Soft herb brine for fish

This is a fragrant, delicately flavoured brine that's perfectly suited to fish and seafood. Brining fish gives it a nice firm texture which helps to stop it falling apart during cooking – this is particularly helpful if you plan on smoking your fish, or want to cook it on a barbecue. Fish only needs a quick dip in brine; 15–20 minutes for a few portions or a small side are fine, or up to 30 minutes for a larger side of fish like salmon (any longer and the flesh will begin to cure). Once removed from the brine, do not add anymore salt to the fish as the brining process should mean it's perfectly seasoned.

This recipe makes 1 litre of brine. As the fish needs to be totally submerged in the solution, ensure you’re making enough to cover it before beginning, and scale the recipe up (or down) as required.