Gravlaks - Cured salmon with dill and mustard sauce

Introduction

If you're a fan of seafood, you'll love gravlaks – a classic Scandinavian dish that consists of cured salmon with a delicious dill and mustard sauce. 

This dish is simple to make, but it's absolutely packed with flavor, making it perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. Plus, because it's served cold, it's a great option for summer picnics or lunches. 

 The curing process may seem intimidating, but it's actually very easy and can be done at home with just a few simple ingredients. By curing the salmon with salt, sugar, and dill, you create a unique flavor that is both salty and sweet. 

The dill and mustard sauce complements the cured salmon perfectly and adds a zingy finish to the dish. In this article, we'll take you through the steps of making gravlaks, so you can impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. 

 

Ingredients

For the salmon:

• 1 lb salmon fillet, skin-on and deboned
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 bunch of fresh dill, chopped

For the dill and mustard sauce:

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cure the salmon

To cure the salmon, mix together the salt, sugar, and chopped dill in a small bowl. Place the salmon fillet skin-side down in a large dish and cover it with the salt and sugar mixture, making sure it's evenly distributed. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours.

Note:

The longer you leave the salmon in the cure, the saltier it will become. If you prefer a milder flavor, remove it from the cure after 24 hours.

Step 2: Rinse and dry the salmon

After 24-48 hours, remove the salmon from the cure and rinse it under cold water to remove any excess salt and sugar. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and place it on a cutting board, skin-side down.

Step 3: Prepare the dill and mustard sauce

While the salmon is curing, you can prepare the dill and mustard sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 4: Slice the salmon

Using a sharp knife, slice the salmon into thin, even slices. Start at the thinnest end of the fillet and cut diagonally towards the thicker end. Make sure to remove the skin as you go.

Step 5: Serve the gravlaks

Arrange the sliced salmon on a platter and serve with the dill and mustard sauce on the side. You can also add some fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges for garnish.

Tips and Tricks

• When slicing the salmon, make sure to use a very sharp knife to ensure even, thin slices.
• If you're short on time, you can use a store-bought cured salmon instead of making it from scratch.
• If you're not a fan of mustard, you can substitute it with mayonnaise or sour cream for a creamier sauce.
• Gravlaks can be served on its own or as part of a larger seafood platter.
• If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Gravlaks is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is sure to impress your guests. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a unique and flavorful cured salmon that is perfect for any occasion. The dill and mustard sauce adds a zingy finish to the dish and complements the salty and sweet flavor of the salmon perfectly. Serve it as an appetizer or as part of a larger seafood platter – either way, it's sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a tasty seafood dish, give gravlaks a try – you won't be disappointed!