Making Your Own Hot-Smoked Salmon Is Easier Than You Think—Here's How

Serious Eats

I want to try this

While delicate fish can be daunting to cook on a grill or in a smoker because it’s prone to sticking to grill grates, tearing, and overcooking, salmon’s relatively high fat content and firm flesh mean it holds up well when cooked on a grill or in a smoker. And, as I’ll outline below, hot smoking is also easier than cold smoking, making hot-smoked salmon a great—and surprisingly easy—dish when you want to treat yourself and your family or guests. It’s even relatively economical, especially when you compare home-smoked salmon to store-bought smoked salmon or lox. Here’s everything you need to know about making hot-smoked salmon at home.