Delectable Smoked Salmon

How to make smoked salmon

Smoked salmon is the way in which a fillet of salmon (a delicious tasting fish) is cured, prepared and smoked to give it a unique flavor. It is a very light fish and therefore makes a great summer dish or is a light lunch.

In order to smoke fish you will first need to prepare brine:

• 4 cups water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 stalk sliced celery
• ½ cup chopped fennel
• ½ chopped onion
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup salt
• 2 crushed garlic cloves

1. Place the salmon fillets into the brine, and leave to cure for between 8 and 24 hours.
2. Next, leave the salmon to air dry on a rack in a breezy area (you could use a fan).
3. To smoke the salmon, you will need a smoking box made of oak or nut wood. Cook at 140 degrees for an hour for thin fillets, and about four hours for thick steaks of fish.

Smoked salmon is a very elegant dish which is ideal for serving at formal occasions as either canapés or entrees. For a great light and delicious canaepe, why not try Smoked Salmon and Creme Fraiche topped Crispy Potatoes. You will need:

1 cup crème fraîche
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
1 scallion, minced
1 tablespoon finely chopped herbs such as parsley, chives, dill and/or parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
24 to 30 sturdy potato chips
1 clove garlic, halved
8 ounces smoked salmon, cut into bite-size pieces
Fresh dill sprigs

Its super easy to prepare. All you need to do is mix together the scallion , zest, crème fraiche and herbs. Add a little salt to season and leave overnight in the fridge. Rub the garlic over each potato slice, and dollop 2 teaspoons of the mixture on each chip. Top with the salmon and a little sprig of dill.

More recipes with smoked salmon

For a great meal that can be eaten at any time of day, you should try Smoked Salmon Hash with Eggs. You will need:

Extra virgin olive oil cooking spray
2 cups thawed shredded hash browns
3 green onions, thinly sliced, divided
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
1 (4-oz) pack hot roasted smoked salmon, skin removed, flesh flaked into pieces
2 eggs

Heat large skillet over a mid-high heat and use cooking spray to prevent sticking. Add 2 onions, the hash browns and half the pepper and cook for 5 minutes until crisp. Add the salmon and mix together for 3 minutes until the mixture is combined and cooked through.

Pour the mixture onto two serving plates and cook your eggs as you like them for 3 to 5 minutes. Place the eggs on top of the salmon hash and garnish and the rest of the onions.

Find these and more recipes for smoked salmon on Recipebridge.