Global Food Magazine

Swedish Gravad Lax Recipe

Dive into the world of exquisite fish dishes with our collection of Gravad Lax recipe. These recipes celebrate the rich Scandinavian tradition of curing salmon to perfection, resulting in tender, flavorful delicacies that will tantalize your taste buds. From the classic Gravad Lax, featuring a harmonious blend of salt, sugar, and dill, to the zesty Dill and Mustard Gravad Lax, and a step-by-step guide on crafting this delectable dish at home, we invite you to explore the art of preparing and savoring these timeless recipes. Whether you’re an experienced home chef or just starting your culinary journey, these fish recipes are sure to impress and delight. Get ready to elevate your seafood game with these mouthwatering Gravad Lax creations.

Gravad Lax: Swedish Cured Salmon

Experience the essence of Scandinavian cuisine through Gravad Lax recipe. “Buried salmon” is a delicacy crafted by curing salmon with sugar, salt, and aromatic spices. Picture tender salmon, cured to perfection, offering a delicate balance of flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. This dish showcases Sweden’s culinary finesse and the region’s pristine waters, known for producing some of the world’s finest salmon.Join us as we explore the intricacies of preparing Gravad Lax, a dish steeped in tradition and a testament to Swedish exceptional cuisine.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pounds salmon filet
  • Sugar 1/4 cup
  • Kosher salt 1/4 cup
  • fresh dill 1 bunch
  • fennel seed 1 teaspoon
  • coarsely ground black pepper 1 teaspoon

Method:

  • Cut the salmon in half cross-wise to create two roughly square pieces.
  • Combine sugar, salt, fennel, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
  • Rinse and thoroughly dry dill sprigs, keeping them intact.
  • Take one piece of salmon and place it skin-side-down in a glass loaf pan or any non-reactive dish with a minimum depth of 2 inches.
  • Sprinkle half of the salt mixture evenly over the salmon, then lay the dill sprigs on top. Finish by sprinkling the remaining salt mixture.
  • Place the second piece of salmon on top, skin-side-up, essentially creating a “salmon sandwich.”
  • Cover the dish with plastic wrap and insert a Tupperware or another container inside the loaf pan. Add weight to this container, like a heavy can or jar, to press the fish down.
  • Refrigerate for 3-4 days, turning the “salmon sandwich” every 12-16 hours. You’ll notice brine accumulating in the dish after just the first day; leave it until serving.
  • After 3-4 days, your gravlax is ready to be enjoyed. Store any leftover gravlax, without the brine, in an airtight container.

Dill And Mustard Gravad Lax

Elevate your culinary experience with Dill and Mustard Gravad Lax recipe, a tantalizing twist on the classic Swedish cured salmon. This delightful dish combines the rich, buttery texture of salmon with the vibrant flavors of dill and zesty mustard.Imagine tender salmon filets, lovingly cured to perfection, and adorned with a symphony of fresh dill and tangy mustard. Dill and Mustard Gravad Lax marries tradition with innovation, offering a taste sensation that’s both timeless and exciting.Whether you’re a connoisseur of Scandinavian cuisine or simply seeking a delightful gastronomic adventure, this dish promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Join us as we explore the art of crafting Dill and Mustard Gravad Lax and savor the fusion of flavors that define this culinary masterpiece.

Ingredients :

  • salmon, 1 side 
  • sea salt 500g
  • golden caster sugar 1 kg 
  • white peppercorns 1 tbsp
  • 2 bunches dill, 
  • 1 finely chopped for the cure,
  • finely chopped for the garnish
  • Mustard sauce

  • sweet American mustard 50g 
  • caster sugar 50g
  • l white wine vinegar 35m
  • rapeseed or vegetable oil 150ml
  • Dill 30g

Method:

  • Lay a large sheet of foil in a spacious tray.
  • Combine salt, sugar, peppercorns, and dill. Spread half of this cure mixture on the foil.
  • Gently place the salmon, skin side down, on top of the cure mixture.
  • Sprinkle the remaining salt-sugar mix generously over the salmon.
  • Wrap the salmon securely with the foil, ensuring a tight seal, and let it rest in the refrigerator for 48-72 hours.
  • Once the salmon feels firm at its thickest part, carefully remove the excess cure.
  • Rinse the salmon under cold water and gently pat it dry.
  • In a small blender, combine mustard, sugar, and vinegar.
  • Gradually add the oil, starting with a few drops and increasing the speed as the emulsion thickens.
  • Finish by adding the chopped dill.
  • Slice the salmon thinly.
  • Present the salmon alongside the homemade mustard sauce and garnish with dill.
  • Savor your beautifully prepared Gravad Lax!

Making Gravad Lax At Home With Step-By-Step Guide

Unlock the secrets of crafting Gravad Lax recipe in the comfort of your own kitchen with our comprehensive step-by-step guide. Dive into the art of curing salmon to perfection, infusing it with a symphony of flavors. From creating the perfect brine to mastering the curing process, you’ll discover the culinary finesse behind this Scandinavian delicacy. Join us on a journey where you’ll transform simple ingredients into a gourmet masterpiece that will impress your taste buds and guests alike. Experience the satisfaction of crafting Gravad Lax at home with confidence and creativity. Imagine the anticipation as you embark on this gastronomic journey, creating a dish that showcases the pristine flavors of salmon in every delicate bite. With patience and precision, you’ll master the art of Gravad Lax, impressing your guests and elevating your culinary repertoire. Let’s begin this culinary adventure together!

Step 1: Make the Brine

  1. Create your brine by mixing salt, sugar, dill, and optional spices like pepper, fennel, aquavit, or citrus zest. You can adjust the salt-to-sugar ratio to suit your taste, but a common starting point is 1/2 cup each.

Step 2: Prepare Your Dish

  1. There are two methods:

Cover both sides of the fish fillet with the brine and place it in a deep dish with fresh dill.

Cut the fish into two pieces, coat both sides with brine, and layer them with dill between. Cover the dish.

Step 3: Put Weight on the Fish

  1. Place weight on the fish using cans, a plate, or something heavy. This helps extract moisture and enhances flavor absorption.

Step 4: Refrigerate and Cure

  1. Refrigerate the dish for 2-3 days (or up to 4). Turn the fish halfway through and baste it if needed. No worries if the brine is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Unwrap, Wash, and Slice

  1. Unwrap the fish, rinse off the brine, and slice thinly. Remove the skin before serving.

Garnish with fresh dill and lemon slices.

Get Creative with Your Gravlax

Serve it with bagels and cream cheese, pumpernickel bread and mustard sauce, or scrambled eggs. Enjoy your homemade Gravlax!

Conclusion:

In conclusion, our journey through the world of fish recipes has been a delightful exploration of Scandinavian cuisine and the art of curing salmon. From the classic Gravad Lax, a beloved traditional dish, to the aromatic Dill and Mustard Gravad Lax, and the step-by-step guide to crafting this delicacy at home, we’ve witnessed the transformation of simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces.

These recipes not only celebrate the rich heritage of Scandinavian cooking but also offer a taste of the exquisite flavors and textures that salmon can offer when prepared with care and precision. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes invite you to savor the magic of Gravad Lax and its variations.So, gather your ingredients, embrace the art of curing, and indulge in the sublime flavors of these salmon dishes. Whether you’re enjoying them as appetizers, on a brunch spread, or as a part of your culinary repertoire, these recipes are sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Enjoy the journey of culinary exploration with these delightful fish recipes!