Maple-Glazed Short Smoked Salmon
This Maple-Glazed Short Smoked Salmon is a remarkable dish that tantalizes the palate with its perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. Building off the inspiration from Sweetwater Tavern, this recipe transforms fresh salmon into an exquisite treat that will leave your guests raving. Paired with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and a zesty stone ground mustard-mayonnaise sauce, this dish will elevate any meal to a gourmet dining experience. With rich, smoky undertones perfectly balancing the sweetness of the maple glaze, each mouthful is simply to die for!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh salmon fillets
2 lbs (scaled with skin on, cut into 3-inch wide strips)
hot water
1/2 cup (for brine)
salt
1/4 lb (any type for brine)
white sugar
1/4 cup (for brine)
garlic powder
2 tbsp (for brine)
finely ground black pepper
2 tbsp (for brine)
cold water
1/2 gallon (for brine)
brown sugar or maple syrup
as desired (optional glaze)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maple-Glazed Short Smoked Salmon?
It is a gourmet dish featuring fresh salmon fillets that are brined and briefly smoked, then finished with a sweet maple or brown sugar glaze.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the flavors found at Sweetwater Tavern, focusing on a balance of sweet and smoky notes.
What kind of salmon should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of fresh salmon fillets, scaled with the skin left on.
How should the salmon fillets be prepared?
The salmon should be cut into strips that are approximately 3 inches wide.
Why is the skin left on the salmon?
Leaving the skin on helps protect the delicate fish during the brining and smoking process.
What is included in the brine?
The brine consists of hot water, salt, white sugar, garlic powder, finely ground black pepper, and a large amount of cold water.
How much salt is used in the brine?
The recipe requires 1/4 lb of salt for the brining solution.
What type of salt should I use?
Any type of salt can be used for the brine as specified in the recipe preparation.
How much sugar is in the brine?
The brine includes 1/4 cup of white sugar.
What spices are used to flavor the brine?
The brine is flavored with 2 tablespoons of garlic powder and 2 tablespoons of finely ground black pepper.
Why does the recipe use both hot and cold water for the brine?
Hot water (1/2 cup) is used to dissolve the salt, sugar, and spices, while cold water (1/2 gallon) is added to bring the volume up and cool the mixture for the fish.
What can I use for the maple glaze?
You can use either maple syrup or brown sugar as a glaze, depending on your preference.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 8 primary ingredients required to make this dish.
What sides are recommended for this salmon?
Roasted garlic mashed potatoes are highly recommended to pair with this dish.
Is there a specific sauce recommended?
A stone ground mustard-mayonnaise sauce is suggested to add a zesty contrast to the sweet glaze.
What is the flavor profile of the dish?
The dish features rich, smoky undertones balanced by a sweet maple glaze and savory brine.
Why is it called 'short smoked' salmon?
It refers to a shorter smoking duration which allows the salmon to retain its moisture while still absorbing smoky flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, it is described as an exquisite treat that is sure to leave guests raving.
Does the salmon need to be scaled?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the salmon fillets should be scaled.
What is the purpose of the garlic powder?
The 2 tablespoons of garlic powder in the brine provide an aromatic, savory base for the fish.
Can I use brown sugar instead of maple syrup?
Yes, the recipe lists brown sugar as an alternative to maple syrup for the optional glaze.
How much salmon does this recipe serve?
The recipe uses 2 lbs of salmon, which typically serves 4 to 6 people depending on portion sizes.
Is the black pepper ground finely?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of finely ground black pepper.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized as a gourmet seafood dish.
What makes this salmon 'to die for'?
The combination of the savory brine, the smoking process, and the sweet glaze creates a perfect flavor balance.
Is the brine preparation difficult?
No, it involves a simple process of dissolving ingredients in hot water and then diluting with cold water.
Can I make this if I don't have maple syrup?
Yes, brown sugar is a perfectly acceptable substitute for the glaze.
Are the salmon strips cut before or after brining?
The ingredients list suggests cutting the salmon into 3-inch strips as part of the initial preparation.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Key tags include smoked salmon, glazed salmon, brining, and gourmet meal.
Does this dish have a sweet taste?
Yes, the maple syrup or brown sugar glaze provides a delightful sweetness that complements the smokiness.