Are you ready to level up your cooking game with a dish thatās equal parts adventure and sophistication? This Zaza-Gravad Salmon with Mustard Sauce recipe is the perfect combination of Nordic tradition and modern culinary creativity. Whether youāre a seasoned chef or a home cook looking for something unique, this step-by-step guide will show you how to cure salmon at home with a flavorful twist. The result? A show-stopping dish perfect for rye bread, brunch boards, or even sushi-inspired creations. Letās dive in!
What is Gravad Salmon?
Gravad salmon, also known as gravlax, is a classic Scandinavian recipe where fresh salmon is cured with a flavorful mix of salt, sugar, dill, and other aromatics. Itās a simple process that doesnāt involve cooking but yields a silky, tender fish with rich flavors. In this recipe, weāve added a modern twist: a zaza herb powder that brings extra depth and character to the dish.
Ingredients Youāll Need
For the Salmon:
ā¢ 1 large fillet of fresh salmon (skin removed, about 1ā2 lbs)
ā¢ Curing Mix:
ā¢ 3 tbsp salt
ā¢ 3 tbsp sugar
ā¢ 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
ā¢ 1 bunch fresh dill (finely chopped)
ā¢ 1 tsp lemon zest
ā¢ 2 tbsp zaza herb powder (recipe below)
For the Mustard Sauce:
ā¢ 3 tbsp Dijon or Swedish mustard
ā¢ 2 tbsp honey
ā¢ 1 tbsp sugar
ā¢ 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
ā¢ Ā½ cup neutral oil (like sunflower or canola oil)
ā¢ 2 tbsp fresh dill (finely chopped)
ā¢ Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
1. Catch Your Salmon Like a Pro
Letās start this adventure in true Viking style. If youāre feeling brave, grab your waders and head to the wildāwhether itās a river, stream, or the open sea. Forget fishing rods or nets; itās all about using your primal instincts to catch your own salmon.
Alternative for the less daring: Buy a fresh salmon fillet from a trusted fishmonger. The fresher the fish, the better your gravad salmon will turn out.
2. Make the Zaza Herb Powder
The secret to this gourmet gravlax recipe is the zaza herb powder. This mix of dried herbs (or other creative ingredients) adds an earthy, aromatic flavor to the salmon.
How to Make It:
1. Preheat your oven to 115Ā°C (240Ā°F).
2. Spread your favorite herbs (like parsley, thyme, oregano, or even cannabis if legally permitted) on a parchment-lined baking tray.
3. Bake for 30ā40 minutes until the herbs are completely dried.
4. Once cooled, grind the herbs into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
3. Create the Curing Mix
The curing mix is the heart of this Scandinavian-inspired salmon recipe. In a bowl, combine:
ā¢ Salt
ā¢ Sugar
ā¢ Black pepper
ā¢ Chopped dill
ā¢ Lemon zest
ā¢ Zaza herb powder
Mix thoroughly to create a balanced blend of salty, sweet, and aromatic flavors.
4. Prepare the Salmon for Curing
1. Place the salmon fillet on a large piece of cling film with the flesh side facing up.
2. Evenly sprinkle the curing mix over the salmon, gently pressing it into the flesh. Make sure the entire surface is covered.
5. Wrap, Press, and Refrigerate
1. Wrap the salmon tightly in cling film to seal in the curing mix.
2. Place the wrapped salmon on a tray or dish, and weigh it down with something heavy like a cutting board or canned goods. This ensures the curing process is even.
6. Flip and Refrigerate
1. Place the salmon in the fridge for 36ā48 hours.
2. Every 12 hours, flip the salmon to ensure even curing and drain any liquid that accumulates in the dish.
7. Slice and Serve
After the curing process is complete:
1. Remove the salmon from the cling film and scrape off the curing mix.
2. Slice the salmon thinly at an angle using a sharp knife.
3. Serve with mustard sauce, rye bread, and fresh dill for a classic Scandinavian experience.
How to Make Mustard Sauce
This tangy, creamy mustard sauce is the perfect complement to your Zaza-Gravad Salmon. Itās easy to whip up and adds the right balance of sweetness and acidity.
Steps:
1. Mix the Base: Whisk together mustard, honey, sugar, and apple cider vinegar until the sugar dissolves.
2. Create the Emulsion: Slowly drizzle in neutral oil while whisking constantly. The mixture should thicken into a silky, creamy sauce.
3. Add Flavor: Stir in fresh dill, then season with salt and pepper. Adjust the taste with more vinegar for tanginess or honey for sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This cured salmon recipe is incredibly versatile. Hereās how to enjoy it:
ā¢ Classic Style: Serve thin slices of salmon on rye bread with a drizzle of mustard sauce and fresh dill.
ā¢ Brunch Platter: Pair it with boiled eggs, pickled vegetables, capers, and cream cheese for an epic Nordic-style spread.
ā¢ Modern Twist: Use the salmon as a topping for sushi, poke bowls, or even in salads.
Why Youāll Love Zaza-Gravad Salmon
1. Elevated Flavor: The addition of zaza herb powder adds a unique twist to the traditional gravad salmon recipe.
2. Healthy and Delicious: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and wholesome ingredients.
3. Easy to Make: While it takes time to cure, the process itself is simple and requires minimal effort.
4. Impressive Dish: Perfect for dinner parties, brunches, or simply treating yourself to a gourmet meal.
Conclusion
This Zaza-Gravad Salmon with Mustard Sauce recipe is your ticket to mastering a Scandinavian culinary classic with a bold, modern twist. Whether you catch your salmon in the wild or pick it up from the local market, the combination of curing mix, zaza powder, and tangy mustard sauce will leave your taste buds singing. Serve it on rye bread, as part of a brunch platter, or even in sushi rollsāthe possibilities are endless.
Ready to try it out? Follow the steps, embrace the process, and enjoy a gourmet dish thatās both impressive and delicious. SkĆ„l! ššÆ
š„Ā For a step-by-step demonstration, check out our Instagram videoĀ hereĀ featuring our chefs in action!
Share the Love: Snap a pic of your creation and tag us with #SenseMunchies for a chance to be featured. Happy cooking, and enjoy every comforting bite! šš„£