To smoke fish in an outdoor smoker, begin by selecting your fish and preparing it by either brining or dry curing it for several hours or overnight. Next, preheat your smoker to a low temperature, ideally around 180-200°F. Add wood chips or chunks to the smoker for the desired flavor, such as hickory, cherry, or applewood.
Place the fish on the smoker racks, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation. Smoke the fish for several hours, checking periodically to ensure the temperature remains consistent and adjusting the wood chips as needed.
Once the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and has a nice golden-brown color, it is ready to be removed from the smoker. Let the fish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop. Enjoy your delicious smoked fish as a tasty and flavorful meal.
Best Outdoor Smokers of September 2024
![Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Leg Kit, Side Wood Chip Loader and 710 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20070421](https://blogweb-static.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/a62c91f3-5a03-4e66-b46a-7233025d6b90/rating/31oui1ijgrl-sl160.jpg)
Rating is 5 out of 5
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Leg Kit, Side Wood Chip Loader and 710 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20070421
- Vertical digital electric smoker with 710 square inches of cooking space
- Digital controls to easily set cooking time and temperature up to 275°F
- Four chrome-coated smoking racks
- Removable water bowl to add moisture and catch food drippings
![EAST OAK 30" Digital Electric Smoker, Outdoor Smoker with Glass Door and Meat Thermometer, 725 Sq Inches of Cooking with Remote, 4 Detachable Racks Smoker Grill for Party, Home BBQ, Night Blue](https://blogweb-static.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/a62c91f3-5a03-4e66-b46a-7233025d6b90/rating/516cx-imodl-sl160.jpg)
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
EAST OAK 30" Digital Electric Smoker, Outdoor Smoker with Glass Door and Meat Thermometer, 725 Sq Inches of Cooking with Remote, 4 Detachable Racks Smoker Grill for Party, Home BBQ, Night Blue
- 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗺𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿: The smoker features a side wood chip loader for continuous smoking for 2-3 hours without opening the door and adding chips, preserving the internal heat, and locking in the smoked flavors
- 𝗧𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗝𝘂𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲: The 800W power heating tube in the electric smoker creates consistent smoke from wood chips, guaranteeing tender, juicy meats through low and slow cooking. Follow EAST OAK's website for more delectable recipes
- 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗢𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱: The visual glass door allows you to directly observe the food in the smoker, and the internal light also aids in illumination. The meat probe detects food temperature and keeps track of smoking progress and heat in real-time
- 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: The digital smoker features a casing made of three layers of high-quality materials. Additionally, aluminum plating along the edges reduces deformation and damage, ensuring long-lasting durability for outdoor use
![Ninja OG951 Woodfire Pro Connect Premium XL Outdoor Grill & Smoker, Bluetooth, App Enabled, 7-in-1 Master Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, Woodfire Technology, 2 Built-In Thermometers, Black](https://blogweb-static.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/a62c91f3-5a03-4e66-b46a-7233025d6b90/rating/51htyfwcwgl-sl160.jpg)
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Ninja OG951 Woodfire Pro Connect Premium XL Outdoor Grill & Smoker, Bluetooth, App Enabled, 7-in-1 Master Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, Woodfire Technology, 2 Built-In Thermometers, Black
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Grill, BBQ smoke, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate with 100% real woodfire flavors all in one place.
- WOODFIRE TECHNOLOGY: Powered by electricity, flavored by real wood burning pellets for all the flavor and none of the flame. Add woodfire flavor you can see and taste.
- FOOLPROOF BBQ SMOKER: Authentic BBQ bark and flavor—fast and easy with just ½ cup of pellets.
- DUAL THERMOMETER COOKING: Includes 2 built-in thermometers so you can cook 2 different protein types to 2 different doneness settings from rare to well.
![Ninja OG701 7-in-1 Outdoor Electric Grill & Smoker - Grill, BBQ, Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Dehydrate & Broil - Uses Woodfire Pellets - Portable & Weather Resistant](https://blogweb-static.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/a62c91f3-5a03-4e66-b46a-7233025d6b90/rating/41yygfx7f2l-sl160.jpg)
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Ninja OG701 7-in-1 Outdoor Electric Grill & Smoker - Grill, BBQ, Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Dehydrate & Broil - Uses Woodfire Pellets - Portable & Weather Resistant
- MASTER GRILL, BBQ SMOKER, & AIR FRYER: All in one with 100% real smoky flavor..Voltage: 120 volts
- MASTER GRILL: Get all the performance of a full-size propane grill with the same char and searing.
- FOOLPROOF BBQ SMOKER: Create authentic BBQ bark and flavor fast and easy with just 1/2 cup of pellets.
- OUTDOOR AIR FRYER: Add smoky flavor to your air fried favorites and cook all your side dishes outdoors.
- WEATHER-RESISTANT: Cook and store outdoors year-round.
- 1760-WATT ELECTRIC POWER: No charcoal, propane, or flareups. Balcony & apartment friendly.
![Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker with Temperature & Smoke Control, Four Removable Shelves, 36", Black](https://blogweb-static.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/a62c91f3-5a03-4e66-b46a-7233025d6b90/rating/31clk8bfcul-sl160.jpg)
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Cuisinart COS-244 Vertical Propane Smoker with Temperature & Smoke Control, Four Removable Shelves, 36", Black
- Product Dimensions: 19.3" L x 18.1" W x 38.6" H | Weight: 69.5 lb
- FOUR 14 X 14-INCH REMOVABLE STAINLESS STEEL SHELVES: Four stainless steel racks can be easily removed for smoking whole birds or large cuts of meat. Racks are dishwasher safe, making cleanup easy.
