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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Second Glaze
After another 2 hours, repeat the glazing step with the remaining glaze.
Time: PT2H
Temperature: 225°F
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
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






