During a culinary exploration to Scandinavia, I was introduced to a dish that perfectly marries the ocean’s treasures with the refreshing zest of citrus: Salted Salmon with Oranges. In this dish, the rich, fatty texture of salmon is wonderfully balanced by the bright, sweet acidity of oranges, while bay leaves add a subtle but profound earthy undertone, enhancing the complexity of flavors.
Motivated by this exceptional flavor combination, I embarked on a journey to recreate it in my kitchen. After experimenting with various curing techniques and proportions, I achieved a delightful harmony of the salmon’s natural succulence with the invigorating freshness of orange slices, complemented by the aromatic bay leaves. Eager to bring a piece of my travels to your dining table, I am thrilled to share this refined yet straightforward recipe, hoping it will inspire as much joy and satisfaction in you as it has in me.
Salted salmon with oranges
The Salted Salmon with Oranges is a dish that beautifully combines the rich, succulent texture of salmon with the refreshing acidity of oranges, accentuated by the earthy notes of bay leaves. Originating from Scandinavia during a culinary exploration, this recipe captures the essence of coastal flavors in a simple yet sophisticated way. The salmon is cured to enhance its natural flavors, which are then complemented by the sweet and tangy orange slices, creating a harmonious blend of tastes. After perfecting the dish through various experiments with curing techniques and ingredient proportions, the creator is eager to share this refined recipe, hoping to inspire others with this delightful taste of their travels.
Equipment
- 1 glass
Ingredients
- 1 salmon fillet with skin 1- 1.5 kg
- 2 large oranges bio
- 2 tsp peas black pepper
- 1/2 tsp peas white pepper
- 3-4 tbsp large sea salt
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 bay leaves
Instructions
- Crush knife blade pepper.
- Cut the oranges into thin slices
- Break bay leaf
- Put the salmon fillets in a glass or plastic container, sprinkle with sugar, salt, pepper and bay leaf.
- Cover the salmon completely orange slices
- Cover the container with a lid and put the fish for 48 hours in the refrigerator.
- Before use, clean the fish from the excess salt, pepper and cut into thin slices.
Cooking tips about Salted salmon with oranges
- Choosing the Salmon: Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon, preferably wild-caught, as it will provide the best texture and flavor for curing.
- Curing the Salmon: Mix salt and sugar in equal parts to create a simple yet effective cure. You can add finely grated orange zest to the curing mix to infuse the salmon with citrus notes from the start.
- Layering Ingredients: On a tray, lay down a bed of sliced oranges, place your salmon skin-side down, and then cover the flesh with the curing mixture. This not only adds flavor but also helps in drawing out moisture, enhancing the fish’s texture.
- Time for Curing: Depending on the thickness of your fillet, curing could take anywhere from 12 to 36 hours. Thicker pieces require longer curing times. Check periodically until you reach the desired firmness.
- Rinsing Off: After curing, rinse the salmon gently under cold water to remove the salt-sugar mix and any excess orange zest. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Slicing: Always use a sharp knife to cut the salmon into thin slices. A long, slender knife intended for slicing fish is optimal as it allows you to have control and precision.
- Serving: Serve the salted salmon slices over a fresh bed of orange slices, and garnish with fresh dill or another herb that complements citrus well, like basil or chervil.
- Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with light white wines or even citrus-infused cocktails which echo the dish’s bright, vibrant flavors.
- Storage: If not serving immediately, store the cured salmon in the refrigerator tightly covered. It can be kept for up to a week, and the flavors will continue to meld and develop over this time.
Serving suggestions about Salted salmon with oranges
- As an Appetizer: Serve thin slices of the salted salmon on small toast points or blinis topped with a dollop of crème fraîche. Add a sprinkle of finely chopped chives or dill for extra flavor.
- With Creamy Dill Sauce: Mix sour cream with dill, lemon juice, and capers to create a refreshing sauce that pairs perfectly with the rich flavor of the salmon.
- On a Charcuterie Board: Arrange the sliced salted salmon beautifully on a board with a selection of cheeses, crusty bread, and a variety of pickled vegetables to complement its flavors.
- Salad Topper: Lay the slices over a fresh green salad, perhaps with arugula or spinach, adorned with additional orange segments and nuts, tossed in a light vinaigrette.
- Main Course Feature: Present it as a main course by serving larger portions alongside a cooling cucumber salad and new potatoes boiled with mint for a classic accompaniment.
- Elegant Platter Presentation: For a sophisticated approach, curate an elegant platter featuring layered salmon alternating with thinly sliced oranges, garnished with fresh bay leaves and cracked black pepper.
- Pairing with Beverages: Complement the flavors of the dish with a well-chosen drink such as a crisp white wine, a light rosé, or even a mimosa to echo the citrus notes in your meal.
Top 5 FAQs about Salted salmon with oranges
- What are the primary ingredients of Salted Salmon with Oranges? The main ingredients for this dish are fresh salmon, oranges, and bay leaves. The combination of these ingredients delivers a balance of rich, succulent salmon with the sweet acidity of oranges, complemented by the earthy flavor of bay leaves.
- How long should the salmon be cured for optimal flavor? The curing time for the salmon can range from 12 to 36 hours, depending on the thickness of the fillet. It’s crucial to check periodically to achieve the desired firmness and flavor infusion.
- Can the cured salmon be stored for later use? Yes, the cured salmon can be stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to a week. This allows the flavors to continue melding and developing, making it even more delicious as time goes on.
- What are some recommended serving methods for Salted Salmon with Oranges? You can serve the salted salmon over a bed of fresh orange slices, garnished with herbs like dill or basil. It also pairs well with light white wines or citrus-infused cocktails. Alternatively, serve it as an appetizer on small toasts or as part of a sophisticated charcuterie board.
- How do I achieve the perfect texture and flavor balance when preparing Salted Salmon with Oranges? Ensuring the salmon is of high quality is critical — opt for fresh, preferably wild-caught salmon. Use a mix of salt and sugar for curing and add finely grated orange zest to infuse citrus notes right from the start. Rinse the salmon gently after curing to remove excess salt and pat dry before slicing thinly with a sharp knife.
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