Smoked Salmon Fillet - The Keep At House Chef

Smoking a complete salmon fillet may sound like a giant process, however it’s surprisingly straightforward! And the outcomes are completely value it. We maintain ours easy with only a few seasonings and smoke the fillet over a mattress of recent lemon slices. This recipe seems completely tender, flaky salmon with a touch of citrus and all of the smoky taste.

Make it a meal with a facet of Grilled Asparagus and our Mediterranean Chickpea Salad.

Why Our Recipe

Straightforward prep with easy seasonings to smoke a whole salmon fillet.
Smoked low and gradual for tender, flaky salmon each time.
Smoked over a mattress of lemon slices to infuse the salmon with a bit citrus.

This recipe retains it easy so the salmon may be the star. Whether or not you’re making it for a weekend dinner or exhibiting off at your subsequent yard cookout, we’ll stroll you thru precisely season, prep, and smoke your fillet for restaurant-quality outcomes at house.

Ingredient Notes

Salmon Fillet: Search for a 2 to 3-pound skin-on fillet, ideally wild-caught if you will discover it. When you want skinless, you’ll be able to take away it earlier than smoking, however the pores and skin helps maintain every little thing collectively and makes it simpler to deal with.
Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick and retains the floor of the salmon from drying out whereas it smokes.
Garlic Powder: Provides only a trace of savory, with out overpowering the salmon.
Kosher Salt: Gives extra even seasoning than desk salt. When you’re utilizing desk salt as an alternative, cut back to three/4 teaspoon.
Black Pepper: Freshly floor offers you one of the best punch of taste, however pre-ground works simply effective right here too.
Lemons: Sliced and laid underneath the salmon on the smoker grate. They add a delicate citrus taste and in addition maintain the fish from sticking.

Prepping Your Salmon

Earlier than you season the salmon, do your self a favor and take a minute to test for pin bones. They do try to take away all of them earlier than they promote you the fillet, however each occasionally they miss some.

Run your fingers calmly over the floor of the fillet and also you’ll really feel them in the event that they’re there. Use your fingers, tweezers, or perhaps a clear pair of needle-nose pliers to drag them out. It’s a fast step that makes a giant distinction when it’s time to serve.

Pores and skin on or Off

In case your fillet has pores and skin, you’ll be able to go away it on or take it off. We like to depart it on whereas smoking, however it’s actually as much as you, and it’s not a giant deal in case your fillet is already skinned. The pores and skin helps maintain the fish collectively and makes it simpler to maneuver round, which is just a bit profit for getting it on and off the smoker.

Overhead view of smoked salmon on a baking sheet.

Pellet Suggestions

For salmon, you need to use a mild-flavored wooden in order that it doesn’t overpower the fish. Our go-to suggestion goes to be candy fruit woods.

Apple or Cherry Pellets: These give a gentle, fruity smoke. Apple and cherry collectively are a terrific combo for salmon. You get clear smoke, a contact of sweetness, and a lovely golden shade on the fillet.

Maple Pellets: Somewhat sweeter and richer than apple or cherry. Nice in order for you a barely deeper taste in your salmon.

Lemon Slices

These lemon slices aren’t simply there to maintain the salmon from sticking. They decide up smoke taste too! As soon as the salmon’s carried out, the lemons might be barely softened and infused with smoky citrus goodness.

You may serve them proper alongside the salmon to make all of it fairly, and even squeeze out any of the juice excessive simply earlier than serving.

Storage & Reheating Directions

Refrigerate leftover smoked salmon in an hermetic container for as much as 3 days.

To Reheat within the Oven: Place the salmon in a baking dish. Cowl with foil and heat at 275°F for about 10 to 12 minutes, simply till heated via. Watch out to not overheat—it’s straightforward to dry out fish!

Smoked salmon can be nice served chilly. Strive flaking it into salads, utilizing it for sandwiches.