sockeye salmon ideas?

NDG

Got some wild sockeye salmon (just learned that ALL sockeye is wild) on sale, but not having any luck finding a recipe.  We made ribs this weekend, so my wife is requesting something "not so sweet" on the salmon.  This eliminates my normal way of doing salmon with dizzy pig raging river & maple syrup.  So any suggestions out there?  One last thing . . I have a alder plank soaking now, so hoping to use it.

Thievery

I use this rub from Williams-Sonoma:

• Kosher salt, paprika, crushed red pepper, chili pepper, oregano, basil, coriander, safflower oil.

I usually use it with a cedar plank, but I am sure the alder would be wonderful as well.

wbradking

I just season mine with kosher salt, cracked pepper, dill and cover in sliced lemon rounds.  Place on a 350* egg for about half an hour.  Did this last night with some couscous and a salad.  Nice, flavorful, light and heart healthy!

NDG

@wbradking . . do you use dried dill or fresh dill?  Thanks for the response.

wbradking

I use dried because that's what I have on hand.  

nolaegghead

Blackened salmon...then make a sauce - whiskey butter, creole tartar, an aeoli or something.  It's something special.

MO_Eggin

Try misting with a 50-50 mix of bourbon and water (ok, maybe more like 75 B - 25 W) in place of your typical maple syrup.  That, followed by raging river & jamaican firewalk, is my go to salmon combo.  Good luck.

Hotwingking

I know you said not sweet but, one of my favorites is Sweet Chili Sauce, Soy Sauce, and Fresh Ginger, always turns out great and it's not super sweet.

burr_baby33

Just a couple thoughts. I eat a lot of salmon. Sockeye is excellent. Do not overdo the spices. I have had sockeye raw. It does not need much. Get a nice salmon rub, maybe a little maple syrup. I saw someone suggest a little bourbon, it does go very well with the maple. Then put it on the egg. Do not overcook. Med rare color is perfect, 130 degrees.

North_Is_Up

Get a gallon plastic food storage bag that has a double lock closure

Put in 1 cup of salt and 1/2 cup of brown sugar.

Fill with water

Put in salmon - I can easily fit a 2 lb fillet

Let soak for 2 hours in fridge. Put in a second bag if you're concerned about leaking.

Remove salmon and rinse off well.

Smoke at 225 using cherry chunks for a beautiful mahogany color. 

Probably around 2 to 2.5 hours for a 2 pounder.

You'll taste the salt with only a slight hint of sweetness. 

Gogogordy

When it comes to salmon, I keep it simple: sea salt and white pepper. Direct grill. Never a complaint.

travisstrick

Marinate in brow sugar and soy.

Sear in cast iron with a little oil.

Top with a sauce made from mayo, lots of minced garlic, lots of lemon juice and a rub of choice.

Trust me, I know what I'm talking about.

NDG

wow - this is great bookmark for future salmon cooks.  Time got away from me this afternoon, so I will look into a brine and/or cast iron sear next time.  Tonight I am going with a little raging river and olive oil. I also have some lemon slices, rosemary sprigs and thyme sprigs . . .think that would go well laying on top with the rub/oil during the cook?

NDG

turned out great, thanks for help . . 

nolaegghead

Looks like you cooked it just right.  Ym

wbradking

Nice!

Skiddymarker

Nice cook. @wbradking has it right - sockeye does not need help. @Thievery suggests Potlatch and as you can see from the ingredient list, nothing is too strong. DP is too much for this fish, IMHO. 

Now if it is farmed fish or pinks or something, season the bejesus out of it. 

Sockeye is good as it is!