Plank Smoked Salmon With Sake Brine Wasabi Mayonnaise Recipes

CEDAR PLANK-SMOKED SALMON

Steps:

• Brine the fish: Combine the brown sugar, salt, 1 teaspoon pepper and 4 cups water in a large bowl. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve. Add the salmon and weigh down with a can or skillet to keep it submerged. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
• Soak the wood chips and cedar plank in water 1 hour, then prepare your grill for smoking.
• About 30 minutes before smoking, remove the salmon from the refrigerator; drain and pat dry. Place the salmon, skin-side down, on the cedar plank and season with salt and pepper. Top with the lemon slices and thyme sprigs. Let stand at room temperature to dry out, 30 minutes.
• Once the grill reaches 250 degrees F, place the plank with the salmon on the cooler side of the grill. Close the grill and let smoke until golden and just cooked through, about 20 minutes. If using a gas grill, turn off the flame and let the fish sit 10 more minutes (this is not necessary if using charcoal; it imparts more smoky flavor). Remove from the grill and serve hot or at room temperature.

CEDAR PLANK-SMOKED SALMON

Steps:

• Preheat the smoker to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Combine butter, garlic, 3 sprigs dill, and salt in a heat-proof dish. Place in the smoker until butter is melted and infused with flavor, at least 20 minutes. Remove from the smoker.
• Lay salmon on the plank of wood. Brush salmon with the flavored butter. Season with salt and pepper. Place in the smoker and close the door.
• Cook salmon until easily flaked with a fork, about 40 minutes. Check at 10-minute intervals and baste with butter.
• Serve garnished with lemon slices, remaining dill, and remaining flavored butter.