The difference between lox and gravlax is that the first is smoked, the latter cured, giving it a more delicate taste and texture. It’s a headliner served with accoutrements such as cream cheese, red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, and capers.
2½-3lbswhole skin-on side of boneless fresh salmon(1.25-1.5 kg)
½cupliquid honey
2tbspmustard powder
1bunchfresh dillwashed and well-dried
Instructions
Mix salt and sugar together. Spread an even layer of about half of the mixture on the bottom of a large baking tray (big enough to hold the salmon).
Place salmon on top, skin side down, and evenly pour honey on top of fish. Sprinkle with mustard powder.
Completely cover with remaining salt and sugar mixture, carefully packing it down. No pink should show.
Lay dill over salt and sugar (it will permeate), cover fish with plastic wrap, and put in back of fridge for 48 hours. (Reserve some salt and sugar mixture to seal broken spots, which can happen after about 12 hours.)
After about 48 hours—I promise it’s worth it—the salmon is cured. Carefully wash off the salt and sugar with cool water, and pat fish dry withpaper towel.
To serve, thinly slice salmon, on the bias, down to the skin (but don’t slice into the skin.)