Cold Smoked Salmon Recipe

Rather than pay an arm and a leg for a fancy package of lox or smoky salmon, my easy smoked salmon recipe shows you how to make it at home for a fraction of the cost. And with only 5 ingredients! Not only is it fabulous for breakfast, this delicious salmon is also a delight to serve as a chilled appetizer or use in other savory recipes.

📝 Ingredients

• 1 - 2 pounds whole salmon filet
• 1 - 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1/2 - 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Cooking oil for grates

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Preheat a wood pellet smoker (like a Traeger) to 180°F. Add your favorite type of wood pellets. I used applewood.
2. 2Place the salmon filet on a baking sheet and gently pat the surface with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
3. 3Sprinkle the salmon fillet with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then evenly sprinkle brown sugar over the top. Gently press the seasoning mix into the salmon. *If your salmon fillet is 1 pound, use the smaller portion of sugar and spices; if your salmon fillet is 2 pounds, use the higher proportion.
4. 4Once the smoker is hot, pour a small amount of cooking oil on a paper towel. Use tongs to hold the paper towel, and carefully wipe the smoker grates with oil so the salmon fillet doesn't stick. Move the salmon from the tray directly onto the grates. Close the smoker.