Description
How to make Salmon Lox using salt and salmon. Feel free to add optional flavor enhancers or leave them out.
Ingredients
Units
- 1 pound wild salmon, skinless (center, thick cut is best)
- 1 cup kosher salt or coarse sea salt- do not use table salt- or try smoked salt!
Instructions
- Place salmon on a plastic lined sheet pan, and pat dry.
- Place the salt in a bowl and mix in any of the optional additions. If using vodka or gin, add a few tablespoons at a time, just enough to moisten the salt mixture.
- Stir and spread evenly over the salmon on both sides, pressing it down.
- Wrap up tightly in plastic wrap. Place salmon in a baking dish, and set another slightly smaller baking dish over the top, pressing down firmly. Pile up a few cans to weigh it down and refrigerate for 24 to 36 hours. 36 hours seems to be ideal. 48 hours is too salty (for my taste buds).
- Unwrap the salmon and gently rinse the salt cure off well, under cold, running water. Pat very dry and slice diagonally into paper-thin slices to serve. TIP: Freezing the salmon for 30-60 minutes before slicing makes it easier to slice.
Notes
Optional additions:
- optional 1-2 teaspoons fresh ground peppercorns or juniper berries
- optional: zest from 1-2 large lemons
- optional: 1 cup fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- optional: ¼ cup chopped rosemary, thyme, fresh herbs
- optional: add a few drops of liquid smoke
- optional: 2-4 tablespoons vodka or gin
The longer you cure it, the saltier it will be. It is perfect at 36 hours and no longer than 48 hours.
The cured salmon keeps up to 5-6 days in the fridge and can be frozen. To freeze, wrap tightly with plastic wrap so no air is in contact (which will discolor it) then place in zip lock bag.
Sometimes I’ll freeze in smaller portions. Thaw in the fridge for 24-36 hours.
If you like a smoky flavor- try substituting smoked salt for some or all of the salt. Or add a little liquid smoke, (¼-½ teaspoon).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ounce
- Calories: 37
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 240.2 mg
- Fat: 1.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 6.3 g
- Cholesterol: 14.5 mg
