15+ Christmas Gravlax Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!

Ingredients

1. Fresh Salmon

When it comes to making gravlax, the most crucial ingredient is, of course, the salmon. It's essential to choose a fresh and high-quality piece of salmon for the best results. Look for wild-caught salmon, as it tends to have a firmer texture and a more robust flavor compared to farm-raised salmon. You can also opt for different types of salmon, such as Atlantic, Pacific, or even sockeye, depending on your preference.

2. Sea Salt

Sea salt is the key ingredient that will help cure the salmon and give it that signature flavor. It's important to use coarse sea salt, as it will provide a better texture and allow the salt to penetrate the salmon more effectively. You can also add some additional seasonings like black peppercorns, dill, or even citrus zest to enhance the flavor.

3. Sugar

Sugar is another essential ingredient in this recipe, as it helps balance out the saltiness and adds a touch of sweetness to the cured salmon. You can use regular granulated sugar, or for a healthier option, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup.

4. Aquavit

Aquavit is a traditional Scandinavian spirit that is often used in gravlax recipes. It adds a unique herbal and slightly spicy flavor to the dish. If you can't find aquavit, you can substitute it with vodka or gin, or you can omit it altogether.

5. Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives are a great addition to this recipe. They not only add more flavor to the gravlax, but they also give it a beautiful and festive appearance.

The Curing Process

To cure the salmon, you'll need to mix the sea salt, sugar, and any additional seasonings in a bowl. Next, place the salmon in a shallow dish and cover it with the salt mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. Then, drizzle the aquavit over the salmon and top it off with the fresh herbs. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, flipping the salmon halfway through.

Serving Suggestions

Once the salmon is cured, remove it from the dish and scrape off any excess salt. You can then slice it thinly and serve it with some traditional accompaniments like rye bread, mustard sauce, and pickled cucumbers. You can also get creative and use the gravlax in other dishes, such as gravlax eggs Benedict, gravlax and avocado toast, or even a gravlax pizza. In conclusion, this Christmas gravlax recipe is a festive and delicious addition to any holiday gathering. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients and easy preparation process, it's a dish that is sure to impress your guests. So why not give it a try this holiday season and add a touch of Scandinavian tradition to your Christmas feast?