Smoked Mullet

Borders

I have some fresh mullet that I'd like to make taste like the classic smoked mullet. I've got time, temp and wood figured out. I'm wondering about seasoning. Any thoughts or experience? Thanks,
Scott

QBabe

Borders,[p]I have no idea how to do that, but am willing to be a taste tester! I LOVE smoked mullet dip and if you do figure it out, could you PLEASE do it for the Florida Eggfest in March?[p]MMMMMMmmmmmm,
Tonia

Borders

QBabe, I'll make it a priority.[p]Scott

djm5x9

Borders:[p]For traditional Florida smoked seafood "Florida Cracker Style" Ted Dahlem from St. Petersburg has some interesting thoughts regarding smoking fish.[p]He says NEVER scale mullet as the scales, skin, and oil insulate the meat of the fish to smoke, not cook. The better woods (in your area) to smoke fish with are buttonwood, mangrove, and baywood. Smoke at 115º till the fish are golden brown and they are done. Season with salt initially and a second time after brushing off the resulting juice. Once the fish begins to color, brush with melted butter and resalt. Baste with butter and resalt again a time or two as needed. The salt brings out the flavor of this fish.[p]True smoking of this fish requires a smoker or ceramic cookers in tandem to maintain a 115º temperature through the cook.[p]Please share your results . . .

Borders

djm5x9, that's good stuff. My mullet is not scaled and I have a ceramic smoker. I know that Ted Peter's, a local mullet have uses only red oak, and so will I. I'll follow these thoughts for sure and let you know. Thanks,
Scott

djm5x9

Borders:[p]In his book, Ted says hickory, oak, citrus, etc., are not desireable for fish as they give off a sharp, somewhat bitter flavor. Mr. Peters could get around this by introducing just a little oak smoke for flavor, but not over doing it. You may want to experiment a little . . .
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Borders

djm5x9, I spent an hour in the Peter's smokehouse talking to the chefs. Their entire operation, fire, heat and smoke is run on red oak. I saw both the fires and the wood.
Your information concerns me. No need to use oak when I have so many other options. Thanks for the input. I'm getting things warmed up right now.
By the way, did you really mean 115 degrees?

djm5x9

Borders:[p]Ted says the smoking he does is not cold smoking - around 90º but at the 115º range. I always thought this type of smoking was done in the 120º to 140º range. Sounds like time for experimentation! Just remember that this cooked product must be refrigerated and it can be frozen.
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MR H

Borders,
To me oak makes mullett a bit bitter and strong. I have never used mountain alder but it seems to be a milder and sweeter wood.
Good luck
Howard in Bartow

Borders

MR H, thanks bro. See my post above, I used very little red oak, and the alder was good.
Scott[p]PS Bucs 0-1

gary

djm5x9,
Thanks for the tip!