CANDIED SALMON - MAKE IT AT HOME

CANDIED SALMON - MAKE IT AT HOME is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 260 calories per serving. Recipe by Lovin Off The Land on YouTube.

Prep: 24 hrs | Cook: 6 hrs | Total: 30 hrs 30 min

Cost: $49.53 total, $12.38 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces (about 1 lb total) Coho Salmon Fillet (skin left on for easier handling)
  • 1 cup Kosher Salt (for brine)
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar (divided: half for brine, half for glaze)
  • 4 teaspoons Garlic Powder (adds subtle savory depth)
  • 1/4 cup Gin (adds a botanical note to the brine)
  • 375 ml Water (enough to fully cover salmon in the bag)
  • 1/2 cup Maple Syrup (real or imitation, for glaze)
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (for glaze (combined with maple syrup))
  • 2 cups Cherry Wood Chips (for smoking; can substitute apple or hickory)

Instructions

  1. Slice the Salmon

    Place the salmon fillet on a cutting board, cut lengthwise down the middle, then cut each half into strips about 1‑2 inches wide. Keep the skin on for now.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Prepare the Brine

    In a mixing bowl combine 1 cup kosher salt, 1 cup brown sugar, 4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 cup gin, and 375 ml water. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Bag the Salmon and Add Brine

    Divide the salmon strips into two large Ziploc bags (so they’re not overcrowded). Pour half the brine into each bag, ensuring the fish is fully submerged.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Refrigerate to Cure

    Place the sealed bags on a tray, lay flat in the refrigerator. Every 2‑3 hours, flip the bags and gently massage to redistribute the brine.

    Time: PT24H

    Temperature: 4°C

  5. Prepare the Glaze

    While the salmon is curing, mix 1/2 cup maple syrup with 1/4 cup brown sugar in a small bowl until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Preheat the Smoker

    Set the smoker to a low temperature of about 225 °F (107 °C) using cherry wood chips. Allow it to stabilize for 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 225°F

  7. Arrange Salmon on Trays

    Remove the salmon from the brine, pat dry with paper towels, and lay strips skin‑side down on foil‑lined trays. This prevents drips and sticking.

    Time: PT10M

  8. First Smoke and Glaze

    Place trays in the smoker. After 2 hours, brush the salmon with half the glaze, rotate trays (bottom to top, top to bottom) to ensure even cooking.

    Time: PT2H

    Temperature: 225°F

  9. Second Glaze

    After another 2 hours, repeat the glazing step with the remaining glaze.

    Time: PT2H

    Temperature: 225°F

  10. Final Smoke

    Continue smoking for the last 2 hours without additional glaze. This finishes the candy‑like coating and develops a deep amber color.

    Time: PT2H

    Temperature: 225°F

  11. Rest and Serve

    Remove the salmon from the smoker, let rest on a cooling rack for 10 minutes, then slice into bite‑size pieces. Serve warm or at room temperature.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
260
Protein
22 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten‑Free

Allergens: Fish, Alcohol

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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CANDIED SALMON - MAKE IT AT HOME

Recipe by Lovin Off The Land

A sweet‑savory, gin‑infused candied salmon that’s brined for 24 hours, slow‑smoked for six hours, and glazed with maple‑brown‑sugar glaze. Perfect for a rustic appetizer or a protein‑rich snack.

MediumAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
29h
Prep
2h
Cook
3h 43m
Cleanup
34h 43m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$49.53
Total cost
$12.38
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Ensuring the salmon is fully submerged in the brine and the bag is airtight.
  • Flipping and rotating trays during smoking to achieve even caramelization.
  • Applying the glaze at the correct intervals to avoid burning.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw salmon with clean hands and sanitize all surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Use heat‑resistant gloves when working with the hot smoker.
  • Alcohol in the brine evaporates; ensure good ventilation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of hot smoked candied salmon in American coastal cuisine?

A

Candied salmon blends traditional New England salt‑cured fish with a sweet glaze, a technique that originated from early settlers who preserved fish with sugar and smoke. It’s now a popular backyard‑cooking staple for outdoor gatherings and fishing trips.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of candied salmon in the United States?

A

In the Pacific Northwest, maple syrup is often used; the South favors honey and brown sugar; while the Northeast may incorporate apple or cherry wood smoke and a splash of bourbon instead of gin.

cultural
Q

How is hot smoked candied salmon traditionally served in American outdoor cooking culture?

A

It’s typically presented on a wooden board with the skin removed, accompanied by crackers, cheese, or a simple green salad. It’s also served as a finger food at fishing trips and summer picnics.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is hot smoked candied salmon traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

It’s a favorite for summer barbecues, fishing outings, Fourth of July gatherings, and rustic brunches where a sweet‑savory seafood bite adds variety to the spread.

cultural
Q

What makes hot smoked candied salmon special or unique in American seafood cuisine?

A

The combination of a gin‑infused brine, slow low‑temperature smoking, and a maple‑brown‑sugar glaze creates a layered flavor profile—salty, sweet, smoky, and botanical—that’s rare in typical smoked fish preparations.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making hot smoked candied salmon?

A

Common errors include over‑salting the brine, overcrowding the bag so the fish isn’t fully submerged, smoking at too high a temperature which burns the glaze, and failing to rotate trays for even cooking.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a gin‑infused brine instead of a plain salt‑sugar brine?

A

Gin adds subtle botanical notes that complement the smoky flavor and balance the sweetness of the maple glaze, creating a more complex taste than a simple salt‑sugar brine.

technical
Q

Can I make hot smoked candied salmon ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. After smoking, let the salmon cool, then wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers for up to two months and reheat gently before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the candied salmon is done?

A

The fish should have a deep amber, caramelized surface, the skin should peel off easily, and the flesh should be opaque but still moist. The interior temperature should be around 140 °F (60 °C).

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Lovin Off The Land specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Lovin Off The Land focuses on outdoor cooking, wild‑food foraging, and simple, rustic recipes that can be prepared on a campsite or backyard smoker.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Lovin Off The Land's approach to American smoked fish differ from other cooking channels?

A

Lovin Off The Land emphasizes using locally caught fish, minimal equipment, and flavor‑boosting techniques like gin‑infused brines and wood‑chip variations, whereas many other channels rely on indoor ovens or pre‑processed fish.

channel

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