How to Make Smoked Marlin (Smoke Your Own Catch at Home!)

Are you looking for a delicious recipe for smoked marlin?

Smoking marlin is super simple and the fish always comes out tender, moist, and full of flavor Some people say it tastes like tuna but with a strong flavor.

This recipe is simple but there is quite a few steps since we are brining the fish first. But as long as you follow the steps this recipe will be a breeze.

What Temperature Should You Smoke Marlin Too?

The marlin will be ready when they reach an internal temperature of 150°F – 160°F. In terms of time, the smoked marlin should be cooked and ready after approximately 3-5 hours.

How Long To Smoke Marlin In a Smoker

A piece of marlin weighing 1/2 lbs should smoke for 1.5 hours. An extra 1/2 lbs, should smoke for an extra 30 minutes.

You also need factor in how long it need to brine. This also depends on the weight, size, cut, and type of fish.

For example, a 1/4 lb piece needs 30 minutes to brine. An extra 1/4 lb weight requires another extra 15 minutes to brine.

What You Need for Smoked Marlin

Marlin

Brine Ingredients

Smoker or Grill

Fruitwood

Charcoal

Note: If you don’t have a smoker you can use cedar planks for whitefish, or a pellet grill, it gives you fish a smoky flavor in under 10 minutes.

How to Prep The Marlin

In a bowl, combine the brine ingredients and allow it to sit while you prepare the meat.

Filet the fish into 4 steaks and leave the skin on. Dip each steak into the brine, then place them in a 1-gallon zipper-lock bag. Add an additional 1-2 cups of the brine mixture to the bag. Set this bag aside for your next steps.

You should allow 8-12 hours for the fish to brine.

Brine Ingredients For Smoked Marlin

You need these brine ingredients to prepare marlin.

• 3/4 gallons of water 

• Kosher salt- 1/4 cup

• whole peppercorns- 1 tbsp

• Garlic- minced. One clove.

• 5 pieces of bay leaves.

• Apple juice- 2 cups

• Soy sauce- 1 cup

• Brown sugar -3/4 cup

• A few zip-lock bags

• A Cutting board with a knife and serving tray.

Quick Tip

Never use table salt if the recipe shows kosher salt.

How to Smoke a Marlin at Home

Below is my eight step process for smoking marlin.

Step 1 – Create Your Brine

Mix and blend all the ingredients in a big bowl to make the brine mixture. Allow the brine to settle for a while.

Step 2 – Fillet Your Fish

Cut your marlin as the brine settles for it to smoke right. Experiment with different cuts of fish. For example, strips, fillets, steaks, big chunks, jerky fillets, or whole roast.

Step 3 – Brine The Fish

Dip the cut marlin into the brine. Use 1-gallon zipper bags for each cut. Place your fillets, chucks, and strips into the bags, and add 1 to 2 cups of brine mixture into each bag.

Seal the brine bags and store them in the refrigerator. Leave your cuts of fish soaking for 8-12 hours. You can also prepare a dry brine of Kosher salt and brown sugar and brine in layers in a container.

Step 4 – Prep Your Smoker

As cuts of fish are soaking in the brine, light up and preheat your smoker to 225°F

Step 5 – Dry The Fish

Now it’s time to take the marlin out for the fridge and zipper packs. Pat dry the marlin with paper towels to remove the brine. Drying off the brine allows the smoke to draw into the fish.

Step 6 – Prep The Smoker

Before smoking your marlin, make sure the brine has infused into the fish. Once your smoker has reached 225 degrees you can place the fish in it.

Step 7 – Smoke The Fish

It usually takes 2 – 4 hours for for the fish to reach an internal temperature 140°F

Step 8 – Serve Your Fish

Serve your smoked marlins along with pilaf rice, wine, or beer.

How Long Does Smoked Marlin Last

Smoked marlin, when stored properly, can last for approximately 7 to 10 days in the refrigerator. It is important to keep the smoked marlin tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods.

Additionally, placing it in the coldest part of the refrigerator, usually the back, will help maintain its freshness. If you want to extend its shelf life, freezing is a viable option. Smoked marlin can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months. However, it’s worth noting that the texture and flavor may slightly change after freezing and thawing.

Smoke On!

Charlie

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