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Vodka Brined Smoked Wild Salmon

Vodka Brined Smoked Wild Salmon

By Traeger Kitchen

Alaskan grizzly bears snag salmon fresh out of the stream. We like to add some wood-fire smoke for a gourmet meal that's fit for anyone who loves the wild.

Prep Time

15 Min

Cook Time

1 Hr
30 Min

Pellets

Cherry
Yields: 4 Servings

Ingredients

Brine
1 Cupbrown sugar
1 Tablespoonblack pepper
1/2 Cupcoarse salt
1 Cupvodka
main
1 (1-1/2 to 2 lb) wild caught salmon
1 lemon wedges
capers
Units of Measurement:

Steps

  • Step 1

    In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pepper, salt and vodka.

    Ingredients
    • 1 Cup brown sugar

    • 1 Tablespoon black pepper

    • 1/2 Cup coarse salt

    • 1 Cup vodka

  • Step 2

    Place the salmon in a large resealable bag. Pour in marinade and massage into the salmon. Refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.

    Ingredients
    • 1  (1-1/2 to 2 lb) wild caught salmon

  • Step 3

    Remove from bag, rinse and dry with paper towels.

  • Step 4

    When ready to cook, set Traeger temperature to 180℉ and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes. For optimal flavor, use Super Smoke if available.

  • Step 5

    Smoke the salmon, skin-side down for 30 minutes.

    00:30

    180 ˚F / 82 ˚C

    Super Smoke

  • Step 6

    Increase grill temperature to 225℉ and continue to cook salmon for an additional 45 to 60 minutes or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the fish reaches 140℉ or the fish flakes easily when pressed with a finger or fork.

    225 ˚F / 107 ˚C

    140 ˚F / 60 ˚C

    Super Smoke

  • Step 7

    Serve with lemons and capers. Enjoy!

    Ingredients
    • 1  lemon wedges

    •  capers

Traeger Staples: How to Smoke Salmon


A step-by-step guide to how to smoke salmon. From smoked salmon rub and the best wood for smoking salmon to cooking times, internal cooking temperatures, nutritional information, and more.

My Notes


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