Making Cured Salmon Gravlax-No Cook/No Smoke Recipe-Delicious!

Making Cured Salmon Gravlax-No Cook/No Smoke Recipe-Delicious! is a medium American (Jewish) recipe that serves 4. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by What Every Joe Should Know on YouTube.

Prep: 42 min | Cook: 36 hrs 30 min | Total: 37 hrs 27 min

Cost: $39.06 total, $9.77 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Fresh Salmon Fillet (skin on, pin bones removed)
  • 2 tablespoons Whole Coriander Seeds (crushed)
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (fine)
  • 1/3 cup Canning Salt (non‑iodized, kosher style preferred)
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Dill (finely chopped, stems included)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 tablespoon Vodka (neutral spirit, helps flavor and texture)
  • 1 sheet Plastic Wrap (cling film, food safe)
  • 1 piece Cardboard Piece (clean, food‑safe, used as a platform for weight)
  • 1 piece Weight (e.g., canned goods) (clean, placed on cardboard to press salmon)
  • 1 pair Tweezers (for removing pin bones)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon

    Rinse the fillet under cold water, pat dry, and use tweezers to pull out any pin bones.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Make the Cure Mixture

    Crush 2 tbsp whole coriander seeds, then combine with 2 tbsp sugar and 1/3 cup non‑iodized salt in a small bowl; mix thoroughly.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Poke Holes in the Skin

    Using a sharp fillet knife, poke small holes evenly across the skin side of the salmon to allow the cure to penetrate.

    Time: PT2M

  4. First Cure – Apply Cure and Refrigerate

    Place the salmon in a large bowl, spread the cure mixture over the flesh, then flip and coat the skin side. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, lay a piece of cardboard on top, and place a weight to press the fish. Refrigerate for 24 hours.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 4°C

  5. Rinse and Dry After First Cure

    Remove the weight and cardboard, discard the liquid, rinse the salmon under cold water, pat dry, and return to the refrigerator uncovered for 30 minutes to air‑dry.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Prepare Fresh Dill

    Finely chop the dill, including stems, into roughly 1/4 cup.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Second Cure – Oil, Vodka, Coriander, and Dill

    Brush the salmon with olive oil, drizzle the tablespoon of vodka over the flesh, sprinkle the remaining crushed coriander seeds, and cover completely with the chopped dill. Wrap again with plastic wrap, place cardboard and weight on top, and refrigerate for 12 hours.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 4°C

  8. Final Rinse and Pat Dry

    After 12 hours, remove the weight, discard any excess liquid, and gently pat the fillet dry with paper towels.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Slice the Lox

    Using a very sharp fillet knife, slice the salmon into thin, uniform pieces (about 1‑2 mm thick) at a slight angle.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

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

Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten-Free, Keto-friendly

Allergens: Fish (salmon), Alcohol (vodka)

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Making Cured Salmon Gravlax-No Cook/No Smoke Recipe-Delicious!

Recipe by What Every Joe Should Know

A step‑by‑step no‑cook method for curing fresh salmon into silky lox, flavored with crushed coriander, dill, olive oil and a splash of vodka. Perfect for bagels, crackers, or enjoying on its own.

MediumAmerican (Jewish)Serves 4

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

Source Video
47m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
57m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$39.06
Total cost
$9.77
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • First Cure – Apply Cure and Refrigerate
  • Second Cure – Oil, Vodka, Coriander, and Dill
  • Slice the Lox

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw salmon with clean hands and utensils to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Keep the curing fish continuously refrigerated at 4°C or below.
  • Use a food‑safe weight; avoid heavy objects that could break the container.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of homemade salmon lox in Jewish-American cuisine?

A

Salmon lox originated in Eastern European Jewish communities where curing fish with salt was a way to preserve it before refrigeration. In the United States, especially in New York, lox became a staple bagel topping, symbolizing the melding of Jewish tradition with American breakfast culture.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of salmon lox in American Jewish cuisine?

A

Traditional New York‑style lox is heavily salted and often served with cream cheese, capers, and red onion. In the Pacific Northwest, milder cures using brown sugar and dill are popular, while some modern variations add vodka or whiskey for extra flavor.

cultural
Q

How is authentic salmon lox traditionally served in New York Jewish delis?

A

It is sliced very thin, layered on a toasted bagel with a generous spread of cream cheese, topped with thinly sliced red onion, capers, and a sprinkle of fresh dill. The lox is served cold and eaten immediately.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is salmon lox traditionally associated with in Jewish culture?

A

Lox is a popular brunch item for Shabbat morning meals and is often featured at holiday breakfasts such as Rosh Hashanah or Hanukkah gatherings, where a festive spread includes bagels, smoked fish, and dairy dishes.

cultural
Q

What makes homemade salmon lox special or unique in American Jewish cuisine?

A

Making lox at home lets you control the salt level, add fresh herbs like dill, and incorporate flavor boosters like vodka, resulting in a fresher, less processed product than store‑bought versions.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making homemade salmon lox?

A

Common errors include using iodized salt (which can give a metallic taste), not applying enough pressure during curing, and skipping the final air‑dry step, which can leave excess moisture and affect texture.

technical
Q

Why does this salmon lox recipe use vodka instead of a traditional ingredient like whiskey?

A

Vodka is neutral and evaporates quickly, helping to inhibit bacterial growth without adding competing flavors, whereas whiskey would impart a strong, sweet note that could overpower the delicate dill and coriander.

technical
Q

Can I make the salmon lox ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can cure the salmon up to 48 hours in advance. After slicing, keep the lox wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator; it will stay fresh for up to five days.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the salmon lox is done?

A

The fillet should feel firm to the touch, the surface will be slightly glossy from the oil and dill, and the flesh will have a pale pink hue with a subtle speckle of coriander and dill throughout.

technical
Q

How do I know when the salmon lox is fully cured and ready to slice?

A

After the 12‑hour second cure, the salmon should be dry on the surface, and when you press gently, it should spring back slightly without feeling mushy. A thin slice should hold together without tearing.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel What Every Joe Should Know specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel What Every Joe Should Know focuses on practical, everyday cooking techniques and food science explanations that help home cooks master a wide range of dishes, from basics to more adventurous recipes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel What Every Joe Should Know's approach to American Jewish cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

What Every Joe Should Know emphasizes clear, step‑by‑step instructions with a focus on why each technique works, often breaking down traditional dishes like salmon lox into simple, no‑cook methods that are accessible to beginners, unlike many channels that assume prior knowledge.

channel

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