Cold smoked Albacore

[hooked on smoke]

More Albacore in the freezer, waiting their turn.View attachment 482138

I'm green with envy. I gotta get back on a boat and try catching me some fish. Hopefully the Albacore will be bitting this season.

 

[uncle eddie]

That just looks delicious!
Like.

 

[Wurstmeister]

Still needing to make more room in our freezers for this upcoming fishing season, I elected some Albacore Tuna loins to spend some time in some brine and then in the smoker. Wish I had done way more for I've already given most of this batch away. More in the freezer waiting their turn.

Found a thread some time ago from a Canadian Sportfishing forum that looked promising. Though there were no details, there was enough to get me in trouble....in a good way. This was the 3rd time, I've tried this recipe recently.

--Brined the loins for 20 hours in a dry mix of brown sugar and rock salt 3/1 ratio which also had some fresh fennel, dill, lemon zest and tarragon.
--Rinsed and fridged for 5 hours
--Room dried for 2 hours
--Cold smoked with apple for 5.5 hours
--Back into the fridge over night.

Being room dried:
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My favorite cold smoker (Masterbuilt gasser with no gas) AMNPS on a tray below the burner (will try to find some pics of the AMNPS in position).
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Finished product. I really like the addition of fresh fennel, dill & tarragon to the dry brine. Really adds a great flavor. All I need is to get out some crackers and cream cheese.......
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If you need any help with cleaning out the ole freezer, let me know. I'll send you a perishable packing box and pay for the 2 day shipping from SF to SC!!! Always willing to help a friend in need!