How to Make Dill Infused Gravlax with Mustard Sauce

How to Make Dill Infused Gravlax with Mustard Sauce is a easy Norwegian recipe that serves 4. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Kvaroy Arctic Salmon on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 48 hrs | Total: 48 hrs 35 min

Cost: $45.35 total, $11.34 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Arctic Salmon Fillet (skin on, pin bones removed)
  • 2 tablespoons Kosher Salt (coarse, for curing)
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (white sugar)
  • 1 bunch Fresh Dill (roughly chopped, stems included for flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard (smooth, not grainy)
  • 1 tablespoon Honey (light honey)
  • 1 tablespoon White Wine Vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Dill (for sauce) (finely chopped)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cure Mix

    In a mixing bowl combine the kosher salt, granulated sugar, and roughly chopped fresh dill until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Apply the Cure to the Salmon

    Place the salmon fillet skin‑side down on a clean cutting board. Pat the flesh dry, then spread the cure mixture evenly over the entire surface, pressing gently to adhere.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Wrap and Refrigerate

    Wrap the cured salmon tightly in plastic wrap, place it in a shallow dish, and refrigerate at 2‑4°C for 48 hours, turning the package once after 24 hours.

    Time: PT48H

    Temperature: 2-4°C

  4. Rinse and Pat Dry

    After 48 hours, unwrap the salmon, discard the excess cure, rinse the fillet quickly under cold water, and pat dry with paper towels.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Slice the Gravlax

    Using a very sharp knife, slice the salmon at a slight angle into thin (≈2 mm) pieces, starting at the tail end and working toward the head.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Prepare the Mustard‑Dill Sauce

    In a small bowl whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, white wine vinegar, olive oil, and the finely chopped dill until smooth and slightly glossy.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Serve

    Arrange the gravlax slices on a platter, drizzle or serve alongside the mustard‑dill sauce, and garnish with extra dill if desired. Serve with rye bread, boiled potatoes, or crisp crackers.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
200
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
2 g
Fat
13 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten‑free, Keto‑friendly

Allergens: Fish, Mustard, Honey

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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How to Make Dill Infused Gravlax with Mustard Sauce

Recipe by Kvaroy Arctic Salmon

Traditional Norwegian gravlax made by curing fresh Arctic salmon with a salt‑sugar‑dill mixture, then served thinly sliced with a smooth, slightly sweet mustard‑dill sauce. A simple yet luxurious dish that showcases the art of fermentation and the pristine flavor of cold‑water salmon.

EasyNorwegianServes 4

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Source Video
48h 30m
Prep
5m
Cook
5h 50m
Cleanup
54h 25m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$45.35
Total cost
$11.34
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Ensuring the cure mixture fully contacts the salmon surface.
  • Maintaining a consistent refrigeration temperature (2‑4°C) for the full 48‑hour period.
  • Slicing the cured salmon thinly and at an angle for proper texture.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw salmon with clean hands and utensils to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Keep the curing salmon continuously refrigerated (2‑4°C) to prevent bacterial growth.
  • If you have a compromised immune system, consider using previously frozen salmon to kill parasites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Gravlax originates from medieval Norway where fishermen buried salmon in sand to preserve it through natural fermentation. The name means “buried salmon,” and the technique evolved into the modern dry‑cure method, becoming a celebrated delicacy served at celebrations and festive meals across Scandinavia.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of gravlax exist within Norway and the broader Scandinavian region?

A

In northern Norway, the cure often includes juniper berries and a higher salt ratio, while in Sweden a sweeter version called “gravlax” adds more sugar and sometimes a splash of aquavit. Finnish variations may incorporate dill and a hint of orange zest for brightness.

cultural
Q

How is gravlax traditionally served in Norway?

A

Traditionally, gravlax is sliced thinly and served on crisp rye bread or flatbread with a mustard‑dill sauce (hovmästarsås). It is often accompanied by boiled potatoes, pickled cucumbers, and a glass of aquavit or crisp white wine.

cultural
Q

During which occasions is gravlax typically enjoyed in Norwegian culture?

A

Gravlax is a staple at Christmas, Easter, and midsummer celebrations, as well as at weddings and formal gatherings where a refined yet simple seafood starter is desired.

cultural
Q

What makes gravlax special or unique in Scandinavian cuisine?

A

Gravlax showcases the Scandinavian emphasis on preserving the natural flavor of high‑quality fish using minimal ingredients—salt, sugar, and dill—allowing the salmon’s buttery texture and subtle sweetness to shine.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making gravlax at home?

A

Common errors include using too much salt, not keeping the fish consistently cold, and slicing the salmon too thick. Over‑curing can make the fish overly salty, while insufficient curing leaves it under‑flavored.

technical
Q

Why does this gravlax recipe use a 48‑hour refrigeration period instead of a shorter cure?

A

A 48‑hour cure allows the salt and sugar to fully penetrate the thick salmon fillet, creating the characteristic smooth, slightly sweet, and buttery texture. Shorter cures may result in uneven flavor and a firmer, less tender bite.

technical
Q

Can I make gravlax ahead of time and how should I store it before serving?

A

Yes, gravlax can be prepared up to five days in advance. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator at 2‑4°C. For longer storage, freeze the cured salmon in an airtight bag for up to two months and thaw in the fridge before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the gravlax is finished?

A

The cured salmon should have a uniform pink‑orange hue, a slightly glossy surface, and a firm yet buttery texture that yields gently under a light press. Thin slices should be translucent and melt in the mouth without feeling mushy.

technical
Q

How do I know when the gravlax is done curing?

A

After 48 hours, the salmon will feel firmer, and the cure will have drawn out a thin layer of moisture that can be rinsed away. A quick taste test should reveal a balanced salty‑sweet flavor with a subtle dill aroma.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Kvaroy Arctic Salmon specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Kvaroy Arctic Salmon specializes in showcasing Arctic seafood, particularly wild‑caught Norwegian salmon, using traditional Nordic techniques such as gravlax, smoked salmon, and other preservation methods while emphasizing sustainability and flavor.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Kvaroy Arctic Salmon's approach to Norwegian cooking differ from other seafood channels?

A

Kvaroy Arctic Salmon focuses on authentic, minimally processed preparations that highlight the natural quality of Arctic salmon, often filming on location in Norway and providing detailed background on the fish’s origin, whereas many other channels rely on generic recipes or farmed fish.

channel

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