Tea Smoked Marinated Sturgeon

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

2 fennel bulbs, fine julienne
3 tbsp. anise seeds
1 gal. water
1/2 cup anise-flavored liqueur
1/2 oz. curing salt
zest and juice of
3 lemons
3 tbsp. lemon pepper
1 (10-oz.) sturgeon fillet

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients except sturgeon fillet. Add fillet; marinate for 6 to 12 hours. Remove fillet from marinade; place on rack. Hot smoke to internal temperature of 130 degrees F using mixture of 80% wood chips and 20% tea leaves. Remove fillet; refrigerate until chilled.