Glacial Icelandic Arctic Char Gravlax with Dill-Citrus Cure
Experience the harmonious fusion of tender Arctic Char infused with vibrant citrus and dill, offering a taste of Nordic serenity at home.

Preparation
Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
Marinating the Arctic Char
- 1
Mix Salt and Sugar
Mix sea salt and sugar in a bowl.
- 2
Prepare Baking Dish
Place half the mixture in a glass baking dish, lay the char fillet skin-side down.
- 3
Apply Cure and Refrigerate
Cover with the remaining salt-sugar mixture and refrigerate for 24 hours.
Preparing the Dill-Citrus Cure
- 1
Combine Ingredients
Combine lemon zest, orange zest, and chopped dill in a separate bowl.
- 2
Remove and Rinse Fish
Once the char has cured for 24 hours, remove from the fridge.
Tip: Tilt the baking dish slightly for excess liquid to drain off during curing.
- 3
Rinse and Dry
Rinse the fillet thoroughly under cold water and pat dry.
Tip: Ensure the fillet is completely rinsed to avoid excess saltiness.
How to Make Glacial Icelandic Arctic Char Gravlax with Dill-Citrus Cure
Total time: 64 h · Yields 6 servings
- 1
Applying the Cure
Evenly spread the dill-citrus mixture over the char fillet and wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
- 2
Final Curing
Refrigerate for an additional 24 hours to allow flavors to infuse deeply.
- 3
Slicing & Serving
Unwrap and thinly slice the char at a sharp angle for serving.
Chef's Tips
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
How should I store the leftovers?
Wrap the remaining gravlax tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I swap Arctic Char with another fish?
Absolutely! Salmon is a popular and equally delicious alternative.
Is it possible to add different flavors to the cure?
Yes, you can experiment with adding alcohol like aquavit or white pepper for variation.
Can I freeze the gravlax after curing?
You can freeze it, but it may affect the texture; consume within a month for the best quality.
What is the best way to slice gravlax?
Use a sharp, long-bladed knife to cut thin, uniform pieces at a slight angle.
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