The Complete Guide to Smoke Sardines

Smoked sardines! They are incredibly tempting and amazing meal that one can prepare at home. Sardines are a great source of vitamin B12 and D and are high in protein. This fish is highly nutritious and is high in minerals like phosphorus, selenium, calcium, and potassium. One must add this fish to their diet. Its features do not end here as this fish contains a bundle of omega-3 fatty acids. Well, if you wish to eat smoke sardines, then you might be wondering how to smoke it? Here you will get to know the steps that will help you smoke sardines at your home.

Ingredients you will need to smoke sardines

Fresh sardines, peppercorns (2 tbsp), smashed cloves garlic (2 pcs), kosher salt and honey (1/4 cup), dried and crushed chilies (3 pcs), chopped parsley (1/2 cup), one grated onion, water (4 cups) and four bay leaves.  

Steps you need to follow

Following are the step by step guide to smoke sardines.

Step 1

The first step is to wash it and remove the ribs. After that, prepare the brine and put all ingredients in a pot and keep it over medium-high heat. Stir well, bring to boil and turn off the heat. Cover and leave at room temperature.

Step 2

Take a large non-reactive container and submerge the fish in it. Place it in the fridge and leave it to for about 12 hours. Do not leave it more than 12 hours otherwise it will become very salty. Now take them out and rinse under running water. Make sure to turn it in order to ensure equal drying.

Step 3

Once it turned dry, place it in an electric smoker. Well, you can browse Electricsmokercenter.Com to get electric smoker of your choice. So, now you have to cook sardines on low heat for about 4 to 5 hours. You can use any among the following woods- apple, almond, maple or hickory wood. Make sure not to use pine wood.

Step 4

Now you have to smoke the fish at 140 ° Fahrenheit of the internal temperature. Actually, it is essential to do so as the smoke will penetrate the fish due to which oil will not come out. Further, it will let the omega 3 fatty acids stay on the fish.

Step 5

You have to remove it from the smoker after 4 or 5 hours as they will get ready. After that, you have to allow them to cool at room temperature. Now what you have to do is to store them in an airtight plastic bag. Now place them in the refrigerator. By doing so, you will be able to keep the meet for up to 2-3 weeks. You can even place them in a vacuum sealed container so as to keep them for few months.

Well, it is good if our cut the heads and put the fish in a Tupperware and then pour in the oil. They will last for several months if they are completely submerged. So, now you have enough knowledge on how to smoke sardines. Just get the one and prepare it for your home.