Brined and Smoked Smelt Recipe

Name: Brined and Smoked Smelt
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 24 smelt, cleaned with head and tails left on; 1 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/2 cup kosher salt; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 garlic clove, halved; 1 teaspoon juniper berries; 1 teaspoon allspice berries; 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns; 2 to 3 sprigs fresh dill; 1 pound ice

Servings: persons

1
Rinse the smelt in cool running water.
2
Set aside.
3
Place all of the remaining ingredients, except the ice, into the electric kettle.
4
Bring to a boil.
5
Add the ice and stir until the mixture is cooled.
6
Transfer the liquid to a 1-gallon ziptop bag along with the smelt.
7
Seal and place in a container so that all of the fish are in the brine.
8
Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
9
Remove the smelt from the brine, rinse and pat dry.
10
Place them onto a paper towel lined sheet pan, layering with paper towels in between if they won't fit in one layer.
11
Allow to dry in the refrigerator overnight.
12
The next day, place the smelt onto racks, belly side down, separating them by at least 1/4-inch and place into a smoker.
13
Turn the smoker on so that it maintains a temperature of 150 to 160 degrees F. Adjust heat as needed and cook for approximately 3 hours or until desired level of doneness.

147

kcal

Calories

Carbs

Protein

Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 24 smelt, cleaned with head and tails left on, 1 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup kosher salt, 1/2 cup sugar, and more.

Yes, Brined and Smoked Smelt falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Brined and Smoked Smelt

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions