We went a fish'n (Homer, Metlakatla: storage, eat, best)

[megensmom]

Well the guy folks did and they each caught a King. Now I am new to cooking this fine fish so I come to you seasoned Alaskan cooks for recipes and suggestions on the best way to preserve our catch. Please share with me your tips,marinades,grill or other method of cooking tips.

[Rance]

Vaccume seal fillets then freeze...or jar/can for later use. Have you got a smoker? I prefer smoked and jarred for long term storage. Sugar cured smoked and jarred is like candy in mid winter.

As far as grilling...salmon steaks are great right on the grill, or wrap a fillet in foil along with some onion, butter and a dash of beer and place on the grill. Salmon cooks pretty quick.

[Trouthunter]

Some very wise cousins from Naknek showed me a method for preserving salmon and it has worked like a charm for me. I have had fish last 2 years in the freezer using this method.

1. When possible bleed the fish right after the catch (cut the gills) and keep it on ice.
2. De-scale the fish (gets rid of excess slime, and I believe future fishy stink and smell)
3. Filet or steak the salmon
4. Quick rinse the fish with very clean and cold water
5. Pat dry with paper towel (discard the towel when it is dirty or wet)
6. Wrap the fish in plastic wrap
7. Vacuum seal the fish.

This process really takes time and is messy, but if you are serious about packaging for future freshness it works. At least it has for my cousins and everyone that has tried this method. My wife is the best judge for this method though. She loves grilled salmon with just a bit of salt and pepper, but will not eat it if it isn’t completely fresh or prepared from the way above.

Good luck

[ecvMatt]

Some of the best salmon I have ever eaten was cooked in foil, on a fire on the Homer spit using only ramen seasoning, it was surprisingly delicious.

I used to smoke a lot of salmon, but was never very good at it, I tried all sorts of brines and marinades and found that the simplest seemed to taste best, like just salt or salt and a little brown sugar or even a light sprinkle of MSG(thank the Phillipinos for teaching me that one.)

[Metlakatla]

Originally Posted by Trouthunter

Some very wise cousins from Naknek showed me a method for preserving salmon and it has worked like a charm for me. I have had fish last 2 years in the freezer using this method.

1. When possible bleed the fish right after the catch (cut the gills) and keep it on ice.
2. De-scale the fish (gets rid of excess slime, and I believe future fishy stink and smell)
3. Filet or steak the salmon
4. Quick rinse the fish with very clean and cold water
5. Pat dry with paper towel (discard the towel when it is dirty or wet)
6. Wrap the fish in plastic wrap
7. Vacuum seal the fish.

This process really takes time and is messy, but if you are serious about packaging for future freshness it works. At least it has for my cousins and everyone that has tried this method. My wife is the best judge for this method though. She loves grilled salmon with just a bit of salt and pepper, but will not eat it if it isn’t completely fresh or prepared from the way above.

Good luck

Your wife is a smart woman .

[Trouthunter]

Yes she is, and very particular about food. When it comes to enjoying something that you labor over I usually am just as particular. Unfortunately I feel that people tend to drown out the great fish flavors with sauces, mixes, herbs, MSG, and other junk.

[Metlakatla]

Originally Posted by Trouthunter

Yes she is, and very particular about food. When it comes to enjoying something that you labor over I usually am just as particular. Unfortunately I feel that people tend to drown out the great fish flavors with sauces, mixes, herbs, MSG, and other junk.

This post has brightened my day more than you know.

[Trouthunter]

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

This post has brightened my day more than you know.

Not sure what you mean

[Metlakatla]

Originally Posted by Trouthunter

Not sure what you mean

see my comment on the rep points I just sent you...

[Trouthunter]

Ah I forgot about the rep points messaging. Yes, I can imagine you know all about this. How's the run on POW this year? I can't wait to make another trip there.