Gravlax- Cured Salmon Appetizer

Gravlax is a Scandinavian cured salmon appetizer. Salt and sugar are used as brine to cure and preserve the salmon. It’s a straightforward dish. After two days, the cured salmon is ready to eat. It can be enjoyed by itself, with crackers and cream cheese or a charcuterie assortment.

Gravlax Recipe

Yields: 4 servings

• 1 pound wild salmon boneless fillet with skin on
• 2 ounces Kosher salt
• 2 ounces organic raw cane sugar
• ¼ teaspoon organic fresh ground black pepper
• 1-ounce organic fresh dill, roughly chopped (optional)
• 1 ounce elderflower liqueur (optional)

Kitchen Equipment

• Measuring bowls/cups/spoons for mise en place ingredients
• Bowl
• Food scale
• Tongs
• Baking sheet
• Cutting board
• Chef knife
• Plastic wrap
• Plates
• Forks

Production Steps

1. Sanitize the kitchen (sink, countertops, stovetop/oven, cupboard handles, phone, computer).
2. Mise en place ingredients.
3. Layer baking sheet pan with plastic wrap.
4. Mix salt, sugar, and pepper in a bowl.
5. Sprinkle half of the rub on the baking sheet.
6. Place the salmon (skin down) on the rub mixture.
7. Cover the salmon with the remaining rub mixture.
8. Optional to sprinkle dill.
9. Pour elderflower liqueur over the fillet.
10. Wrap the fish with plastic wrap.
11. Refrigerate for 24 hours.
12. Flip the fillet after 24 hours.
13. Refrigerate for another 24 hours.
14. Remove from the refrigerator.
15. Drain the liquid accumulated.
16. Rinse the curing mixture from the fish.
17. Slice the fillet into thin slices to serve.

Farmed vs. Wild Salmon

We’ve all heard about the two different types of salmon. But what are the differences?

‌Farm-raised salmon, or Atlantic, are grown in tanks or freshwater enclosures. They are bred to be eaten. Moreover, they have a variety of textures and nutrients, such as omega-3s, due to the fish’s diet. However, they have higher amounts of PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl), a type of POP (persistent organic pollutants).

Pacific salmon, such as chinook (king), sockeye, coho, pink, and chum, are examples of wild salmon. Wild-caught salmon is taken from the water using nets or hand-lines. They grow in their natural surrounding. Further, they aren’t fed particular food or additives. Despite that, wild salmon also contains contaminants, but at lower levels. Therefore, fish, as a whole, should be eaten in moderation.

Personally, wild seafood, in general, is my preference.

FS x

References

Cleveland Clinic (2022). Fish faceoff: Wild salmon vs. farmed salmon. Retrieved from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/fish-faceoff-wild-salmon-vs-farmed-salmon/

Ratini, M. (2021). Difference between wild and farm-raised salmon. Retrieved: https://www.webmd.com/diet/difference-between-wild-and-farmed-salmon