Double-Glazed Salmon with Maple and Liquid Smoke

Ingredients

• 0.25 cup table salt (for brining)
• 0.25 cup sugar (for brining)
• 4 skin-on salmon fillets (6- to 8-ounce fillets; center-cut preferred)
• 0.33 cup red wine vinegar (white wine or champagne vinegar can be substituted)
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 4 tsp soy sauce
• 1.5 tsp cornstarch
• 0.125 tsp liquid smoke
• 0.5 tsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley or chives (minced)

Steps

1. 1

   Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 300 degrees.

2. 2

   Dissolve salt and sugar in 2 quarts cold water in large container.

3. 3

   Submerge salmon fillets in brine and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.

4. 4

   Remove fillets from brine and pat dry with paper towels.

5. 5

   Meanwhile, combine vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, cornstarch, and liquid smoke in small saucepan and stir until no lumps remain.

6. 6

   Bring to simmer over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.

7. 7

   Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 1 minute longer.

8. 8

   Remove from heat and transfer 2 tablespoons glaze to small bowl.

9. 9

   Heat oil in 12-inch ovensafe nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking.

10. 10

    Place fillets, flesh side down, in skillet and cook until flesh side is well browned, 2 to 3 minutes.

11. 11

    Flip fillets and reduce heat to low.

12. 12

    Brush tops of fillets with reserved 2 tablespoons glaze.

13. 13

    Transfer skillet to oven and cook until centers are still translucent when checked with tip of paring knife and register 125 degrees (for medium-rare), 10 to 15 minutes. Wash and dry brush.

14. 14

    Brush remaining glaze on top and sides of each fillet and sprinkle with parsley.

15. 15

    Transfer to platter or individual plates and serve.

Notes

White wine or champagne vinegar can be substituted for the red wine vinegar. To ensure uniform cooking, buy a 1.5- to 2-pound center-cut salmon fillet and cut it into four pieces. If your salmon is less than 1 inch thick at its thickest point, check for doneness after 10 minutes of roasting.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• salmon
• seafood
• baked
• pan-seared
• dinner
• maple
• smoky