Homemade Gravlax
Photo: James Carrier
Notes: Buy salmon that has been frozen, or freeze fresh salmon for at least 72 hours at -4° or lower to destroy any parasites, then thaw to use.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
In a small bowl, mix sugar, salt, and peppercorns.
Step 2
2
Rub your fingers over flesh side of salmon to locate any bones; pull them out and discard. Rinse salmon and pat dry. Lay, skin side down, in an 8- or 9-inch pie pan. Sprinkle evenly with sugar-salt mixture and top evenly with dill. Cover pan airtight with plastic wrap.
Step 3
3
Nest another pie pan of the same size on fish and set 2- to 3-pound weights (such as unopened cans of food) in it. Chill 2 days; every 12 hours, uncover, baste salmon with juices, rewrap, and replace weights.
Step 4
4
Unwrap salmon, discard dill, and scrape off sugar-salt mixture. Lay salmon, skin down, on a board; cut into thin diagonal slices and release fish from skin. Discard skin.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon crushed or coarse-ground black peppercorns
1 1/2 pounds salmon fillet (1 in. thick, 1 or 2 pieces)
1 1/2 cups dill sprigs, rinsed, or 3/4 cup dried dill
Directions
Step 1
1
In a small bowl, mix sugar, salt, and peppercorns.
Step 2
2
Rub your fingers over flesh side of salmon to locate any bones; pull them out and discard. Rinse salmon and pat dry. Lay, skin side down, in an 8- or 9-inch pie pan. Sprinkle evenly with sugar-salt mixture and top evenly with dill. Cover pan airtight with plastic wrap.
Step 3
3
Nest another pie pan of the same size on fish and set 2- to 3-pound weights (such as unopened cans of food) in it. Chill 2 days; every 12 hours, uncover, baste salmon with juices, rewrap, and replace weights.
Step 4
4
Unwrap salmon, discard dill, and scrape off sugar-salt mixture. Lay salmon, skin down, on a board; cut into thin diagonal slices and release fish from skin. Discard skin.
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