How To Make Cured Cold Smoked Salmon

You can easily make your own cured cold smoked salmon and save a lot of money. We have been making this simple cured cold smoked salmon recipe for years and all you need are a few ingredients and a few days.

We like to make it ahead of time prior to holiday events. It’s great because you can freeze and have on hand for all your parties or unexpected guests. This recipe also keeps well in the freezer for up to a year.

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What is Cured Salmon?

Cured Salmon or Gravlax is a method of preserving salmon by using sugar and salt. Just wrap up the ingredients for about 3-4 days and it’s cured. The texture and appearance is similar to slow smoked salmon without the smokey taste.

Why Should You Make Your Own Smoked Salmon?

Have you purchased large quantities of smoked salmon for parties? This 1.5 lbs. on Amazon is $105.00. The cost is prohibitive and we previously only served it on special occasions.

However, the cost to make a 1.5 lb. homemade cured smoked salmon in our market is approx. $14.00.

The only negative is the time it takes to cure and smoke the salmon. However, you can make ahead and freeze for those special occasions.

What is Cold Smoke?

Have you heard of cold smoke? It’s a method of smoking meats, fish, cheeses, etc. without any heat.

The food is placed in a confined area such as a grill with a cold smoke tube.

The tube is filled with wood smoker pellets which are lit with a lighter or match. They will initially catch on fire but quickly extinguish and just produce smoke. Close the grill lid and allow the smoke to do its job.

What is Cured Cold Smoked Salmon?

To make this cured smoked salmon recipe, you begin by curing the fish for approx. 3 days and then you cold smoke the cured salmon for an additional 3 hours.

Now you have cured salmon with that great smokey flavor.

Cured Cold Smoked Salmon Recipe

First, let’s cure the fresh salmon.

Begin by placing plastic wrap inside a rectangle shaped pan or baking dish and then place the salmon filet on top of the plastic. Cover the top with a generous amount of salt.

Next, top the salt with an equal amount of sugar. Mix and press the sugar and salt into the fish.

The top of the salmon should now be completely white.

Then add a generous amount of fresh dill on top of the sugar and salt. You can used dried dill as well.

Wrap the plastic wrap firmly around the entire piece locking in the salt, sugar and dill.

Be sure to leave wrapped salmon in a pan because moisture will leak as it cures.

Add weight with water bottles or vintage flat irons to keep it pressed in the pan.

I can’t resist using my thrift store finds in every post. LOL

Finally, place the weighted salmon in the refrigerator for 48 – 72 hours. We usually leave a minimum of 48 house in our outdoor kitchen refrigerator.

Cured Salmon

Once it is cured, remove from refrigerator and remove plastic wrap.

Rinse throughly from running water being sure to remove all dill and salt.

Now, pat it dry with paper towels and be sure all moisture is removed.

Your cured salmon is now edible at this point, however if you love a smoky flavor like we do, you’ll want to continue with the recipe.

Preparing Salmon for Cold Smoking

To prepare for smoking, wrap the cured salmon once again in plastic wrap and return to refrigerator for 6-8 hours or overnight.

This allows the outside of the salmon to become tacky so the smoke will absorb better.

Finally place the cured salmon inside a grill with a cold smoke tube.

Fill the cold smoke tube approx. 1/2 full with smoker wood pellets and light.

Close the grill and smoke for approximately 3 hours.

Note: Brad uses the cold smoker tubes for smoking cheese and other meats as well.

Remove and refrigerate for as long as a week. You can also freeze for up to one year.

This cured smoked salmon recipe is easy and delicious. It’s always a huge success at our annual Christmas Party. Another great make ahead appetizer recipe is Artichoke & Sun Dried Tomato Bites.

Finally to serve, slice into thin strips with a sharp knife.

Place on a cracker with cream cheese, capers and onion (optional).

Enjoy!

Thanks so much for stopping by. I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you.