Whole small salmon

schneep · August 29, 2009, 07:35:46 AM

We were out on Lake Michigan and we caught some king salmon, I have never smoked any, but have checked out the threads about how, but I still have a question. I saved a couple smaller ones, 5lbs each ready to go, I would like to do these whole, but all the threads show small pieces or fillets.

What is the best way to proceed here, I would like to do them this weekend and prefer hot smoke as I have never done a cold and don't want to attempt with something new.

FLBentRider · August 29, 2009, 08:32:30 AM

I've never done them whole.

I've hot smoked fillets, and done the Kummok's salmon in the pieces.

I think the smaller pieces is for more even cooking.

I don't see why you couldn't smoke it whole, as long as it fits.

danattherock · August 29, 2009, 08:53:10 AM

A bit off subject, but perhaps something you would enjoy reading. This is a link to a forum post on the Outdoorsdirectory, an all Alaska outdoors forum. This is from the "Pantry" forum. Lots of good info there on smoking salmon. Below is one such thread....

http://forums.outdoorsdirectory.com/showthread.php?t=5127

.

schneep · August 29, 2009, 11:07:01 AM

Thanks for the info, I have decided to fillet them, (they are small) I will be using the brine found here, and will post pics when done

Hopefull Romantic · August 29, 2009, 12:23:13 PM

This post might be a bit late for you but I have done half a salmon in my smoker which was more than 5 pounds for the half.

I have done the normal forum brine and rinsed it well. I hung it below the top rack by an SS food grade S shaped hook. It came out perfect. Just a word of caution, hang it from its tail and try to center the hook right below the tail in the middle. I have tried it hung from the mouth but the jaws gave in after a while and it fell.

HR

schneep · August 31, 2009, 12:44:30 PM

Filleted them and used Kummok's recipe and all I can say is OMG!! Turned out just like candy.

http://s94.photobucket.com/albums/l93/schneep/Smokin%20salmon/

OU812 · August 31, 2009, 03:32:09 PM

schneep, nice looking fillet's, not to big , not to small, just the way i like it.

All this talk about salmon is making me want some.

Tenpoint5 · August 31, 2009, 09:25:18 PM

Great looking Fillets Schneep!!

Friendly suggestion when ramping up your temp maybe do it slower. to avoid the dreaded "White Buggers" (Fats and Oils) I would still eat that salmon if it was here. The Buggers are a cosmetic thing.