18 Authentic Swedish Gravlax Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 8, 2024
Gravlax, also known as gravad lax, is a traditional Swedish dish that has gained popularity all over the world for its delicious flavor and simplicity. This cured salmon dish has been a staple in Swedish cuisine for centuries, and with this authentic Swedish gravlax recipe, you can bring a taste of Scandinavia into your own kitchen. So, let's dive into the history of this delectable dish and learn how to make it like a pro.
Main Ingredients: Dill, Kosher Salt, Sugar, Ground White Pepper, Ground
If you're looking for a unique twist on the classic beer can chicken recipe, why not try incorporating some Swedish flavors? Gravadlax, a traditional cured salmon dish, adds a burst of savory and tangy flavors to the chicken.
Gravadlax is typically made with a combination of salt, sugar, and dill, and is cured for several days before being thinly sliced and served. But for this recipe, we'll be using the same ingredients to create a flavorful marinade for our chicken.
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Beet-Cured Gravlax
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Vodka, Granulated Sugar, Sea Salt Flakes
For a colorful and flavorful variation, try using beets in your gravadlax marinade. The beets not only add a vibrant pink color to the chicken, but also a slightly sweet and earthy taste.
To make the marinade, blend together beets, salt, sugar, dill, and some lemon juice in a food processor until smooth. Rub the mixture all over the chicken and let it marinate for at least 24 hours before cooking.
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Gravlax with Blinis (Cured Salmon with Thin Pancakes)
Main Ingredients: Dill, Kosher Salt, White Peppercorns, Sugar, Salmon
If you want to add a touch of elegance to your beer can chicken, serve it with some homemade blinis. These thin Russian pancakes are the perfect vessel for the gravlax, creating a delicious and impressive dish.
To make the blinis, mix together flour, baking powder, milk, eggs, and a pinch of salt. Cook them in a nonstick pan until golden brown on both sides. Serve the chicken on top of the blinis with a dollop of sour cream and some extra gravlax on the side.
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Gravlax Salmon and a Swedish Brunch
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Coarse Salt, Brown Sugar, Freshly Ground Black
Hosting a weekend brunch? Impress your guests with a spread of homemade gravlax salmon and traditional Swedish side dishes. The cured salmon adds a unique and delicious touch to the brunch menu.
Along with the gravlax, serve some Swedish crispbread, pickled herring, and lingonberry jam. And don't forget to pair it all with a refreshing aquavit (a traditional Swedish spirit) or a mimosa.
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Gravlax with Swedish Mustard Sauce
Main Ingredients: Salt, Sugar, Orange Zest, White Pepper, Fennel, Salmon
For a bold and tangy addition to your beer can chicken, top it with a flavorful Swedish mustard sauce. This creamy and zesty sauce pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the gravlax.
To make the sauce, mix together Dijon mustard, honey, vinegar, and some chopped fresh dill. Drizzle it over the chicken before serving for a burst of flavor.
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Vodka Dill Cured Salmon Gravlax
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Vodka, Lemon Juice, Orange Juice, Lemon Rind
If you're a fan of adding alcohol to your recipes, try using vodka in your gravlax marinade. The vodka not only adds a subtle kick, but also helps to preserve the fish during the curing process.
In a bowl, mix together salt, sugar, vodka, dill, lemon zest, and some cracked black pepper. Rub the mixture all over the chicken and let it marinate in the fridge for 24 hours before cooking.
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Gravlax (cured Salmon)
Main Ingredients: Salmon Fillet, Kosher Salt, Sugar, Freshly Ground Black
For a more traditional approach, stick to the classic gravlax recipe. The simple combination of salt, sugar, and dill creates a delicious and flavorful cured salmon that pairs well with the beer can chicken.
Rub the chicken with the salt, sugar, and dill mixture and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 48 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more intense the flavors will be.
If you're looking for a unique side dish to serve with your beer can chicken, try making a Swedish lax pudding. This baked salmon and potato casserole is a hearty and delicious addition to any meal.
To make the lax pudding, layer thinly sliced potatoes and salmon in a baking dish. Pour a mixture of cream, eggs, and herbs over the top and bake until golden brown and bubbly.
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Beet Cured Salmon Gravlax with Horseradish
Main Ingredients: Salmon Fillet, Granulated Sugar, Salt, White Pepper
For a spicy and tangy twist, add some horseradish to your beet-cured gravlax recipe. The horseradish adds a kick to the sweet and earthy flavors of the beets, creating a perfectly balanced dish.
Blend together beets, salt, sugar, dill, horseradish, and lemon juice in a food processor. Rub the mixture all over the chicken and let it marinate for at least 24 hours before cooking.
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Laxpudding - Swedish baked salmon pudding
Main Ingredients: Waxy Potatoes, Butter, Brown Onions, Salt, White
If you're a fan of comfort food, you'll love this Swedish lax pudding. The creamy and flavorful dish is a great way to use up any leftover gravlax from your beer can chicken.
Layer cooked rice, flaked gravlax, and a creamy bechamel sauce in a baking dish. Bake until golden brown and bubbly, then serve with a side of lingonberry jam.
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Swedish Salmon Burger with Lemon Yogurt Sauce
Main Ingredients: Salmon Fillet, Fresh Dill, Capers, Egg, Breadcrumbs
For a unique and delicious way to enjoy your beer can chicken, turn it into a flavorful salmon burger. This Swedish twist on a classic burger is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Make the burger patties by combining ground chicken, grated onion, breadcrumbs, and some chopped dill. Grill or pan fry until cooked through, then serve on a bun with a tangy lemon yogurt sauce.
