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A close-up shot of a gourmet open-faced sandwich, or tartine, featuring thin slices of cold smoked salmon on a piece of dark rye bread spread with cream cheese. It is garnished with fresh dill fronds and black pepper. Slices of red onion and radishes are visible in the background.

Cold Smoked Salmon How to Make It Perfectly at Home

By Nancy
Wondering how to prepare Cold Smoked Salmon? Get the recipe, curing tips, and storage advice for silky slices. Discover more now.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Curing 1 day
Total Time 1 day 2 hours 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine European, Scandinavian, American
Servings 8
Calories 117 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Fresh salmon fillet
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Peppercorns
  • Wood chips

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

  • Rinse the fillet, pat it dry, and remove pin bones. Trust me, no one wants a tiny bone ruining the experience.

Step 2: Create the Cure

  • Mix salt, sugar, and pepper. Rub generously all over the salmon. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a dish. Refrigerate.

Step 3: Flip and Wait

  • Halfway through curing (usually 24 hours in), flip the salmon. This helps redistribute the juices. (Apparently, skipping this makes it uneven.)

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

  • Remove salmon from cure, rinse under cold water, pat dry. Place on wire rack and let it air-dry until tacky — this is called the pellicle, and it’s what helps smoke stick.

Step 5: Cold Smoke the Salmon

  • Set smoker below 90°F. Add chosen wood chips. Smoke for 6–12 hours depending on how smoky you like it. To be honest with you, I usually go closer to 10.

Step 6: Rest, Slice, Enjoy

  • Refrigerate overnight before slicing. Cut thinly on a diagonal. Serve cold.

Notes

Nutritional Information

(per 100g, approx.)
  • Calories: 117
  • Protein: 18g
  • Fat: 4g (omega-3 rich)
  • Carbs: 0g
  • Sodium: varies depending on cure
  • Rich in vitamins B12, D, and selenium
Keyword smoked fish, brunch, holiday recipes, seafood, make ahead, party food, summer dish, healthy protein