Dry-Brined Smoked Salmon

3.7

(6)

4 Reviews

2 Photos

A perfect dry-brined smoked salmon recipe. We've been playing with smoked salmon recipes for years and this quick dry-brine process is easy and delicious. A go-to appetizer in our house any time there's a party. Try serving it with plain bagels and cream cheese.

Submitted by Kaitlyn85

Updated on November 14, 2022

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

2 hrs

Additional Time:

8 hrs 15 mins

Total Time:

10 hrs 30 mins

Servings:

12

Yield:

3 pounds

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

1 ½ cups brown sugar, divided
1 cup kosher salt
3 pounds salmon fillets
½ cup honey
2 (12 fluid ounce) cans or bottles cola-flavored carbonated beverage (such as Coca-Cola®) (Optional)
3 cups wood chips, soaked

Directions

Mix 1 cup brown sugar and kosher salt together in a small bowl.
Spread a thin layer of the brown sugar mixture in the bottom of a 9-inch baking pan. Arrange 2 to 3 salmon fillets on top; cover with some of the brown sugar mixture. Repeat layers until all the salmon fillets are coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate, 8 hours to overnight.
Preheat a smoker to 195 degrees F (91 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions.
Rinse brown sugar mixture off salmon fillets. Brush fillets lightly with honey and sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar on top.
Pour cola-flavored beverage into the smoker's water pan; add water to within 1 inch of the top. Place half of the wood chips around the perimeter of the hot charcoal. Place salmon on the cooking racks.
Cook salmon, adding more wood chips if needed, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 145 degrees F (63 degrees C), about 2 hours. Cool before serving, at least 15 minutes.

Editor's Note:

Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of brine ingredients. The actual amount of brine consumed will vary.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

296	Calories
4g	Fat
45g	Carbs
21g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 296
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 4g	5%
Saturated Fat 1g	5%
Cholesterol 49mg	16%
Sodium 7653mg	333%
Total Carbohydrate 45g	16%
Total Sugars 45g
Protein 21g	42%
Vitamin C 1mg	1%
Calcium 65mg	5%
Iron 1mg	4%
Potassium 429mg	9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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