Marinated Salmon

I can provide you with a recipe for marinated salmon that is simple to prepare and delicious. Here’s how to do it.

Ingredients

• 500 g of fresh salmon fillet, skinless
• 200 g of coarse salt
• 200 g of brown sugar
• Grated zest of 1 lemon
• 1 bunch of fresh dill (or, if you prefer, wild fennel)
• 2 tablespoons of crushed peppercorns
• 2 tablespoons of vodka (optional, to enhance flavors)

Preparation

1. In a bowl, mix together the coarse salt and brown sugar.
2. Add the grated lemon zest, crushed peppercorns, and chopped dill.
3. Line a baking dish with some cling film, leaving it hanging over the edges so that you can later wrap the salmon.
4. Sprinkle half of the salt and sugar mixture on the cling film in the dish.
5. Place the salmon fillet on top and pour the rest of the mixture over it, making sure to completely cover the fish.
6. If you decide to use vodka, spray it now over the salmon.
7. Wrap the salmon with the excess cling film, then add another layer of film to seal well.
8. Place a weight on top of the salmon (another tray with cans on top will do) to press it down lightly.
9. Store the salmon in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 24 hours, up to 48 hours if you prefer a stronger taste.
10. After the marinating time, remove the salmon from the dish, rinse it under cold water to remove excess salt and sugar, and pat it dry with kitchen paper.
11. Slice the salmon into thin slices and arrange them on a serving plate.

Marinated salmon is great to enjoy on its own, with a slice of dark bread, or used in other preparations like salads or as a base for more elaborate dishes.

Curiosity

This preparation is similar to a Scandinavian cuisine dish called “gravlax” which is traditionally consumed during festive periods. Over time it has become an appetizer that is appreciated all over the world, and vodka is a trick used in some variants to enhance the flavor of the fish.