Cold Smoked Salmon: Gourmet Deli Style Fish

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Cold Smoked Salmon Recipe, perfect for any occasion. This dish is not only elegant but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for both novice and experienced cooks alike. You will impress your guests with its rich flavor and beautiful presentation, so let’s dive into the details!

Beautifully Smoked Salmon

This cold smoked salmon is not just a dish; it’s an experience. The subtle smokiness combined with the fresh ingredients truly makes this recipe stand out. Here’s a visual of what you can expect:

Ingredients for Cold Smoked Salmon

Before we get into the preparation, let’s gather our ingredients:

• 1 pound of fresh salmon fillet
• 1 cup of kosher salt
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of lemon zest
• Wood chips for smoking (alder or applewood work best)

Instructions for Preparing Cold Smoked Salmon

Once you have all your ingredients ready, follow these simple steps to create your cold smoked salmon:

1. In a bowl, combine the kosher salt, brown sugar, black pepper, dill, and lemon zest to create a curing mixture.
2. Place the salmon skin-side down in a dish and generously coat it with the curing mixture, ensuring that the fish is fully covered.
3. Cover the salmon with plastic wrap and place a weight on top. Refrigerate for about 12 to 24 hours depending on the thickness of your fillet.
4. Once the curing time is up, remove the salmon from the refrigerator, rinse it under cold water to remove the cure, and pat it dry with paper towels.
5. Preheat your smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Add the wood chips and allow them to start smoking.
6. Place the salmon in the smoker and smoke at a low temperature for about 2 to 4 hours, or until it reaches your desired level of smokiness.
7. Once done, remove the salmon from the smoker and let it cool before slicing.
8. Serve the cold smoked salmon on a platter with crackers, cream cheese, or on a bagel—enjoy!

This cold smoked salmon recipe is sure to amaze your family and friends with its flavor and simplicity. Enjoy the process and the wonderful results of your culinary endeavor!

source: letthebakingbegin.com