plate. Remove ring mold, then carefully peel away plastic. Top with chives. Serve with endives and bagel chips for spreading over.

SMOKED SALMON LAYER

Steps:

• Grate the carrot, radishes and cucumber, discarding the cucumber seeds. Mix in the cheese, lemon or lime juice and most of the coriander, then season. Lay a slice of salmon on a plate, top with veg mix, then drape over the other slice. Scatter with remaining coriander, drizzle with olive oil and serve with bread and butter.

LAYERED SMOKED SALMON SPREAD

Steps:

• Line 3-cup bowl or pan with plastic wrap, letting plastic wrap hang over edge. In large bowl, stir together cream cheese, 1/2 cup of the sour cream, the lemon-pepper seasoning and chopped dill weed until well blended.
• Spoon 1/2 of cream cheese mixture by heaping tablespoonfuls into bowl; spread and press into bottom of bowl. Top with salmon. Spoon remaining cheese mixture by tablespoonfuls over salmon; spread over salmon layer. Fold plastic wrap over top of cheese to cover completely; press top layer of cheese onto salmon. Refrigerate 1 hour.
• Remove plastic wrap from top of cheese mixture. Place serving plate upside down on bowl; turn plate and bowl over. Remove bowl and plastic wrap. Using rubber spatula, spread remaining 1/2 cup sour cream over cheese mixture. Spoon bell pepper over sour cream. Garnish with dill weed sprigs. Serve with crackers.