Gravlax (Swedish Sugar and Salt Cured Salmon)

May 08, 2023May 8, 20230 15

Gravlax (Swedish Sugar and Salt Cured Salmon) Recipe

by The Chefin Seafood

Prep

15 min

Cook

0 min

Ready In

48-72 hours

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	2 lbs center cut salmon fillets ( approximately 1 pound each , with skin left on )
	2/3 cup sugar
	1/3 cup coarse salt
	15 coarsely crushed white peppercorns
	1 bunch dill
	mustard dill sauce ( Mustard Dill Sauce II )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

250

Sugar

20g

Fat

12g

Gravlax, which means 'buried salmon' in Swedish, is a traditional dish that dates back to the Middle Ages. Salmon was originally buried in the sand near the shore to be cured by the salt and sugar, but today we can replicate the process at home with modern refrigeration. Gravlax is typically eaten as an appetizer with bread and a mustard-dill sauce, but it can also be used in salads or as a topping for crackers or crostini.

Instructions

1.	Rinse the salmon fillets and pat dry with paper towels
2.	In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, salt, and crushed peppercorns
3.	Cover a glass baking dish with plastic wrap, leaving enough on the sides to fold back over the salmon
4.	Place a layer of dill fronds over the plastic wrap
5.	Spread half of the sugar-salt mix over the dill
6.	Lay the salmon fillets, skin down, on top of the mixture
7.	Spread the remaining mixture over the salmon fillets
8.	Cover the fillets with another layer of dill fronds
9.	Pull the plastic wrap over the salmon, making sure it is completely covered
10.	Place a weight (such as a can) on top of the salmon and refrigerate for 48-72 hours
11.	Remove the salmon from the wrapping and rinse well to remove the cure
12.	Slice the salmon, removing the skin if desired, and serve with Mustard Dill Sauce II on the side.

PROS

Gravlax is a traditional Scandinavian dish that is easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.

The sweet and salty flavors of the cure complement the buttery texture of the salmon perfectly.

CONS

This dish requires patience, as it takes at least two days to cure the salmon properly.

Raw salmon can contain harmful bacteria, so it is important to purchase high-quality, fresh salmon from a reputable source.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Salmon is a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and brain function.
Additionally, the dill in this recipe has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.