Description
Reshape your kitchen scene into a gourmet smokehouse with this foolproof smoked cod recipe. This recipe blends traditional smoking methods with modern flavors that create an impressive yet achievable dish.
The recipe yields cod with a golden exterior and flaky, moist interior perfectly. A simple brine and careful temperature control will help you create restaurant-quality smoked cod at home. The entire process spans a few hours but needs minimal attention.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh cod filets
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup ginger ale
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together some water, ginger ale, soy sauce, sugar, garlic powder, and ground ginger until everything’s nicely dissolved – this will be your tasty marinade!
- Pop your cod into the marinade, cover it up, and let it chill in the fridge for about an hour to soak up all those delicious flavors.
- When you’re ready to cook, take the fish out and gently pat it dry with some paper towels.
- Get your smoker warmed up to 180°F – this is the perfect temperature for smoking your cod.
- Place your cod on the smoker grates and let it smoke for 2-3 hours, until your food thermometer shows it’s reached 140°F inside.
- Give your fish a few minutes to rest – during this time, it’ll reach its perfect final temperature of 145°F. Then you’re all set to enjoy!
Notes
– Wild cod offers better taste and texture
– The marinade time should not exceed one hour to prevent over-salting
– Mild woods like alder, apple, or cherry work best for smoking
– The smoker’s temperature stays consistent with a closed lid
– The filet’s thickest part indicates the correct internal temperature
The smoked cod’s readiness shows when it flakes easily with a fork and displays a beautiful golden color. The flesh should stay moist and appear opaque throughout.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American