Today we are cooking up some pellet grill smoked salmon. Whether you have a Pit Boss, Z Grills, Traeger or other wood pellet grill, you’ll enjoy this article.
- Pellet Grill Smoked Salmon Guide
- Pellet Grill Smoked Salmon Ingredients
- Pellet Grill Smoked Salmon Method
- Instructions for Pellet Grill Smoked Salmon
- Pellet Grill Smoked Salmon Tips
- Additional Tips for Smoking Salmon on a Pellet Grill
- Storing Pellet Grill Smoked Salmon
- Conclusion
- How To Serve Smoked Salmon
- FAQ’s About Pellet Grill Smoked Salmon
- How Long Should I Smoke Salmon at 225F?
- What is the Best Temperature to Cook Salmon on a Pellet Grill?
- What Woods Are Best for Smoking Salmon?
Pellet Grill Smoked Salmon Guide
Pellet grill smoked salmon is a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal. It is also a great way to use up leftover salmon fillets.
There are many benefits to smoking salmon on a pellet grill.
First, it is a very easy process.
Second, it produces a delicious, smoky flavour that is hard to achieve with other cooking methods.
Third, it is a healthy way to cook salmon because the low temperature helps to preserve the healthy nutrients in the fish e.g. Omega 3 oils.
Pellet Grill Smoked Salmon Ingredients
- 1 (1-pound) salmon fillet, skin on
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon your favourite herbs and spices (e.g. dill or freshly chopped fennel tops or substitute crushed fennel seeds)
Pellet Grill Smoked Salmon Method
- Preheat your pellet grill to 225 degrees Fahrenheit (107C)
- Season the salmon fillet with salt, pepper, and your favourite herbs and spices e.g. dill or fennel
- Place the salmon fillet on the pellet grill, skin side down.
- Smoke the salmon for 3-4 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63C)
- Let the smoked salmon rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Smoked salmon is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion. It can be served on its own, as part of a bagel breakfast with cream cheese, or as part of a larger meal.
Here are some additional ingredients that you may want to use when smoking salmon on a pellet grill:
- Honey: Honey can be used to add a sweet flavor to the smoked salmon -salmon takes on sweetness wellu
- Lemon juice: Lemon juice can be used to add a tart and citrusy flavour to the smoked salmon.
- Garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used to add a garlicky flavor to the smoked salmon.
- Onion powder: Onion powder can be used to add a an extra delicious onion flavor to the smoked salmon.
When choosing ingredients, it is important to keep in mind the flavour profile that you are trying to achieve. For example, if you want a more mildly flavoured smoked salmon, you may want to use less herbs and spices. If you want a more flavourful smoked salmon, you may want to hit up some more pungent herbs and spices.
The ingredients listed above are just a starting point. You can experiment with different ingredients to find the perfect combination for your own palate and that of your guests.
Instructions for Pellet Grill Smoked Salmon
To smoke salmon on a pellet grill, follow these steps:
- Preheat your pellet grill to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Season the salmon fillet with salt, pepper, and your favourite BBQ seasoning – we like Blonde Mermaid BBQ Fish Rub but see below for a homemade BBQ rub that goes well with salmon.
- Place the salmon fillet on the pellet grill, skin side down.
- Smoke the salmon for 3-4 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63C)
- Let the smoked salmon rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pellet Grill Smoked Salmon Tips
- Use good quality salmon fillets. The best salmon fillets for smoking are wild-caught, skin-on fillets because they aren’t farmed and have had a good life
- Prepare the salmon fillets by removing any bones or pin bones. Rinse the fillets and pat them dry.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and your favourite herbs and spices.
- Smoke the salmon fillets at a low temperature, around 225 degrees Fahrenheit (107C)
- Smoke the salmon fillets for 3-4 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit
- Let the smoked salmon fillets rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Additional Tips for Smoking Salmon on a Pellet Grill
- Use the smoke setting on your pellet grill for extra smokiness. This will help to enhance the smoky flavour that is characteristic of smoked salmon.
- If you don’t have a pellet grill, you can smoke salmon in an oven. Preheat your oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit (107C) and place the salmon fillet on a baking sheet. Smoke the salmon for 3-4 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63C).
- To test if the salmon is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet. The salmon is done when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63C).
- Let the smoked salmon rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the salmon to retain its moisture, and reabsorb the juices into the tissues of the fish
- Smoked salmon can be served on its own, as part of a bagel breakfast, or as part of a larger meal.
- Keep in mind that the best salmon fillets for smoking are wild-caught, skin-on fillets. Wild-caught salmon is more flavourful than farmed salmon, and the skin helps to protect the flesh from drying out.
- Before smoking, remove any bones or pin bones from the salmon fillets. Rinse the fillets and pat them dry.
Storing Pellet Grill Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Conclusion
Smoking salmon on a pellet grill is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy this popular fish. The low temperature of the pellet grill helps to preserve the nutrients in the salmon, while the smoke adds a rich, flavourful depth.
Here are some of the benefits of smoking salmon on a pellet grill:
- It is a healthy way to cook salmon, as the low temperature helps to preserve the nutrients in the fish.
- It is a delicious way to enjoy salmon, as the smoke adds a rich, flavourful depth.
- It is a relatively easy process, making it a great option for home cooks of all levels.
- It only takes 2-3 hours and produces great results
If you have never tried smoking salmon before, we would wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try. It is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for so many occasions!
How To Serve Smoked Salmon
- On a bagel with cream cheese and capers
- On a salad with avocado and lemon
- In a pasta dish with sun-dried tomatoes and olives
- As an appetizer with crackers and cheese
Related article
FAQ’s About Pellet Grill Smoked Salmon
How Long Should I Smoke Salmon at 225F?
At 225F (107C) it will take around 3-4 hours to smoke salmon. More importantly, the internal temperature should be 145F (63C), regardless of timings.
What is the Best Temperature to Cook Salmon on a Pellet Grill?
225F (or 107C) is an effective temperature to cook salmon slow and low, while preserving the Omega 3 oils and other nutrients. At this temperature it will take 3-4 hours to smoke salmon.
What Woods Are Best for Smoking Salmon?
If you like a bold smoke flavour aim for oak or hickory. If you prefer a milder smoke flavour apple, cherry or alder all pair well with salmon.
Related Article