Jamie's Signature Gravlax

Jamie's Signature Gravlax is a medium Swedish recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Jamie Oliver on YouTube.

Prep: 50 min | Cook: 30 hrs | Total: 31 hrs 10 min

Cost: $37.59 total, $9.40 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Salmon Fillet (Skin on, wild‑caught if possible; cut into two large pieces)
  • 1/2 cup Kosher Salt (Fine grain for even curing)
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (White granulated)
  • 1 tablespoon Fennel Seeds (Lightly toasted for extra aroma)
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander Seeds (Optional, lightly crushed)
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (Finely grated from a fresh lemon)
  • 2 medium Beetroot (Grated then juiced; vivid purple color)
  • 2 tablespoons Vodka (Good quality, adds subtle depth)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Horseradish Root (Finely grated)
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream (Full‑fat for richness)
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
  • to taste Salt (For horseradish sauce)
  • to taste Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
  • 2 cups Mixed Salad Leaves (Delicate leaves, washed and dried)
  • 5 Baby Beetroot (assorted colors) (Thinly sliced on a mandoline)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Dill (Packed, roughly chopped)
  • 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Good quality for the dill oil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cure Mix

    Combine kosher salt, granulated sugar, toasted fennel seeds, crushed coriander seeds, lemon zest, beetroot juice (from grated beets), and vodka in a bowl; stir until the sugar dissolves.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Apply Cure to Salmon

    Lay one salmon fillet skin‑side down on the board, spread a generous layer of the cure mix over the flesh, then place the second fillet on top, skin side up. Rub the cure into both sides, then repeat with the remaining cure, ensuring every surface is coated.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Weight and Refrigerate

    Transfer the stacked fillets to a shallow dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and place a weight (e.g., a smaller dish or a can) on top. Refrigerate for 24–36 hours to cure.

    Time: PT30H

    Temperature: 4°C

  4. Rinse and Dry

    After curing, remove the salmon, rinse under cold water to wash away excess salt and beet residue, then pat dry with paper towels.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Make Horseradish Cream

    Grate fresh horseradish, then whisk together with sour cream, a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and lemon juice until smooth.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Prepare Dill Oil

    Roughly chop fresh dill and blend with olive oil in a small jar; let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then allow it to separate, pouring off the clear green oil into a squeeze bottle.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Assemble Salad Garnish

    Arrange mixed salad leaves on a plate, scatter thinly sliced baby beetroot ribbons, and add a few herb sprigs if desired. Lightly dress with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Plate the Gravlax

    Using a very sharp knife, slice the cured salmon as thinly as possible, arranging the slices in a fan or rose‑petal pattern on the plate. Spoon a dollop of horseradish cream in the centre, drizzle dill oil around, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
8 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten‑Free

Allergens: Fish, Dairy

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Jamie's Signature Gravlax

Recipe by Jamie Oliver

A modern take on classic Swedish gravlax, cured with a fragrant blend of salt, sugar, fennel, coriander, lemon zest, beetroot juice and a splash of vodka. Served thinly sliced with a bright horseradish‑sour‑cream sauce, crisp salad, baby beetroot ribbons and a vivid dill‑oil drizzle.

MediumSwedishServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
30h 50m
Prep
0m
Cook
3h 42m
Cleanup
34h 32m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$37.59
Total cost
$9.40
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Ensuring the cure mixture is evenly distributed and the salmon is pressed firmly
  • Maintaining a consistent refrigeration temperature (around 4 °C) for the full 24‑36 hour curing period
  • Rinsing the cured salmon thoroughly to remove excess salt and beet residue
  • Creating a clear, separated dill oil without over‑blending

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw salmon with clean hands and sanitized surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination
  • Use a very sharp knife carefully when slicing the cured fish
  • Alcoholic vodka is used in the cure; keep away from children

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of gravlax in Swedish cuisine?

A

Gravlax originated in Scandinavia as a preservation method where fishermen cured salmon with salt, sugar, and dill before the advent of refrigeration. It became a celebrated appetizer served with mustard‑dill sauce and is now a staple at Swedish smörgåsbord gatherings.

cultural
Q

How does the beetroot‑infused gravlax differ from traditional Swedish gravlax?

A

Traditional gravlax uses only salt, sugar, and dill, giving a pink‑gold hue. Adding beetroot juice and vodka creates a vivid purple color, a subtle earthiness, and a slightly sweeter profile while still honoring the classic curing technique.

cultural
Q

What traditional accompaniments are served with gravlax in Sweden?

A

In Sweden, gravlax is typically served with hovmästarsås (a mustard‑dill sauce), crisp rye bread, boiled potatoes, and fresh dill. Jamie Oliver’s version swaps the mustard sauce for a horseradish‑sour‑cream blend and adds a modern salad and dill oil.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations is gravlax traditionally enjoyed in Swedish culture?

A

Gravlax is a popular dish during midsummer feasts, Christmas, and Easter brunches, as well as at everyday smörgåsbord lunches, symbolizing the abundance of fresh Baltic salmon.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of gravlax exist within Scandinavia?

A

In Norway, cured salmon is often paired with a sweet mustard sauce and served on flatbread; in Denmark, it may be accompanied by rye crackers and pickled vegetables. Some regions add juniper berries or orange zest for a citrus twist, similar to the lemon zest used here.

cultural
Q

What makes beetroot‑infused gravlax a unique expression of modern Swedish cuisine?

A

The vivid purple hue from beetroot, the addition of vodka for depth, and the pairing with sharp horseradish cream and bright dill oil showcase contemporary creativity while respecting the historic curing method.

cultural
Q

What other Swedish dishes pair well with this gravlax on a dinner menu?

A

Serve alongside Swedish meatballs, creamy dill potatoes, crisp cucumber‑radish salad, or a simple rye‑bread smörgåsbord. A chilled glass of crisp Riesling or a light Swedish aquavit complements the flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making beetroot‑infused gravlax?

A

Common errors include using too much salt, not pressing the fillets firmly, curing for less than 24 hours, and over‑blending the dill oil which makes it cloudy. Follow the critical steps and timing for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this gravlax recipe use vodka in the cure instead of additional dill?

A

Vodka helps to extract and carry the beetroot’s earthy pigments and adds a subtle warmth without overpowering the delicate salmon. It also aids in the diffusion of flavors during the long curing period.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Jamie Oliver specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Jamie Oliver focuses on approachable, seasonal cooking with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, global flavors, and techniques that home cooks can master, often blending classic dishes with modern twists.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Jamie Oliver's approach to Swedish-inspired dishes differ from other cooking channels?

A

Jamie Oliver emphasizes simplicity and bold flavor pairings, using everyday pantry items like vodka and beetroot to reinvent traditional Swedish gravlax, whereas many other channels stick to the classic dill‑only cure and serve it with mustard sauce.

channel

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