Between red states, blue states, Tea Parties, and healthcare reform, it’s hard to get anyone in America to agree on anything. Exceptions to this exist but are few and far between: Megan Fox is a terrible actress, but who cares; Michelangelo was the coolest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle; Brett Favre should stay retired; and Megan Fox is way to hot for that guy from Beverly Hills 90210.
This weekend presents America with one of these great unifiers: the Super Bowl. In a recent poll 78% of Americans say they plan to watch this year’s edition of the game. While this is great news for suppliers of football watching essentials: grocery stores, liquor stores, NFL licensees, it is terrible news for the cows, pigs, and chickens who will fill the bellies of football fans nationwide. This year I decided to spare the land dwelling animals and serve smoked salmon for the Super Bowl.
The first step I took in preparing to smoke the salmon was to brine the fish for and hour and half. The brine included water, salt, brown sugar, granulated garlic, and black pepper.
Brining the salmon
The fish was then placed skin-side down on the grilling surface to air dry for half an hour. A rub that included salt, brown sugar, granulated garlic, and onion powder was added to the fish right before it went into the cooker.
The cooker was fired up using alder wood chunks and the salmon was put on when it reached the target temperature of 240-250 degrees.
Dried, rubbed, and ready Onto the cooker
The fish cooked for three hours until it appeared dry and flaky. To test whether it was done, I cut into a piece and it pulled right off the skin and looked perfectly cooked.
This salmon is meant to be shared with friends for the Super Bowl, but it was impossible to resist tasting some. Overall it was delicious; the alder added a nice light smokiness that complimented the saltiness of the brine and rub. One thing to change for next time: the fish will be left in the brine a little longer and a more generous application of rub will be added.
Hot off the grill Eat up!