Best Beet And Grappa Cured Salmon Recipes

BEET-CURED SALMON BREAKFAST SALAD

Steps:

• For the beet-cured salmon: In a medium bowl, combine the beets, fennel fronds and lemon zest. In a small bowl, stir together the salt, granulated sugar and black pepper.
• Place a sheet of plastic wrap over a rimmed sheet tray and place the salmon on top of the plastic wrap, skin-side down. Pack all sides of the salmon with the salt mixture, pressing down with clean hands to secure the mixture. Next, pack on the beet mixture. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator, weighed down with another sheet tray and heavy book, to cure for 72 hours.
• For the quickle: When the salmon is cured, combine the vinegar, salt, granulated sugar and 1/3 cup warm water in a mason jar. Shake to combine and dissolve the sugar and salt. Add the onions, close the lid, shake and set aside for 15 to 20 minutes.
• For the citrus vinaigrette: In a medium bowl, stir together the grapefruit juice, lemon juice, Dijon, salt and white pepper. Add the olive oil and whisk to combine.
• For the salad: Remove the beets and salt mixture from the salmon and rinse with water. Pat dry with paper towels and place on a cutting board. Using a super-sharp knife, slice the salmon thinly on an angle to get paper-thin slices. Set aside.
• In a medium bowl, dress the fennel with half of the citrus vinaigrette and toss together to combine.
• Cut the avocado horizontally around its equator and remove the pit. Remove the peel, place the halves cut-side down and run your knife across the avocado to cut 1/4-inch rounds.
• Place the dressed fennel on a large plate, top with the avocado, salmon slices, quick-pickled onions and toasted macadamia nuts. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and top with fennel fronds.

BEET-CURED SALMON

Steps:

• Toast peppercorns, coriander and dill seeds, allspice, and juniper berries in a dry small skillet over medium heat, tossing often, until very fragrant, about 4 minutes. Let cool, then finely grind in spice mill or with mortar and pestle. Transfer to a small bowl and mix in salt, sugar, and lemon zest.
• Lay salmon, skin side down, on a large sheet of parchment paper set on a large rimmed baking sheet. Pack spice cure on both sides of fish, pressing to adhere. Toss beets, chopped dill, and ginger in a medium bowl to combine; pack onto both sides of fish. Fold sides of parchment over salmon, then wrap tightly in plastic. Set another baking sheet on top of salmon and weight with three 28-oz. cans or the equivalent in cookbooks or other things you have in your kitchen. Chill 2 days.
• Unwrap salmon and wipe off aromatics and cure (don't rinse). Thinly slice to serve.
• Do Ahead
• Salmon can be cured 3 days ahead. Rewrap after wiping off aromatics and cure and chill.

BEET-CURED LOX

Steps:

• Grate beets and horseradish and mix together. Mix salt and sugar then spread generously on salmon filet. Spread beet and horseradish mixture on top of that. Scatter dill sprigs over the top, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until cured, about 3 days.
• When salmon feels firm, after about 3 days, remove toppings and discard. Gently rinse filet of remaining salt and sugar and pat dry. Slice very thinly to serve.