Brine for Grilled, Sautéed, or Hot-Smoked Salmon

This recipe makes enough brine to cure two whole salmon fillets. How much brine you need will depend on if you leave the fillets (or steaks) whole or cut them into pieces and on the shape of your container. Look for a non-reactive container that fits the salmon as closely as possible so that you need less brine. If you want to figure out in advance how much brine you need to make, arrange the fish in the container, pour in enough water to cover, and then measure the water.