Anybody ever try smoking hallibut?

[IR_mike]

As the title says.

[So Nova *!%]

while they do not contain nicotine, they have almost all the cancer causing chemicals. So remember smoking Halibut is not a safe alternative to cigarettes. Plus I hear they are really hard to light

[bowhunter9841]

I can't figure out how to roll it without the zig zag getting soggy! Lol!

[nanuk-O-dah-Nort]

which end to you suck on?

[Alberta Bigbore]

I. b. t. l. ! !

[whitetailhntr]

Only once, but I didn't inhale.............

[Reeves1]

Never smoked any. Wish I had tried it while living on QCI.

I would think a mild smoke would be best to try first. Halibut is a subtle flavor (if properly filleted).

[hl649]

Halibut is not an oily fish. High oil content makes for better smoking fish. That said, I would try a very mild smoke but it might take a while for it it take.

[Mike_W]

While it does sound great I think the end product would be very dry.....maybe a cold smoke into locs would be nice tho.

Even a short smoke.......no brine and a pan sear or quick bake would be nice for a dinner dish.

[Redfrog]

Have not smoked it, but have tried it a few times. I think halibut is better served cooked than smoked. It is awesome grilled etc.
Because it doesn't really seem to lend itself to smoking, it is like grinding Filet mignon into burger.

[IR_mike]

Thanks for the replies, I guess we will just throw those few fillets on the BBQ.

[Reeves1]

Maybe try a little liquid smoke on a small bit to try ?

[Pudelpointer]

Originally Posted by Reeves1

Maybe try a little liquid smoke on a small bit to try ?

You should be banned for suggesting such a thing! Liquid smoke! OMG!


In all seriousness Mike, you smoke it on the grill to add some flavour, or smoke it using a mild smoke, like maple or just use alder. The secret to keeping it from drying out is how you brine it, and how you smoke it. Make sure you let the pieces dry thoroughly on the outside after you brine them, before you put them in the smoker and keep the time to a minimum. I think the main problem with smoking halibut it the thickness of the pieces. Keep them less then 1"-1.5" it should smoke quickly enough to not dry out.

Another option is cold smoking it, and then cooking it as you normally would, much as Black Cod is prepared (though smoked Black Cod has always been too salty for my taste).

FWIW, contrary to an earlier post, Halibut is fairly oily compared to a lot of other fish people smoke (i.e. all salmon except Sockeye, trout, ocean cod, etc.).

[nanuk-O-dah-Nort]

I had some walleye that was brined, smoked once with red willow, very lightly

it was pink like a delicate ham and VERY tasty. they had boned the fillets, but left the skin on so it wouldn't fall apart.

Wow... I was sold on smoked walleye!

I'll bet halibut would turn out similar.

I'm starting to drool.....