Smoked Salmon/Steelhead/Trout Recipe

Name: Smoked Salmon/Steelhead/Trout
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1-6lb salmon/steelhead/trout fillets; 1 gallon warm water (filtered); 1/2 cup kosher salt; 1/2 cup iodized salt; 2 cups light brown sugar; 1 1/2 cups karo corn syrup; 1/2 cup onion powder (1 2.5oz bottle); 1/2 cup garlic powder (1 2.5oz bottle. POWDER, not garlic salt. Important!!); 2oz mapeline (imitation maple, next to imitation vanilla in the store); 1 full bag applewood, alder, or hickory chips

Servings: persons

1
["Scale and fillet (if freshly caught) or clean store bought fillets, set aside. Filter water into large kettle or pot. Start on medium heat to warm and add all ingredients. Everybody into the pool except the fish. Section the fillets into about 2"" parts, cutting to, but not through, the skin. Warm the brine through until mixed (if it simmers, just take it off and let sit a while). Cover fish in baking pans and cover with plastic (or just dump it in the pot and put a lid on it if you have a lot) and refrigerate over night. Drain fish, rinse under cold water and place on cooling/drying racks to air dry for 1-2 hrs in a cool place (refrigeration makes this take longer). Smoking is done with your favorite hardwood, low temp for 5-12 hrs depending on temperature and thickness of fillets, and personal preference. May be finished in the oven at 200-225 if required (I've never done it, but if you have to, worth it)."]

617

kcal

Calories

Fat

141

Carbs

Protein

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

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1-6lb salmon/steelhead/trout fillets, 1 gallon warm water (filtered), 1/2 cup kosher salt, 1/2 cup iodized salt, and more.

Yes, Smoked Salmon/Steelhead/Trout falls under the Seafood 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!

Smoked Salmon/Steelhead/Trout

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions