How long do you dry brine smoked salmon?

The ideal dry brining time ranges from 8 to 12 hours for fillets about 1 inch thick. Thinner cuts may need just 4–6 hours. Over-brining can lead to overly salty salmon, so stick to the timeline for best results.

Is it better to wet brine or dry brine salmon?

For flavor, texture, and simplicity, dry brining is the better method . It produces firmer, richer, and more flavorful salmon without excess water content that comes with wet brining.

What is the ratio of salt to sugar in dry brine?

The classic ratio is 3 parts kosher salt to 2 parts brown sugar . This blend balances saltiness with a mild sweetness, enhancing the salmon without overwhelming it.

Do you rinse off dry brine before smoking?

Yes, in most cases. Rinsing off the dry brine gently under cold water prevents the salmon from being overly salty and removes excess sugar or spice that could burn during smoking.

Is 1 hour dry brine enough?

Only for very thin fillets (less than ¼ inch). For standard cuts, 1 hour isn’t enough to properly cure or flavor the salmon. Aim for at least 6–8 hours for effective results.

How long to smoke salmon at 225?

At 225°F, you should smoke salmon for 1 to 2 hours , depending on thickness. It's done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the flesh flakes easily.

Smoked Salmon Dry Brine – The Best 9-Step Method You’ll Ever Need

Name: Smoked Salmon Dry Brine
Prep time: 12 h
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 14 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb skin-on salmon fillet (center-cut preferred); 3 tablespoons kosher salt; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon black pepper (optional); 1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill (optional); 1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest (optional)

Description

This smoked salmon dry brine recipe uses a simple salt and sugar cure to deliver rich flavor and perfect texture. Ideal for homemade smoked salmon with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb skin-on salmon fillet (center-cut preferred)
3 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill (optional)
1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest (optional)

Instructions

Rinse the salmon fillet under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Mix the kosher salt and brown sugar in a small bowl. Add pepper, dill, or citrus zest if desired.
Sprinkle a thin layer of the dry brine in a non-metal container.
Lay the salmon skin-side down on the brine layer. Rub the remaining dry brine mixture evenly over the flesh.
Cover loosely with parchment or foil and refrigerate for 8–12 hours.
After curing, rinse the salmon gently under cold water to remove excess brine. Pat dry thoroughly.
Place salmon on a wire rack and air-dry in the refrigerator for 2–4 hours until a tacky pellicle forms.
Smoke the salmon at 225°F for 1.5 to 2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Let cool and serve or refrigerate.

Notes

Use coarse kosher salt only—avoid iodized or table salt.
You may add other herbs or spices to customize the flavor.
For longer storage, vacuum seal and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for 2–3 months.

Prep Time: 12 hours
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Seafood, Appetizers
Method: Smoking
Cuisine: American, BBQ

Keywords: smoked salmon dry brine, dry brine for salmon, smoked fish brine, salmon dry cure, homemade smoked salmon