BROWN SUGAR-CURED SALMON

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Brown Sugar-Cured Salmon image

This grilled and smoked salmon recipe by the food writer Betty Fussell calls for curing the fish for several hours with salt, brown sugar and spices before smoking it over indirect heat on your grill. While the fatty fish absorbs the smoke beautifully, the fish can also be successfully cooked in a grill pan, or under the broiler. The salt and sugar cure, laced with sweet spices, both flavors the fish and firms up its flesh, giving it a meaty, silky texture. Serve it with a crisp salad for a light supper, or with rice for something more substantial.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     dinner, lunch, main course

Time 4h25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 skin-on, center-cut wild king or other salmon fillets (2 1/2 pounds total)
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground mace
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon, plus lemon wedges for serving
Olive oil
1 1/2 cups hickory chips, soaked for 30 minutes and drained

Steps:

  • Pat fish dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine sugar, salt, pepper, spices and zest. Rub mixture all over fish. Place in a dish, cover and let cure in the fridge for at least 4 hours and preferably 8 hours. Rinse fillets and pat dry. Generously oil salmon.
  • Light the grill. Once coals are hot, scatter drained hickory chips over coals. (If you're using a gas grill, place them in a disposable metal pan on the grill next to the salmon.)
  • Place salmon flesh-side down on grill and cover, closing top vent so not much smoke is released. Smoke salmon, covered, for about 5 to 6 minutes, then flip. (If the fish is sticking to the grill grate, then it's not ready to flip. Cook for another 3 to 10 minutes, depending upon how hot your fire is. The fish is done when the interior is medium pink and exterior crisp and smoky. Serve with lemon wedges.

Nirazon Nagarkoti
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This is a must-try recipe for any salmon lover.


Bibek Thapa
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I can't wait to try this recipe. It looks amazing!


Uchenna Nsoedo
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This cured salmon is a great way to impress your guests without a lot of effort.


noni jay
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I'm so glad I found this recipe. It's the perfect way to use up leftover salmon.


Malachi
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This cured salmon is the perfect make-ahead appetizer. You can make it a few days in advance and it will still be delicious.


Maria Dilley
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The herbs and spices in this recipe really make the salmon sing. I especially love the addition of dill.


Jaelyn Nelson
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I love the way the brown sugar caramelizes on the salmon. It gives it a beautiful crust and a lovely flavor.


Paul Want
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This is my go-to recipe for cured salmon. It's always a hit with my family and friends. And it's so easy to make, I can even do it on a weeknight.


kim cooper
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I'm a big fan of this cured salmon recipe. It's easy to make, delicious, and healthy. What more could you ask for?


nana abboud baba king mama queen
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This cured salmon is the perfect addition to any cheeseboard. It's also great on bagels or crackers. And it's even delicious on its own!


joseph okey (BIG JOE)
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I love this recipe because it's so versatile. You can use it to make salmon gravlax, lox, or kippered salmon. I've even used it to make salmon candy!


Irfan Sadozia
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I've been making this cured salmon recipe for years and it's always a favorite. It's the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and the salmon is always moist and tender.


Ronnie promise K
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This is the best cured salmon recipe I've ever tried. It's so simple to make, but the results are amazing. The salmon is perfectly cured and has a wonderful flavor.


Tazul
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I made this cured salmon for a brunch party and it was a huge hit. Everyone loved it! I especially liked the way the brown sugar crust contrasted with the creamy texture of the salmon.


RIPON RANA
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This cured salmon is the perfect appetizer for any party or gathering. It's elegant and delicious, and it's sure to impress your guests.


ProFi Sseur
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I was a bit skeptical about using brown sugar to cure salmon, but I'm so glad I tried it. The brown sugar gives the salmon a lovely caramelized crust. And the addition of herbs and spices makes this dish incredibly flavorful.


Sylvia Casaus
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I love how easy this recipe is to follow. Even if you're a beginner in the kitchen, you can make this dish. The instructions are clear and concise, and the ingredients are easy to find.


BRENDA SHIPMAN
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This cured salmon recipe is a winner! The flavors are perfectly balanced and the salmon is so moist and tender. I've made it several times now and it's always a hit with my family and friends.