Best 3 Basic Smoked Fish Recipes

Indulge in the delectable flavors of smoked fish, a culinary art that has been passed down through generations. This versatile dish, enjoyed in various cultures worldwide, offers a symphony of smoky, savory, and briny notes. Discover the secrets of creating your own smoked fish at home with our comprehensive guide. Explore a diverse range of recipes, including the classic Hot Smoked Salmon, the aromatic Smoked Trout with Herbs, the unique Smoked Mackerel Pâté, and the flavorful Smoked Fish Dip. Embark on a culinary journey and savor the delightful taste of smoked fish, a true testament to the art of food preservation and culinary expertise.

Let's cook with our recipes!

BASIC SMOKED FISH

Basic Smoked Fish image

Provided by Trish Hall

Categories dinner, main course

Time 12h20m

Yield About 1 1/2 pounds smoked fish

Number Of Ingredients 4

Ingredients

2 fish fillets weighing approximately 1 pound each (bluefish, mackerel, salmon, haddock)
1 quart liquid brine or 4 table spoons dry cure (see recipe)
4 or 5 hardwood chunks, shavings or sawdust (see note)
Charcoal, if necessary (see note)

Steps:

If using liquid brine, place the fish fillets in a ceramic, glass or stainless-steel (not aluminum) bowl with the brine. If using dry cure, rub each fillet top and bottom with the dry mixture and place in a ceramic, glass or stainless-steel (not aluminum) baking dish. Cover and refrigerate about 6 hours, or overnight.
Remove fillets from bowl or dish and rinse them under running water quickly to remove surface salt. If using dry cure, do not rub off all the seasonings. Place fillets on a cake rack or raised grid surface that allows air to circulate beneath them. Leave to dry about 3 hours, or until a dry shiny surface forms.
When fillets are sufficiently dry, build a charcoal fire, if necessary (it will take about 30 minutes for the charcoal to reach the desired state). If using wood chunks, let them soak in a bucket of water for half an hour. If using an electric smoker, turn it on just before using and place sawdust or wood shavings in the smoking pan.
Place fillets on the smoker grid. Close vents, or place lid on smoker. Regulate vents, if possible, so that heat stays at around 110 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Leave the fish 1 to 2 hours or longer, checking periodically and, if possible, replenishing fuel or smoking medium as necessary. The fish will be done more quickly at higher temperatures. At temperatures of 175 to 200 degrees, for example, fish will be done in about 1 hour.
Remove fillets from smoker when they are dry and yellowish in color. Serve immediately, or refrigerate and serve cold or as an ingredient in other recipes.

SMOKED FISH ( BRINE RECIPE AND SMOKING DIRECTIONS)

Smoked Fish ( Brine Recipe and Smoking Directions) image

This is a long time family recipe that was recently shared with me. Looking for something different to do with fish? This is it! We usually plate this and allow everyone to serve themselves. Wonderful fresh off the smoker as well as COLD from the refrigerator as you would smoked salmon, regardless of they type of fish used. After smoking this will keep for about a week in the refrigerator. I do not care for oily types of fish done this way but many prefer them. I like to smoke whitefish, salmon, perch, or trout. Feel free to use any fish you prefer. Plan AHEAD! Need to brine for about 12 hours and smoke for about 6-8.

Provided by Mamas Kitchen Hope

Categories Lunch/Snacks

Time 6h20m

Yield 1 batch

Number Of Ingredients 4

Ingredients

3 -5 lbs fish, roughly
1 gallon water
1 1/3 cups canning salt
2/3 cup brown sugar

Steps:

Mix all ingredients very well until sugar is disolved.
Split the fish into halves and soak them for about 12 hours (more or less) in the refrigerator.
Prepare your fire using charcoal and a mix of old birch (with bark removed) or apple wood or you can use just charcoal.
Place fish in smoker and allow to smoke for about 6-8 hours for smoking, depending on the outside temperature and how hot your smoker gets of course.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 557.6, Sodium 151014.9, Carbohydrate 143.9, Sugar 142.4, Protein 0.2

HOW TO SMOKE FISH

How to Smoke Fish image

Where there's smoke, there's flavor. Smoking fish at home may sound intimidating, but it's no more complicated than grilling. Just add aromatic wood to a charcoal grill and let the fragrant, flavorful smoke do its work.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Breakfast & Brunch Recipes

Time 2h30m

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

2 cups water
1 cup muscovado sugar or packed dark-brown sugar
Coarse salt
2 skin-on trout fillets (8 ounces each), boned
1 whole trout (1 1/4 pounds), backbone and pin bones removed
1 side skin-on arctic char (1 1/4 pounds)
Wood trimmings or apple wood chips (1 cup for trout fillets or 2 cups for whole trout or char)
Vegetable oil, for grill basket

Steps:

Make the brine: Combine water, sugar, and 1/2 cup salt. Place fish in a nonreactive dish; cover with brine. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
Heat charcoal grill to medium, piling coals on 1 side to set up direct and indirect heat zones. Set a drip pan under the grill grate in the indirect heat zone.
Soak wood trimmings in water for 30 minutes. Drain (if smoking whole trout or char, leave 1/2 cup wood in water); add to coals.
Smoke the fish: Once smoke develops, place fish in a lightly oiled grill basket. Transfer to grill rack, and set over drip pan. Open lid vent, and position over fish. (This will direct smoke to impart maximum smokiness.) For the trout fillets: Smoke fish until cooked through but not dry, 12 to 15 minutes.For the whole trout: Smoke for 10 minutes. Flip basket. Drain remaining 1/2 cup wood; add to coals. Smoke fish until cooked through but not dry, 8 to 10 minutes more.For the side of arctic char: Smoke for 10 minutes. Drain remaining 1/2 cup wood; add to coals. Smoke fish until cooked through but not dry, 13 to 15 minutes more.

Tips:

Choose the right fish: For smoking, firm-fleshed fish like salmon, trout, and mackerel are ideal. Avoid delicate fish like tilapia and flounder.
Prepare the fish properly: Clean and gut the fish, removing the gills and any entrails. Rinse the fish thoroughly with cold water and pat dry.
Use a good smoker: A well-maintained smoker is key to achieving a successful smoking process. Make sure the smoker is clean and free of any debris.
Control the temperature: The ideal temperature for smoking fish is between 180°F and 225°F. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature inside the smoker.
Use the right wood: Different types of wood impart different flavors to the fish. Popular choices include alder, apple, cherry, and hickory.
Smoke the fish for the right amount of time: The smoking time will depend on the size and thickness of the fish. A good rule of thumb is to smoke the fish for 1 hour per pound.
Let the fish cool: Once the fish is smoked, remove it from the smoker and let it cool to room temperature before serving.

Conclusion:

Smoking fish is a great way to preserve and flavor your favorite catch. By following these tips, you can create delicious smoked fish that your family and friends will love. Experiment with different types of fish, woods, and smoking times to find your perfect combination.