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smoking salmon

I hear that Alder wood is the best for smoking salmon. I can`t find any around here, what wood can I use instead?
Belleville, Michigan

Just burnin lump in Sumpter

Comments

  • SGH
    SGH Posts: 28,989
    If you are in a pinch you can usually find cedar planks at any Walmart. You can either cook on the planks or bust them up and use them as smoking wood in the lump bed. I know that's not the answer that you are looking for but it works great in a pinch nonetheless. Also I prefer cedar over alder. Just my preference my friend.

    Location- Just "this side" of Biloxi, Ms.

    Status- Standing by.

    The greatest barrier against all wisdom, the stronghold against knowledge itself, is the single thought, in ones mind, that they already have it all figured out. 

  • MeTed
    MeTed Posts: 800
    Thanks @SGH
    Belleville, Michigan

    Just burnin lump in Sumpter
  • SGH
    SGH Posts: 28,989
    @MeTed‌
    I may be in the minority on this but being from the Deep South I find that any of the white oaks yield par excellent results as well. Just be cautious and limit the amount of oak that you use as salmon absorbs smoke quite readily. Good luck my friend.

    Location- Just "this side" of Biloxi, Ms.

    Status- Standing by.

    The greatest barrier against all wisdom, the stronghold against knowledge itself, is the single thought, in ones mind, that they already have it all figured out. 

  • MeTed
    MeTed Posts: 800
    Thanks again @SGH I have plenty of white oak at work. I never thought about burning it but I will now.
    Belleville, Michigan

    Just burnin lump in Sumpter
  • SGH
    SGH Posts: 28,989
    @MeTed‌
    Oak is número uno for most things. You will not be disappointed with the out come.

    Location- Just "this side" of Biloxi, Ms.

    Status- Standing by.

    The greatest barrier against all wisdom, the stronghold against knowledge itself, is the single thought, in ones mind, that they already have it all figured out. 

  • MeTed
    MeTed Posts: 800
    @SGH Thanks again brother you are wealth of great information!
    Belleville, Michigan

    Just burnin lump in Sumpter
  • Botch
    Botch Posts: 17,397
    I used cheap cedar, which were all cut-offs from my buddy's fence, for quite awhile.
    Then I read somewhere that some fencing is chemically treated, so be wary of that.  

    "Dumplings are just noodles that have already eaten"   - Jon Kung

    Ogden, UT, USA


  • MeTed
    MeTed Posts: 800
    Thanks @Botch, I think I am going to try white oak instead.
    Belleville, Michigan

    Just burnin lump in Sumpter
  • pgprescott
    pgprescott Posts: 14,544
    I have tried the alder and it was good, but the cedar w Raging River is far away my favorite. FWIW, I wouldn't use oak or on delicate proteins like seafood or poultry, but that's my palate. Always be sure your products are food service approved.