19 Traditional Swedish Gravlax Recipe Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
Gravlax, also known as gravad lax, is a traditional Scandinavian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. This delicacy consists of cured salmon that is traditionally served during special occasions such as Christmas, Easter, and Midsummer celebrations. The name gravlax comes from the Swedish words "gravad" which means "buried" and "lax" which means "salmon." This is because the traditional method of preparing gravlax involves burying the salmon in salt, sugar, and herbs for a few days to cure it. In this article, we will take a closer look at the traditional Swedish gravlax recipe and how you can recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Dill, Kosher Salt, Sugar, Ground White Pepper, Ground
Gravadlax, also known as cured salmon, is a popular dish in Swedish cuisine. It involves curing raw salmon in a mixture of salt, sugar, and herbs for several days, resulting in a flavorful and tender fish. The name “gravadlax” comes from the Swedish words “gravad”, meaning “buried”, and “lax”, meaning “salmon”. This dish is often served as an appetizer or on open-faced sandwiches, but it can also be used in various dishes. Here are 20 ways to incorporate gravadlax into your cooking.
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Beet-Cured Gravlax
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Vodka, Granulated Sugar, Sea Salt Flakes
A twist on the traditional gravadlax, this recipe adds grated beets to the curing mixture, giving the salmon a vibrant pink color and a subtle earthy flavor. The beets also add extra nutrients to the dish, making it a healthier option.
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Gravlax with Blinis (Cured Salmon with Thin Pancakes)
Main Ingredients: Dill, Kosher Salt, White Peppercorns, Sugar, Salmon
For a fancy and impressive appetizer, serve your gravadlax with homemade blinis. These small, thin pancakes are the perfect vessel for the cured salmon and can be topped with a dollop of crème fraiche and fresh dill for a burst of flavor.
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Gravlax Salmon and a Swedish Brunch
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Coarse Salt, Brown Sugar, Freshly Ground Black
In Sweden, gravadlax is a popular dish to serve at brunch. Pair it with other Swedish classics such as scrambled eggs, pickled herring, and crispbread for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Gravlax with Swedish Mustard Sauce
Main Ingredients: Salt, Sugar, Orange Zest, White Pepper, Fennel, Salmon
This tangy and creamy mustard sauce is the perfect accompaniment to gravadlax. Made with Dijon mustard, honey, and sour cream, it adds a zesty kick to the delicate and rich cured salmon.
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Vodka Dill Cured Salmon Gravlax
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Vodka, Lemon Juice, Orange Juice, Lemon Rind
This recipe takes gravadlax to the next level by incorporating vodka and fresh dill into the curing mixture. The vodka helps to tenderize the salmon while the dill adds a refreshing and aromatic flavor.
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Gravlax (cured Salmon)
Main Ingredients: Salmon Fillet, Kosher Salt, Sugar, Freshly Ground Black
For a simple and classic gravadlax, this recipe uses only salt, sugar, and dill to cure the salmon. It’s a foolproof method that results in a delicious and versatile dish that can be used in a variety of recipes.
Lax pudding, or salmon pudding, is a traditional Swedish dish that is often served during the holidays. It combines layers of cured salmon, potatoes, and cream for a rich and satisfying casserole that is perfect for feeding a crowd.
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Beet Cured Salmon Gravlax with Horseradish
Main Ingredients: Salmon Fillet, Granulated Sugar, Salt, White Pepper
Add a kick to your gravadlax by serving it with a horseradish sauce. The spicy and creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the earthy and slightly sweet flavors of the beet-cured salmon.
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Laxpudding - Swedish baked salmon pudding
Main Ingredients: Waxy Potatoes, Butter, Brown Onions, Salt, White
This classic Swedish dish is a must-try for any gravadlax lover. It combines layers of cured salmon, potatoes, and cream, and is baked to perfection for a hearty and delicious meal.
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Swedish Salmon Burger with Lemon Yogurt Sauce
Main Ingredients: Salmon Fillet, Fresh Dill, Capers, Egg, Breadcrumbs
For a twist on the classic beef burger, try making a salmon burger using cured salmon. Top it off with a tangy lemon yogurt sauce for a flavorful and healthy meal.
