Delicious smoked eel recipes from new zealand

If you're looking for a unique and flavorful dish to try, look no further than smoked eel recipes from New Zealand. Smoked eel is a delicacy that offers a rich and smoky flavor that is unlike anything else. Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, these recipes are sure to impress.

How do you prepare eel for smoking in NZ?

Before you can start smoking eel, you need to prepare it properly. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare eel for smoking in New Zealand:

1. Clean the eel: Start by cleaning the eel thoroughly. Remove the scales and guts, and rinse it under cold water.
2. Slice the eel: Once the eel is cleaned, slice it into fillets or smaller pieces. This will help the eel cook evenly and absorb the smoky flavors.
3. Smokehouse setup: Set up your smokehouse by placing the eel slices and backbone onto the racks. Make sure the smokehouse is at a constant temperature.
4. Smoking process: Close the door of the smokehouse and let the eel cook. Check every 30 minutes by touching the outside of the smokehouse with the palm of your hand. The heat should be just bearable. This is a good gauge to use for this smokehouse. If it is too cool, add more wood to maintain a constant temperature.
5. Finishing touch (optional): Towards the end of smoking, you can add two handfuls of manuka sawdust to the fire. This will help brown off the eel and give it a good sheen and texture.

After approximately two hours of cooking, your smoked eel will be ready to enjoy. The smoky flavors will have infused into the eel, creating a unique and delicious dish.

Smoked Eel Recipes NZ

Now that you know how to prepare eel for smoking, let's explore some delicious smoked eel recipes from New Zealand:

Smoked Eel Salad

This refreshing salad combines the smoky flavors of eel with crisp greens and tangy dressing. Here's how to make it:

1. Ingredients:
   • Smoked eel fillets
   • Mixed salad greens
   • Cherry tomatoes
   • Cucumber
   • Red onion
   • Lemon juice
   • Olive oil
   • Salt and pepper
2. Instructions:
   • Arrange the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion on a plate.
   • Flake the smoked eel fillets and place them on top of the salad.
   • In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
   • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve.

This smoked eel salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The smoky and savory eel pairs beautifully with the fresh greens and tangy dressing.

Smoked Eel Sushi Rolls

If you're a sushi lover, you'll enjoy this unique twist on traditional sushi rolls. Here's how to make smoked eel sushi rolls:

1. Ingredients:
   • Smoked eel fillets
   • Sushi rice
   • Nori sheets
   • Cucumber
   • Avocado
   • Soy sauce
   • Wasabi
   • Pickled ginger
2. Instructions:
   • Cook the sushi rice according to the package instructions and let it cool.
   • Place a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi rolling mat.
   • Spread a thin layer of sushi rice on the nori, leaving a small border at the top.
   • Arrange slices of smoked eel, cucumber, and avocado on top of the rice.
   • Using the sushi rolling mat, roll the nori tightly into a cylinder shape.
   • Slice the sushi roll into bite-sized pieces.
   • Serve the sushi rolls with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.

These smoked eel sushi rolls are a delicious and unique twist on traditional sushi. The smoky eel adds a depth of flavor that complements the freshness of the other ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can I buy smoked eel in New Zealand?

A: You can find smoked eel at specialty seafood markets or online retailers that specialize in New Zealand cuisine.

Q: Can I smoke eel at home without a smokehouse?

A: Yes, you can smoke eel at home using a stovetop smoker or a charcoal grill with a smoking attachment. Follow the same steps for preparing and smoking the eel, adjusting the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

Q: Can I freeze smoked eel?

A: Yes, you can freeze smoked eel. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator before consuming.

Smoked eel recipes from New Zealand offer a unique and delicious culinary experience. Whether you're enjoying a smoked eel salad or trying out smoked eel sushi rolls, the smoky flavors will leave a lasting impression. With a few simple steps, you can prepare and smoke eel at home, creating a dish that is sure to impress family and friends. So why not give smoked eel a try and discover the amazing flavors it has to offer?

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