Description
This smoked salmon recipe delivers tender, flavorful fish infused with a subtle smoky aroma from a wood pellet grill. The Dijon mustard and dry rub create a beautifully seasoned crust while smoking at a low temperature ensures moist and flaky salmon. Perfect as a sophisticated appetizer or a main course paired with a refreshing lemon dill yogurt sauce.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 8 oz. salmon fillet
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2-3 teaspoons dry rub (your choice of seasoning blend)
Serving Suggestion
- Lemon dill yogurt sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Wood Pellet Grill: Turn the wood pellet grill to the smoke setting to begin preheating and generating smoke for flavor infusion.
- Apply Dijon Mustard: Rub the flesh side of the salmon thoroughly with 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, making sure to cover all sides, including the edges, to help the dry rub adhere and add moisture.
- Season with Dry Rub: Sprinkle 2-3 teaspoons of your chosen dry rub evenly across the mustard-coated flesh, creating a thin, uniform layer for enhanced flavor.
- Place on Grill: Position the salmon fillet on the grill grate with the skin side down, then adjust the temperature to 225°F to set the smoking environment.
- Smoke the Salmon: Allow the salmon to smoke for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F at the thickest part, ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm accompanied by a lemon dill yogurt sauce for a bright, creamy contrast.
Notes
- Use a reliable meat thermometer to check the salmon’s internal temperature for perfect doneness.
- Adjust the amount and type of dry rub based on personal preference for spice and flavor.
- Letting the salmon rest after smoking helps redistribute juices for a moist texture.
- Experiment with different wood pellets like apple or cherry to vary the smoky flavor.
- Lemon dill yogurt sauce adds freshness but can be substituted or omitted if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American