Best Easy Smoked Salmon Recipe with Masterbuilt Smoker

Why Make This Recipe

Smoked salmon is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether it’s for brunch, a light lunch, or a fancy dinner, homemade smoked salmon elevates any meal. Using a Masterbuilt smoker makes the process simple and fun. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that impresses family and friends. Plus, smoking salmon at home allows you to control the flavors and ensure the freshest taste.

How to Make Best Easy Smoked Salmon Recipe with Masterbuilt Smoker

Ingredients

• 2-3 lbs fresh salmon fillets
• ¼ cup kosher salt
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
• Wood chips
• Olive oil or butter for basting (optional)

Directions

1. If using a wet brine, mix equal parts kosher salt, brown sugar, and cold water in a large bowl. Submerge your salmon fillets in the brine for 1-2 hours, making sure they are fully covered.
2. In a small bowl, mix kosher salt, brown sugar, black pepper, and garlic powder. Rub this mixture all over the salmon fillets, then cover and refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat your Masterbuilt Smoker to 225°F (107°C). Add your choice of wood chips to the smoker tray.
4. After brining, remove the salmon from the brine or dry rub and pat it dry with paper towels. If desired, brush the top of the salmon fillets lightly with olive oil or melted butter for extra moisture and flavor.
5. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the smoker rack. Arrange them in a single layer with space between each fillet for proper smoke circulation.
6. Smoke the salmon at 225°F (107°C) for 1.5 to 2.5 hours, based on the thickness of the fillets. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.
7. Once the salmon reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 5 minutes. Optionally, drizzle with maple syrup or garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon.

How to Serve Best Easy Smoked Salmon Recipe with Masterbuilt Smoker

Smoked salmon is perfect on its own or as part of a larger meal. You can serve it on a bagel with cream cheese, alongside a fresh salad, or as a topping for crackers. Pair it with fresh vegetables or dip it with your favorite sauce. It also makes a great addition to a charcuterie board.

How to Store Best Easy Smoked Salmon Recipe with Masterbuilt Smoker

Store any leftover smoked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the smoked salmon by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Tips to Make Best Easy Smoked Salmon Recipe with Masterbuilt Smoker

• Always use fresh salmon for the best flavor.
• Experiment with different wood chips, like hickory or applewood, to add unique flavors to your salmon.
• Don’t overcrowd the smoker; make sure there’s enough space between fillets for smoke to circulate.
• Check the salmon early to avoid overcooking.

Variation

You can customize this recipe by adding different spices to the rub or trying citrus zest for a fresh flavor. You may also swap out the maple syrup for honey for a different sweetness.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before brining or smoking.

2. What can I use if I don’t have a smoker?
If you don’t have a smoker, you can use a grill with a smoke box or try the oven method to get a similar flavor.

3. How do I know when the salmon is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can also look for a flaky texture as an indicator of doneness.

Best Easy Smoked Salmon Recipe with Masterbuilt Smoker

This recipe guides you through making delicious smoked salmon using a Masterbuilt smoker, perfect for a flavorful and easy meal or appetizer. The salmon is brined for maximum flavor and moisture, then slowly smoked to perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 12 hours hrs

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 16 hours hrs

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs Salmon fillets skin-on, pin bones removed
• 1/2 cup Brown sugar packed
• 1/4 cup Kosher salt
• 1 tbsp Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Garlic powder
• Smoker wood chips Apple or cherry

Equipment

• Masterbuilt Smoker
• Large mixing bowl
• Non-reactive dish
• Wire rack
• Meat thermometer

Method

 

Brining the Salmon

1. Prepare the brine by combining brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl.
2. Coat the salmon fillets evenly with the brine mixture, ensuring all surfaces are covered.
3. Place the brined salmon in a non-reactive dish, cover, and refrigerate for 12 hours, turning once halfway through.
4. After brining, rinse the salmon thoroughly under cold water to remove excess brine, then pat dry with paper towels.
5. Place the salmon on a wire rack and air-dry in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours, or until a pellicle forms.

Smoking the Salmon

1. Preheat your Masterbuilt smoker to 225°F (107°C) and add your desired wood chips.
2. Place the salmon fillets directly on the smoker racks, ensuring even spacing.
3. Smoke the salmon for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), adding wood chips as needed.
4. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the smoker and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, ensure your salmon develops a good pellicle before smoking, as this helps the smoke adhere and creates a better texture. Apple or cherry wood chips provide a mild, sweet flavor that pairs well with salmon.