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The Recipe · No.820 · Gravlax

Gravlax, and where to source it

Gravlax — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Gravlax European 5best2buy.com

Equal parts salt and sugar cure the fish while a thick blanket of dill flavors it. Weight it down in the fridge so it cures evenly, and give it a day or two depending on thickness, turning it once.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep15 min (plus 1-2 day cure)
Cook0 min
Makes8 servings
CuisineEuropean
Cost$$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
Contains  fish
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 8 servings
Salmon fillet
Skin-on, center-cut, and very fresh; it is eaten raw-cured. Wild-caught salmon is best.
2 lb
Source it →
Salt
Coarse salt, equal by weight with the sugar, for the cure. A flaky sea salt works well.
1/2 cup
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Sugar
Equal with the salt; it balances the cure. An unrefined sugar adds a faint depth.
1/2 cup
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Dill
A big fresh bunch laid thick over the fish. Bought local.
1 large bunch
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White pepper
Crushed for a gentle warmth in the cure.
1 tsp
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The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortA project
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
  1. Mix the cureCombine the salt, sugar, and crushed pepper.
  2. Pack itRub the cure over the salmon and cover it thickly with dill.
  3. PressWrap tight, set in a dish under a weight, and refrigerate.
  4. Cure and sliceCure one to two days, turning once, then rinse, pat dry, and slice thin against the grain.
The Toolkit

Baking dish · Weights · Slicing knife

Straight Answers
Can you make Gravlax in an air fryer? — Not needed

No cooking needed here — this one comes together without heat, so the air fryer sits it out.

Can you freeze Gravlax? — Yes

Yes — cool it, portion into airtight containers, and freeze; thaw in the fridge and reheat.

Can you make Gravlax ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Gravlax gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Gravlax vegan? — No

No — it contains seafood, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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