Best Sugar And Spice Brined Salmon Recipes

BROWN SUGAR SPICED SALMON

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
• In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, chile powder, salt and pepper. Put the salmon on the baking sheet. Evenly distribute the sugar-spice mixture over the top of the fillets.
• Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness and desired doneness.

SALMON BRINE THAT'S OH-SO-FINE

Steps:

• Place peppercorns in a plastic bag and seal. Crush peppercorns on a work surface using a rolling pin.
• Combine water, crushed peppercorns, salt, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, white sugar, jalapeno peppers, garlic, and onion powder in a large bowl; stir until sugars and salt dissolve completely.

BROWN SUGAR-CURED SALMON

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.

SUGAR-AND-SPICE BRINED SALMON

Steps:

• 1. At least 2 hours and up to 8 hours before you plan to smoke the fish, combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Place the salmon in a plastic bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over it, and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Leave it longer to intensify the seasoning.
• 2. Prepare the smoker for barbecuing, bringing the temperature to 180°F to 200°F.
• 3. Remove the salmon from the refrigerator, and drain it, reserving the marinade if you plan to baste the fish. Leave any clinging spices on the surface of the salmon. Let the fish sit uncovered at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes.
• 4. If you are using the marinade as a mop, stir the brine together with 1 cup water in a small saucepan and boil vigorously for a few minutes.
• 5. Transfer the salmon to the smoker, skin side down. Cook for 45 to 55 minutes, mopping it after 10 and 30 minutes in a wood-burning pit, or as appropriate for your style of smoker. Have a large spatula and a platter ready for taking the salmon off the smoker, since it will be fragile when done. We prefer to serve the salmon with some of the whole spices clinging to it. The fish can be eaten immediately or refrigerated and later served chilled. If you are using the fresh dill, arrange it on a serving platter. Top the dill with the salmon, and serve.