Small Batch Gravlax With Fennel Orange Butter Recipes

GRAVLAX WITH THE WORKS

Steps:

• Coarsely grind the fennel seeds, peppercorns and coriander seeds in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle. Transfer to a bowl and mix with the salt, sugar and grapefruit zest and juice.
• Place the salmon fillets side by side, skin-side down, on a large piece of plastic wrap. Scatter the salt mixture over and around the fish. Top one fillet with the dill, then put the other fillet on top, skin-side up. Pat any extra salt mixture all over the fish. Wrap tightly in the plastic wrap and put the fish on a plate. Cover with another plate and put 2 or 3 heavy cans on top to weigh it down. Refrigerate 2 to 3 days, flipping the salmon daily.
• Unwrap the salmon and rinse under cold water to remove the spices and herbs. Pat dry with paper towels. Slice the salmon at an angle as thinly as possible with a sharp knife.
• Before serving, press the egg whites through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl. Repeat with the yolks. Arrange the salmon and bread on a platter. Put the chopped onion, chives, capers, beet horseradish and radishes in separate bowls for toppings.

SMALL-BATCH GRAVLAX WITH FENNEL-ORANGE BUTTER

Steps:

• To make the gravlax: Using a mortar and pestle or the side of a knife, lightly crush the peppercorns. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in the sugar, salt and orange zest. Rub mixture over salmon flesh; press the fennel fronds and tarragon all over flesh. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for 1 to 3 days. Turn fish after 12 hours and taste after 24 hours.
• To make the butter (up to 3 days ahead): Using a mortar and pestle or the side of a knife, mash the garlic with a pinch of salt until it forms a paste. