Beet- and Horseradish-Cured Salmon
This is a good first foray into curing because the process is simple and relatively quick and the reward considerable. Thanks to the beets, the color on the outside of the salmon is a deep, rich fuchsia. And don't be afraid to use fresh horseradish if you can find it; just be careful.
- Total:
- Serves: 12 persons
Ingredients
- 6ounces horseradish, grated fresh, or prepared, well drained
- 1salmon fillet, about 3 pounds, skin on
- 1pound red beets, raw, peeled and grated, juice included
- 1large bunch fresh dill, roughly chopped
- ½cup plus 2 tablespoons/5 ounces granulated sugar
- 1cup plus 2 tablespoons/6 ounces kosher salt (See note.)
- ¼cup/1 ounce cracked black pepper
Instructions
Step 1
If using fresh horseradish, peel, cut into chunks and process in a food processor, using the steel blade. Do not grate it by hand; the fumes will be overpowering. Drape the food processor with a damp towel and carefully crack the lid, under the towel, to absorb the fumes.Step 2
Remove pin bones from salmon and set aside. In a large stainless steel or glass bowl, combine horseradish and remaining ingredients, wearing gloves to avoid turning your hands purple.Step 3
Choose a nonreactive pan that is just large enough to hold the salmon fillet or line a pan with plastic wrap. Drizzle a little of the beet mixture on pan and place the salmon, skin-side down, on top. Cover the flesh with remaining beet mixture, making it thinner on tail and belly section and thicker everywhere else.Step 4
Cover with plastic wrap, place another pan on top, and weight with cans. Cure in refrigerator for 3 days.Step 5
Gently scrape off beet mixture and discard. Cut salmon in thin slices and serve. Whole fillet, well wrapped in plastic, will last 1 week refrigerated.