- BUILT-IN THERMOMETER: Features easy-to-read thermometer on the front door for accessible monitoring of the internal temperature.
- SEAL-TIGHT TWIST-LOCK DOOR AND HANDLE: The door stays tightly sealed with a twist of the handle.
![Masterbuilt® 40-inch ThermoTemp Propane Gas Vertical BBQ Smoker with Analog Temperature Control and 960 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20051316](https://blogweb-static.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/a62c91f3-5a03-4e66-b46a-7233025d6b90/rating/41l6skwd-yl-sl160.jpg)
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Masterbuilt® 40-inch ThermoTemp Propane Gas Vertical BBQ Smoker with Analog Temperature Control and 960 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20051316
- Vertical propane smoker with 960 square inches of cooking space
- Ignition button to easily light fuel with the push of a button
- Four chrome-coated smoking racks
- Woodchip tray to add delicious smoky-flavor to food
- Adjustable air damper for smoke control
![Royal Gourmet SE2805 28-Inch Analog Electric Smoker with 3 Cooking Grates, 454 sq inches Cooking Area in Total, 1350W Output, Outdoor BBQ Smoker with Adjustable Temperature Control, Black](https://blogweb-static.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/a62c91f3-5a03-4e66-b46a-7233025d6b90/rating/41de5sofmel-sl160.jpg)
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Royal Gourmet SE2805 28-Inch Analog Electric Smoker with 3 Cooking Grates, 454 sq inches Cooking Area in Total, 1350W Output, Outdoor BBQ Smoker with Adjustable Temperature Control, Black
- Better Smoked Flavor: The bottom heating tube works with a removable stainless steel water pan and a chip box to add smoked flavor and make it more tender.
- Outstanding Heating Performance: 1350-watt heating power and an insulated chamber provide an even and consistent heating experience.
![Vertical Propane Smoker with Temperature Control, BBQ Smoker Grill Outdoor Heavy Duty Three Removable Smoking Shelves, Black](https://blogweb-static.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/a62c91f3-5a03-4e66-b46a-7233025d6b90/rating/31m-1b6phml-sl160.jpg)
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Vertical Propane Smoker with Temperature Control, BBQ Smoker Grill Outdoor Heavy Duty Three Removable Smoking Shelves, Black
- With its simple design and a large smoking chamber, this vertical gas Smoker is the perfect choice for any enthusiast of smoked food, its compact design fits nicely on most patios or decks.
- Incredibly solid and well-built, this sturdy smoker’s door seals in the smoke. The extra wide racks allow for ample airflow around the meat. Both the water bowl and wood chip tray are easy to access.
- Smokers with wider racks to allow for larger-format smoking or big cuts of meat. The door of the cooking chamber can seal tightly shut, to trap smoke inside with minimal leaks.
![Masterbuilt® 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Analog Temperature Control, Chrome Smoking Racks and 535 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20070210](https://blogweb-static.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/a62c91f3-5a03-4e66-b46a-7233025d6b90/rating/31a-0wjymxl-sl160.jpg)
Rating is 4.2 out of 5
Masterbuilt® 30-inch Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker with Analog Temperature Control, Chrome Smoking Racks and 535 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model MB20070210
- SPACIOUS VERTICLE DESIGN with 535 cooking square inches that fits up to 3 chickens, 2 turkeys or 3 racks of ribs
- REMOVABLE WOOD CHIP TRAY – Add rich smoky flavor to your food and experiment with different wood chip types.
- THREE chrome coated smoking racks included
What is the best way to slice smoked fish?
The best way to slice smoked fish is to use a sharp knife with a long, thin blade. Start by placing the fish on a cutting board and holding it firmly with one hand. Use long, smooth strokes with the knife to slice the fish thinly and evenly. For best results, cut against the grain of the fish to ensure a clean, smooth cut. Be sure to clean the knife between slices to prevent the fish from sticking and tearing.
What is the shelf life of smoked fish?
The shelf life of smoked fish can vary depending on the type of fish, how it was smoked, and how it is stored. In general, properly smoked and vacuum-sealed smoked fish can last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. If stored in the freezer, smoked fish can last for up to three months. However, it is important to always check for any signs of spoilage, such as off smells or sliminess, before consuming smoked fish.
How to store smoked fish properly?
Smoked fish should be stored properly to ensure freshness and prevent spoiling. Here are some tips for storing smoked fish:
- Refrigerate: Smoked fish should be kept in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or below. Store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Use within a few days: Smoked fish should be consumed within 3-4 days of being smoked. If you don't plan on eating it right away, you can freeze it for longer storage.
- Freeze: To freeze smoked fish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw properly: When you're ready to eat the smoked fish, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Do not thaw it at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth.
- Check for signs of spoilage: Before consuming smoked fish, check for any signs of spoilage such as a foul odor, slimy texture, or mold growth. If you notice any of these signs, discard the fish immediately.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy smoked fish safely and deliciously for an extended period of time.