Description
Cure your own salmon with vodka, salt, and herbs. Perfect for bagels, crostini, or salads!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 lbs (907 g) center-cut king salmon fillet
- 12 juniper berries
- 1 tsp whole peppercorns
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) salt
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) sugar
- Zest from 2 large lemons
- 0.25 cups (59 ml) chopped rosemary
- 0.25 cups (59 ml) Titos Handmade Vodka
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with plastic wrap and place the salmon skin-side down. Pat the salmon completely dry with paper towels.
- Lightly crush the juniper berries and peppercorns using a mortar and pestle or the back of a knife. In a small bowl, combine the crushed juniper berries, peppercorns, salt, sugar, lemon zest, and chopped rosemary. Stir well. Add the vodka, stirring to create a slightly damp, sand-like texture.
- Evenly spread the cure mixture over the salmon, pressing it down firmly. Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no gaps. Place the wrapped salmon in a baking dish and press it down with another smaller baking dish. Add weight (such as canned goods) on top to press the salmon down.
- Place the weighted salmon in the refrigerator for 24–48 hours. Flip the salmon every 12 hours to ensure even curing.
- After curing, unwrap the salmon and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess salt. Pat completely dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, slice the salmon diagonally into thin, translucent slices.
- Enjoy with bagels, cream cheese, capers, and red onions. Serve over salads, rye bread, or with pickled vegetables. Store leftovers wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- For optimal flavor, use high-quality vodka and fresh herbs.
- Adjust curing time based on the thickness of your salmon fillet; thinner fillets may require less time.
- To prevent freezer burn, wrap the cured salmon tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag before freezing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 36 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Nordic-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 100g
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 80