Smoked Fish Dry Rub Recipes

THE BEST DRY RUB FOR FISH AND SEAFOOD

Steps:

• Mix: Place all the spices in an airtight glass jar and shake gently to combine.
• Store: Store for up to 2 years.

SMOKED SALMON BRINE

Steps:

• 1. Mix all ingredients together well. I use a fork to make sure everything is stirred together well.
• 2. Can use it right away or store in an airtight container.
• 3. HOW TO DRY BRINE AND SMOKE YOUR SALMON.
• 4. Cut salmon into fillet-size pieces (about the size of your hand or palm. Leave the skin on and rinse well under cold water.
• 5. Drain and pat as dry as possible with paper towels. Place salmon, skin-side-down in a plastic tray (I use a meat lug). You'll want something with high sides to hold all the moisture that will be drawn out of the fish.
• 6. Completely cover the salmon with the dry brine mixture. Be sure to pat mix around the sides as well. You want to cover up as much of the meat as possible. Cover the tray/fish with plastic wrap and let sit in the fridge or a very cold place for 24 hours.
• 7. Remove plastic wrap and thoroughly rinse fish under cold water. Remove as much of the brine as possible from the fish. Dry the fillets with paper towels (you want it as dry as possible). Let sit on a tray for 2-3 hours or until a sticky pellicle can be seen/felt on the skin of the fish.
• 8. Bring the smoker up to 200 degrees. Use ONLY alder wood chips when smoking fish. Get the smoker smoking and, working quickly, put the trays of fish in the smoker. Smoke for 2 hours and allow the temperature to come down to 70 or below.

SMOKED FISH DRY RUB

Steps:

• Mix equal parts (for this recipe two cups each) white sugar, brown sugar, and kosher salt. This exact salt is important! Do not try to substitute other salt types. Add fresh coarsely ground black pepper, crumbled bay leaf, and chopped garlic. Put a thin layer of the dry rub on the bottom of a pan. Put fish in pan and thoroughly cover each filet. For larger amounts, the fish can be stacked one on top of the other, with adequate rub between the layers, completely covered. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours. This time is important. Remove, rinse thoroughly, pat dry, and smoke as usual.

BASIC FISH CURE (BBQ RUB)

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a small bowl with your fingers.
• If using as a seasoning, just sprinkle on the fish before grilling.
• If using as a true rub (which will season and start to cure the fish), sprinkle on the fish and rub with your fingers. Let sit for 2 hours up to a day in advance prior to grilling.
• NOTE: This rub will keep for at least 6 months if kept in an airtight jar away from heat and light.