Smoky Outdoor Salmon Food

SMOKED SALMON

Steps:

• In a bowl, mix together salt, sugar, brown sugar and peppercorns. Spread extra-wide aluminum foil a little longer than the length of the fish and top with an equally long layer of plastic wrap. Sprinkle 1/3 of the rub onto the plastic. Lay 1 side of the fish skin down onto the rub. Sprinkle 1/3 of the rub onto the flesh of the salmon. Place second side of salmon, flesh down onto the first side. Use the remaining rub to cover the skin on the top piece. Fold plastic over to cover then close edges of foil together and crimp tightly around the fish. Place wrapped fish onto a plank or sheet pan and top with another plank or pan. Weigh with a heavy phone book or a brick or two and refrigerate for 12 hours. Flip the fish over and refrigerate another 12 hours. Some juice will leak out during the process so make sure there's a place for the runoff to gather. Unwrap fish and rinse off the cure with cold water. Pat salmon with paper towels then place in a cool, dry place (not the refrigerator) until the surface of the fish is dry and matte-like, 1 to 3 hours depending on humidity. A fan may be used to speed the process. Smoke fish (see Note) over smoldering hardwood chips or sawdust, keeping the temperature inside the smoker between 150 degrees F and 160 degrees F until the thickest part of the fish registers 150 degrees. Serve immediately or cool to room temperature, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Cook's Note: Trout, mackerel, and bluefish also smoke well.

SMOKY AND SPICY ROASTED SALMON

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 450 degrees. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and place them in an ovenproof baking dish large enough to hold them without crowding.
• In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, mustard powder, paprika, chili powder, pepper and garlic powder; mix well with a fork.
• Sprinkle the spice rub over the fillets, then turn them, pressing gently, to coat all sides with the rub. Brush the fillets all over with the olive oil.
• Roast the salmon for 12 to 14 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until it flakes easily and is just cooked in the center. Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle lightly with salt and serve.

SMOKY OUTDOOR SALMON

Steps:

• Grind all the ingredients, except the fish, in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle and rub the mixture onto the nonskin surface of the fillets.
• Water-smoke for an hour.