Smoked Salmon in a Wok

This is one of Martin Yan's recipes that I found to be an elegant smoked salmon. The salmon is easy to prepare and to smoke. A good heavy duty WOK with a lid is necessary. Chinese Oolong tea is a very good black tea that can be used if available in your area.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 2-3

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup soy sauce
• 1⁄4 cup  chinese rice wine or 1⁄4 cup dry sherry
• 1  tablespoon  minced  fresh gingerroot
• 2  teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1  lb  fresh sockeye salmon fillet
• 1⁄2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1⁄3 cup  uncooked long grain rice
• 1⁄4 cup  chinese black tea, Oolong Tea
• 2  whole star anise
• 1  teaspoon cornstarch
• 4  teaspoons cold water

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Chinese rice wine, minced ginger and 2 teaspoons of sugar to make a marindade.
2. If using frozen salmon, thaw before using.
3. Cut salmon crosswise into 1 inch wide strips and add to marinade; turn to coat and marinate for 10 minutes.
4. Line a heavy duty WOK with one large piece of aluminum foil letting the foil hang over the edge of the WOK.
5. In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, long grain rice, Oolong tea and star anise for the smoking mixture.
6. Spread mixture evenly in bottom of foil lined WOK.
7. Set a round wired rack over the mixture; should be about 1 inch above the mixture. If necessary, scrunch some aluminum foil into 4 balls and place on top of the mixture to elevate the wire rack.
8. Place the WOK, uncovered, over high-heat for about 5 - 8 minutes or until the mixture begins to smoke.
9. Place the marinated salmon strips on the wire rack, skin side down.
10. Place cover on WOK, reduce heat to medium-low and continue to smoke until salmon strips turn a rich deep color, about 10 - 12 minutes. Do not remove lid during the first 10 minutes of smoking time.
11. Check for doneness with a fork; salmon should flake easily.
12. Turn the heat off, remove WOK to a cool element and let stand for 5 minutes before removing lid.
13. In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
14. Meanwhile, pour the remaining salmon marinade into a small saucepan, and heat on medium-high heat and bring to boil.
15. Slowly add cornstarch mixture to the marinade, stirring continuously until sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.
16. Serve salmon with a sprinkle of sauce, cooked rice and hot vegetables.