Fish Pepper Brine

Look at that oil working its way out

This is a basic brine for any firm flesh/low oil fish for smoking. This makes enough for about 1 lb of fish fillets. On how to smoke go here.

Basic Fish Brine

• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 dried ancho chili
• 1 dried new mexican chili
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp sea salt
• 1 star anise
• 5-7 juniper berries

Put chilis and spices in a pot. Cover with boiling water and let stand until peppers are soft, about 20 minutes. Remove peppers and use in salsa or sauce for finished fish. Add sugar and salt and bring to a boil until dissolved. Cool completely then brine fish for at least 4 and up to 10 hours. Rinse fillets and air dry on rack.