DIY hot smoked salmon

For an entree idea using this hot smoked salmon, I sauteed some potatoes in advance and flashed them in a hot oven just before serving to save time. Place some potatoes on the plate first then a couple of pieces of hot smoked salmon, a few lightly dressed salad leaves and finish with another piece of salmon on top. Top it all with a spoon of creme fraiche and a drizzle of new season olive oil. Easy!

Ingredients

1 ⅔ kgs	Salmon, skin on (Main)
3 cups	Soft brown sugar
½ cup	Salt
1 Ltr	Water, cold
1 ½ cups	Woodchips, manuka

Directions

1. Place salmon, skin side up in a plastic container large enough to accommodate the salmon. (Cut the salmon in half if necessary)
2. To make the brine, whisk sugar, salt and water together in a bowl and pour over the salmon. Cover container with lid or plastic wrap and place in fridge overnight or a minimum of 3 hours.
3. Place a sheet of aluminium foil in the bottom of a stainless steel smoker (available at most camping or hardware stores) and sprinkle 1½ cups manuka woodchips evenly over the foil.
4. Remove salmon from brine and place skin side down on a smoking rack in the smoker.
5. Cover smoker with lid and place over a medium-high gas flame on your barbecue, or place smoker on the ground outside and light a small dish of methylated spirits underneath.
6. Place a weight on top of the lid to prevent too much smoke escaping if required.
7. Smoke for 12-15 minutes until salmon is just cooked and able to be flaked.
8. Remove salmon from the smoker. Remove pin-bones with tweezers. Turn salmon over and remove skin and the blood-line.
9. Best eaten on the day, otherwise refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.