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Gravlax (Cured Salmon) With Delicious Side Salad
Main Ingredients: Fresh Salmon, Salt, Brown Sugar, Lemon, Dill, Beetroot
If you’re looking for a light and refreshing dish, serve your gravadlax with a side salad. Use fresh greens, herbs, and a simple vinaigrette to complement the delicate flavors of the cured salmon.
No list of Swedish recipes is complete without mentioning the beloved meatball. While traditionally made with beef or pork, try using cured salmon in this recipe for a unique and tasty twist on a classic dish.
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Tarragon Cured Salmon
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Coarse Salt, Sugar, Black Pepper, Fresh
Tarragon adds a delicate and slightly anise-like flavor to the cured salmon in this recipe. It pairs well with the earthy and slightly sweet flavors of the gravadlax and creates a unique and delicious dish.
For a truly authentic Swedish meatball experience, try making them from scratch using a combination of beef, pork, and cured salmon. The result is a flavorful and juicy meatball that will have your taste buds singing.
The sauce is just as important as the meatballs themselves in this classic dish. This recipe for Swedish meatball sauce uses a combination of beef broth, cream, and lingonberry jam for a rich and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the cured salmon.
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Gin & Beet Cured Salmon
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Beetroots, Gin, Cucumber, Dill, Orange Zested
Take your gravadlax to the next level by adding gin to the curing mixture. The juniper and botanical flavors of the gin pair well with the earthy and sweet flavors of the beet-cured salmon.
For a delicious and simple breakfast or brunch dish, try making Swedish pancakes. These thin and delicate pancakes are often served with jam and whipped cream, but they also make a great vessel for gravadlax.
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Delicious Swedish Meatballs Using Frozen Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Meatballs, Butter, All Purpose Flour, Beef Broth, Sour
For a quick and easy version of Swedish meatballs, try using frozen meatballs and adding cured salmon to the sauce. This is a great weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
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Cured Salmon
Main Ingredients: Salmon Fillet, Dill, Kosher Salt, Light Brown Sugar
Of course, the most classic and traditional way to enjoy gravadlax is on its own. Serve it as an appetizer with crackers, bread, or a simple mustard sauce for a delicious and elegant dish.
Ingredients You Will Need
1. Fresh Salmon
The key to a delicious gravlax is to start with fresh salmon. Look for wild-caught salmon that is preferably skin-on and boneless. The quality of the salmon will directly impact the final taste of your gravlax.
2. Salt and Sugar
The traditional Swedish gravlax recipe uses equal parts of salt and sugar. The salt helps to draw out the moisture from the salmon, while the sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the saltiness.
3. Fresh Dill
Dill is an essential herb in gravlax, and it adds a beautiful aromatic flavor to the dish. Make sure to use fresh dill for the best results.
4. Spices
While the basic recipe only calls for salt, sugar, and dill, you can add other spices to enhance the flavor of your gravlax. Some popular choices include black peppercorns, coriander seeds, and mustard seeds.
5. Brandy or Aquavit
For an extra kick of flavor, you can add a splash of brandy or aquavit to your curing mixture. This is entirely optional, but it adds a unique touch to the gravlax.
Preparing the Gravlax
To prepare the gravlax, you will need to start by making the curing mixture. In a bowl, mix together equal parts of salt and sugar. Add in your desired spices and a handful of chopped fresh dill. You can also add a splash of brandy or aquavit at this stage.
Next, take a large piece of plastic wrap and lay it flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle a layer of the curing mixture on the plastic wrap and place the salmon on top, skin-side down. Cover the salmon with the remaining curing mixture, making sure to cover it completely. Wrap the salmon tightly in the plastic wrap and place it in a dish or tray.
Place the dish in the refrigerator and let the salmon cure for 2-3 days. During this time, the salt and sugar will draw out the moisture from the salmon, creating a beautiful and flavorful cured fish.
Serving and Enjoying Gravlax
After 2-3 days, your gravlax will be ready to be served. Unwrap the salmon and discard the excess curing mixture. Rinse the salmon under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, thinly slice the gravlax at an angle, starting from the tail end.
Gravlax is traditionally served with a mustard-dill sauce, crispbread, and pickled vegetables. You can also serve it as an appetizer with crackers and cream cheese. The possibilities are endless, and the result is always mouth-watering.
In conclusion, the traditional Swedish gravlax recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy salmon. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can recreate this classic dish in your own kitchen. So why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with your homemade gravlax?