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Gravlax (Cured Salmon) With Delicious Side Salad
Main Ingredients: Fresh Salmon, Salt, Brown Sugar, Lemon, Dill, Beetroot
For a light and refreshing accompaniment to your beer can chicken, serve it with a simple side salad. The crisp and fresh flavors of the salad help to balance out the rich and savory flavors of the gravlax.
Toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette. Top with thinly sliced gravlax and some fresh dill for a delicious and healthy meal.
If you're looking for a hearty and comforting dish to serve with your beer can chicken, try making some traditional Swedish meatballs. These flavorful and tender meatballs are a staple in Swedish cuisine.
Mix together ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, and some spices, then form into small meatballs. Pan fry until golden brown and serve with lingonberry jam and a creamy gravy.
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Tarragon Cured Salmon
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Coarse Salt, Sugar, Black Pepper, Fresh
For a unique and flavorful twist on gravlax, try using tarragon in your marinade. The anise-like flavor of the tarragon pairs perfectly with the rich and savory flavors of the cured salmon.
In a food processor, blend together tarragon, salt, sugar, and some lemon zest. Rub the mixture all over the chicken and let it marinate for at least 24 hours before cooking.
If you want to take your Swedish meatballs to the next level, try using a mixture of ground beef, pork, and veal. This combination creates the perfect texture and flavor for these classic meatballs.
Along with the traditional ingredients, add some grated onion and garlic to the meatball mixture for an extra burst of flavor. Serve with lingonberry jam and a creamy gravy for a delicious meal.
The key to a delicious Swedish meatball dish is the sauce. To make the perfect creamy and flavorful sauce, use a combination of beef broth, cream, and some lingonberry jam for a touch of sweetness.
After cooking the meatballs, use the same pan to make the sauce by combining the beef broth, cream, and jam. Serve the meatballs and sauce over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a comforting meal.
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Gin & Beet Cured Salmon
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Beetroots, Gin, Cucumber, Dill, Orange Zested
For a boozy and colorful twist on the classic gravlax recipe, try using gin in your marinade. The juniper flavors of the gin add a unique and delicious note to the cured salmon.
In a food processor, blend together beets, salt, sugar, dill, lemon zest, and some gin. Rub the mixture all over the chicken and let it marinate in the fridge for 24 hours before cooking.
No meal is complete without dessert, and these Swedish pancakes are the perfect way to end your beer can chicken feast. These thin and crepe-like pancakes are delicious on their own, or can be served with a variety of toppings.
Whisk together flour, eggs, milk, and some melted butter until smooth. Cook in a nonstick pan until golden brown on both sides. Serve with your choice of toppings, such as lingonberry jam, whipped cream, or fresh berries.
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Delicious Swedish Meatballs Using Frozen Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Meatballs, Butter, All Purpose Flour, Beef Broth, Sour
If you're short on time, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of Swedish meatballs by using frozen meatballs. Simply heat them up in a pan and serve with lingonberry jam and a creamy gravy.
To add your own twist, try making a flavorful sauce by combining beef broth, cream, and some lingonberry jam in the pan with the meatballs. Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a quick and easy meal.
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No.19 Gin Cured Salmon
Main Ingredients: Gin, Salmon, Sugar, Fine Salt, Citrus Fruit
For a unique and delicious combination of flavors, try using No.19 gin in your gravlax marinade. This gin is infused with a variety of botanicals, including strawberry, rose, and cucumber, adding a complex and delicious taste to the cured salmon.
Mix together salt, sugar, dill, and some No.19 gin, then rub it all over the chicken. Let it marinate in the fridge for 24 hours before cooking for a flavorful and impressive dish.
The History of Gravlax
Gravlax has been a part of Swedish cuisine since the Middle Ages when fishermen would bury their salmon in the sand along the coast to preserve it. The word "gravlax" comes from the Swedish word "gravad," which means "buried." Over time, the dish evolved, and instead of burying the salmon in the sand, it was cured in a mixture of salt, sugar, and dill. Today, gravlax is a popular dish not just in Sweden but all over the world, and it has even inspired variations in other cultures, such as the Eastern European dish, gravlax herring.
The Traditional Recipe
Salmon is the star of this dish, and it's important to use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor. Traditionally, the salmon used for gravlax is the fatty belly part, but you can use any part of the fish as long as it's fresh. The salmon is then cured with a mixture of salt, sugar, and dill, which draws out the moisture and helps preserve the fish. This curing process also gives gravlax its signature flavor and texture.
The Modern Twist
While the traditional recipe is still widely used, many chefs and home cooks have put their own spin on gravlax. Some add spices like coriander, fennel, or mustard seeds to the curing mixture, while others incorporate different herbs like tarragon or chives. Some even use different types of fish, such as trout or arctic char, for a unique twist on the classic dish. No matter the variation, the essence of gravlax remains the same - fresh, cured salmon with a delicate balance of flavors.
The Perfect Pairings
Gravlax is typically served as an appetizer, and it pairs perfectly with crispbread, rye bread, or bagels. For a complete Scandinavian experience, serve it with pickled cucumbers, mustard sauce, and dill potatoes. It also goes well with a refreshing cucumber and dill salad or creamy horseradish sauce. And of course, no Swedish meal is complete without a shot of aquavit to wash it all down.
Now that you know the history and the key elements of a traditional gravlax recipe, it's time to try it out for yourself. With this simple yet flavorful dish, you can impress your friends and family with your culinary skills and give them a taste of authentic Swedish cuisine. So go ahead and give this gravlax recipe a try, and you'll see why it has stood the test of time as a beloved dish in Sweden and beyond.