Shrimp and Salmon

I forgot to take pictures. :( We were so busy cooking that by the time I thought about pictures the food was mostly eaten. Oh darn, I'll just have to make it again.

The shrimp was so easy! I mixed equal parts of Lime Juice, Honey, Triple Sec, and Tequila. I used 1/4 cup each for 3 pounds of Shrimp. That marinated in a gallon zip top bag for about 2 hours. Then I drained off most of the marinade and dumped it all on a flat sheet pan. That went into the smoker for about an hour. The smoker was running at about 225 degrees and cooling. When they were done, I sprinkled course salt on them and set them on the grazing table. Excellent flavor.

The salmon was a bit more complicated, but well worth it. The fish eaters were raving over it. The worst part is, I hope I can remember what all I put in the marinade. As I have said before, most recipes are just guidelines. They are not written in stone.

1/2 Cup Kosher Salt (this was too much, cut it in half)
1/2 Cup Dark Brown Sugar (I'm gonna try Sugar In The Raw next time)
2 T Dried Chopped Onion (or use fresh, 1/2 cup)
1 tsp Garlic Powder (fresh is better)
2 Cups HOT Water (boiling is good)
3 Cups Ice
Splash of Lime Juice (up to 1/4 Cup)

In a glass mixing bowl mix together everything but the ice. When everything is dissolved add in the ice. When the ice is melted pour the mixture into a 2 gallon zip top bag.(or whatever works for you) Add the salmon and squeeze the air out. Set into a long flat dish or on a cookie sheet that will fit and sit level in the freezer. If you are able to cook it the same day, marinate for at least 2 hours. Not more than 4 hours.

We had to buy the salmon on Sunday and then not cook it until Friday. Thursday night I took it out of the freezer and put it in the refrigerator to thaw. The marinade did not ever completely freeze. Too much salt and sugar. Anyway, Ron put it in the smoker for about an hour. (225 to 250 degrees)It was tender and flaky and so much flavor! Even though the salt was a bit too much it was still fantastic.

I cannot wait to try this again!

Guess what? Ron just brought in a package of salmon from the neighbor! He wants it cooked just like we did on Friday. He was uptown on Friday night and someone from the party was there and was telling Roger about it. He just happened to have some wild caught salmon in his freezer. So now I get to try this again today!!!! (Hopefully I can remember to take pictures!)