EASY SALMON BRINE RECIPES

Steps:

• Mix the water and ingredients together in a large pot. Bring the mixture to a boil to help dissolve the salt and sugar. Remove from heat and let cool in the fridge for 3-4 hours.
• Rinse the salmon fillet in cold water. If the salmon still has skin, remove it at this time.
• Cut the salmon into 3” wide by 4-5” length strips. I find this is an ideal portion size and the smoke penetrates the salmon evenly.
• Once the brine is cooled place the salmon into the large pot of brine. Cover and refrigerate for 8-12 hours.
• After the brining process, remove the salmon and lightly dry it. Place the salmon on some racks and let sit on the counter for 4 hours. This lets the salmon dry evenly and creates a shiny skin called pellicle. This is a crucial step because the smoke will adhere to the salmon properly.
• Preheat your smoker: I start my smoker at 100F. I typically use maple wood for smoking Salmon.
• Once the smoker is ready I lightly oil the grills so the salmon will not stick. Place the salmon in the smoker for two hours. After the two hours move the smoker temperature to 140F and smoke another two hours. Then turn the smoker to 175F and smoke for two more hours. This is a total of six hours.
• If your smoker can not operate at such a low temp, smoke the salmon for 4-5 hours at 165F, or 3-4 hours at 225F.
• Remove the salmon and place on racks to cool on your counter. Rest for one hour. After the resting, you are ready to enjoy. Refrigerate the remaining portions.

Steps:

• This recipe works great as a stand-alone dish, but also as a component in Jamie’s Sunny Gathering from Together – see the full collection of menus here. GET AHEAD You can prep this on the day, if you prefer. Put the capers into a small bowl, then tear in the anchovies and strip in the rosemary leaves. Squash and destone the olives, tearing the flesh into the bowl, then finely slice and add the chilli. Finely grate over the lemon zest, squeeze in the juice, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and mix well. Cover and refrigerate overnight. ON THE DAY Place the salmon skin side down in the middle of your largest roasting tray and use the tip of a small sharp knife to make deep cuts into the flesh at 3cm intervals. Now stuff each cut, using the knife to help you. I start by dividing up the olives and anchovies, then add the rosemary, chilli and capers. Take your time and enjoy the process. Sprinkle any excess around the salmon. TO SERVE Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4. Roast the salmon at the bottom of the oven for 20 minutes. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then serve.