Directions for: Cured and Smoked Salmon
Ingredients
1 whole salmon fillet (about 2 lbs., approximately inch thick) skin on, pin bones removed
1 cup whiskey
cup brown sugar
cup maple syrup
1 Tbsp fresh ginger finely chopped
cup coarse kosher salt
1 tsp dried chili flakes
Zest of one lemon
2 sprig fresh thyme leaves
1 Tbsp cracked black pepper
3 cup alder wood or apple wood chips
Water for soaking
Splash of whiskey for the smoke pouch.
Directions
1. Place the salmon in a large, flat container sized to fit the salmon side. Pour the whiskey over the salmon. Let the salmon sit at room temperature in the whiskey bath for 20 minutes.
2. Place a foil covered, heavy object over the salmon to weight it down.Marinate salmon for a minimum of 8 hours (salmon can marinate overnight if time permits). 1 hours before grill time, place 2 cups (500mL) of woodchips to soak in cool water and let soak for 1 hour. Set aside remaining dry woodchips for later.Prepare barbeque for indirect smoking at 220F (104C).Strain the wood chips. Place 2 cups (500mL) of wet wood chips on a large sheet of aluminum foil, mix in 1 cup (250mL) of dry chips, and add a splash of whiskey. Mix until evenly distributed. Close the foil up loosely and make a sealed pouch. Pierce the pouch with a fork in several spots top and bottom to allow smoke to escape. Place the smoke pouch on the burner and wait for smoke.
3. Rinse the cured salmon with cold water and pat dry. You should notice a color change in the salmon and the flesh should be firm because the cure actually cooks the salmon.Place the salmon skin side down on the grill and smoke for 10-15 minutes. The salmon is cooked by the cure marinade and the smoking will add flavour, without changing the texture of the meat.Remove salmon from the grill and place in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to firm up.Using a very sharp fillet knife, thinly slice the salmon.Serve with mini bagels or crusty bread, cream cheese, onions and capers.
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