{"id":3410,"date":"2021-09-06T10:02:56","date_gmt":"2021-09-06T02:02:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meatsmokinghq.com\/?p=3410"},"modified":"2023-01-08T00:11:39","modified_gmt":"2023-01-07T16:11:39","slug":"how-to-smoke-fish-in-an-electric-smoker-including-smoked-salmon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meatsmokinghq.com\/how-to-smoke-fish-in-an-electric-smoker-including-smoked-salmon\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Smoke Fish in an Electric Smoker (Including Smoked Salmon)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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We know smoke and salmon are a magnificent combination, but care needs to be taken with other types of fish because the smoke flavor can be overpowering. Electric smokers produce less smoke than other types of smokers, which makes them perfect for smoking fish. I wanted to find how to hot and cold smoke salmon and other fish, so I asked some of the best pitmasters for some fish smoking advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can either hot or cold smoke fish\/salmon in an electric smoker, and it will take about 1 hour at 220\u00b0F, or around 5 hours at 180\u00b0F. The taste and texture of the fish will be different depending on the temperature. Brining the fish prior to smoking will enhance the flavor by using a wet or dry brine. Fish has a delicate flesh, so wood selection is important. Be careful not to overpower the fish with strong flavored smoking wood, instead use a mild smoking wood such as alder, pecan or any of the fruitwood<\/strong> varieties. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most smoked fish recipes will recommend a temperature range between 170\u00b0F and 220\u00b0F.<\/strong> As always, the best approach is to experiment and see what suits your taste. Some people find the taste and texture of the fish is better when cooked lower in the 170\u00b0F to 180\u00b0F range. However, it will take several hours to cook in the lower range and also carries some risk for bacterial growth. Whenever meat is cooked below 200\u00b0F, it will enter the \u2018danger-zone\u2019 for microbial growth. Obviously, if you want to cook the fish faster, cook it at the higher temperature (220\u00b0F) because it will be done in an hour or so, and it is much safer. As with smoking anything, experiment with different temps, try a variety of techniques and keep a journal until you find a method that suits your taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The time it takes to smoke fish in an electric smoker can also be affected by the type of fish you are smoking. For example, a dense and thick fish like salmon will take longer to smoke than a thin and delicate fish like trout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s important to keep an eye on the internal temperature of the fish as it smokes, using a meat thermometer to ensure that it has reached a safe internal temperature of 145\u00b0F.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s also a good idea to check the fish periodically to make sure it is cooking evenly. If the skin is getting too dark, you can cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.<\/p>\n\n\n\nKey Points<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Method<\/th> Temperature<\/th> Time<\/th> Additional Notes<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Hot Smoke<\/td> 220\u00b0F<\/td> 1 hour<\/td> <\/td><\/tr> Cold Smoke<\/td> 180\u00b0F<\/td> 5 hours<\/td> <\/td><\/tr> Brining<\/td> <\/td> 2 hours (dry) or varies (wet)<\/td> Enhances flavor; dry brining involves sprinkling kosher salt onto the fish and leaving it in the refrigerator for 2 hours, while wet brining involves soaking the fish in a solution of salt and water<\/td><\/tr> Smoking<\/td> Preheat electric smoker to desired temperature<\/td> Until internal temperature of 145\u00b0F is reached<\/td> Place fish on racks, add wood chips to tray, and check regularly with meat thermometer<\/td><\/tr> Resting<\/td> <\/td> 10-15 minutes<\/td> Allow fish to rest before serving<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n The Best Temperature for Smoking Fish\/Salmon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Long Does It Take to Smoke Fish?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n