This is how to make gravlax 🐠

This is how to make gravlax 🐠 is a easy Scandinavian recipe that serves 4. 400 calories per serving. Recipe by Lindsey Eats on YouTube.

Prep: 12 hrs 39 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 12 hrs 54 min

Cost: $19.49 total, $4.87 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb Salmon Fillet, Skin On (Prefer wild‑caught or sushi‑grade; remove pin bones)
  • 1/4 cup Kosher Salt (Coarse, for curing)
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (Balances saltiness)
  • 1 tablespoon Black Peppercorns (Lightly crushed)
  • 1 tablespoon Fennel Seeds (Lightly crushed for aromatic flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Orange Zest (Finely grated)
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (Finely grated)
  • 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt (Full‑fat for creaminess)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill (Finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Extra‑virgin)
  • 1 piece Garlic Clove (Minced)
  • 1 pinch Salt (To season the spread)
  • 1 pinch Black Pepper (Freshly ground for the spread)

Instructions

  1. Make the Curing Mixture

    In a mixing bowl combine kosher salt, granulated sugar, crushed black peppercorns, crushed fennel seeds, orange zest, and lemon zest. Stir until evenly mixed.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prepare the Salmon

    Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. Place the skin‑side down on a tray or shallow dish.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Apply the Cure

    Sprinkle half of the curing mixture evenly over the flesh side of the salmon. Flip the fillet skin‑side up and cover the flesh completely with the remaining mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Weigh Down the Salmon

    Place clean cans or bottled weights on top of the salmon to keep it flat and ensure even curing.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Cure in the Refrigerator

    Cover the tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, up to 3 days. The longer it cures, the firmer and more flavorful it becomes.

    Time: PT12H

    Temperature: 4°C

  6. Prepare Dill Yogurt Spread

    In a small bowl combine Greek yogurt, chopped dill, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper. Mix until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Rinse and Dry the Cured Salmon

    Remove the salmon from the fridge, discard the curing mixture, and rinse the fillet under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Slice the Gravlax

    Using a sharp knife, slice the salmon thinly at a slight angle, starting at the tail end and working toward the head.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Serve

    Arrange the gravlax slices on a platter, drizzle with the dill yogurt spread, and serve alongside toasted bagels or crostini.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
400
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
5g
Fat
25g
Fiber
0g

Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten‑free (if served on gluten‑free bread), Keto‑friendly

Allergens: Fish, Dairy

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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This is how to make gravlax 🐠

Recipe by Lindsey Eats

A simple, no‑heat method to cure salmon at home, creating silky gravlax served with a bright dill‑yogurt spread. Perfect for bagels, crostini, or as an elegant appetizer.

EasyScandinavianServes 4

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

Source Video
12h 39m
Prep
0m
Cook
1h 31m
Cleanup
14h 10m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$19.49
Total cost
$4.87
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Mixing the curing mixture evenly
  • Ensuring the salmon is fully covered by the cure
  • Weighing down the salmon to keep it flat
  • Rinsing off the cure thoroughly before slicing

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw salmon with clean hands and utensils to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Keep the curing salmon continuously refrigerated at 4°C or lower.
  • Consume within 3 days of curing for best safety and quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Gravlax, meaning “buried salmon,” originated in the Nordic region where fishermen would cure salmon with salt, sugar, and herbs before burying it in the sand to ferment. Over centuries it became a celebrated appetizer served during holidays and festive gatherings across Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of gravlax in Sweden versus Norway?

A

Swedish gravlax often includes dill and a sweeter cure, while Norwegian versions may add juniper berries or a stronger pepper profile. Both use the same basic salt‑sugar cure but differ in herb choices and serving accompaniments such as mustard‑dill sauce in Sweden or rye bread in Norway.

cultural
Q

How is gravlax traditionally served in Scandinavian culture?

A

Traditionally, gravlax is thinly sliced and served on crisp rye bread or crispbread, accompanied by a mustard‑dill sauce (hovmästarsås) and garnished with fresh dill and lemon wedges. It is a staple at smörgåsbord spreads and festive brunches.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is gravlax associated with in Nordic cultures?

A

Gravlax is commonly featured at Midsummer celebrations, Christmas smörgåsbord, Easter lunches, and wedding receptions throughout Scandinavia. Its elegant appearance and rich flavor make it a favorite for special occasions.

cultural
Q

What other Scandinavian dishes pair well with gravlax?

A

Gravlax pairs beautifully with pickled herring, rye crispbread, boiled potatoes, beetroot salad, and a glass of chilled aquavit or crisp white wine such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc.

cultural
Q

What makes gravlax special or unique in Scandinavian cuisine?

A

Gravlax showcases the Nordic emphasis on preserving the natural flavor of high‑quality fish using simple, natural ingredients. The balance of salt, sugar, and aromatic spices creates a silky, slightly sweet, and delicately flavored salmon that highlights the region’s culinary heritage.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include using too much salt, not weighing down the fillet, curing for insufficient time, and failing to rinse the cure off completely. Each of these can result in an overly salty, unevenly cured, or mushy product.

technical
Q

Why does this gravlax recipe use both orange and lemon zest instead of just lemon?

A

The combination adds a layered citrus brightness—lemon provides sharp acidity while orange contributes a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth, balancing the salt‑sugar cure and enhancing the fish’s natural flavor.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes, gravlax can be cured up to three days in advance. Keep it sealed in an airtight container in the refrigerator at 4°C. Once sliced, store the slices with a thin layer of the dill yogurt spread to prevent drying, and consume within 2‑3 days.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Lindsey Eats specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Lindsey Eats focuses on approachable home‑cooking tutorials, emphasizing quick, flavorful recipes that blend classic techniques with modern twists, often featuring seafood, comfort foods, and seasonal produce.

channel

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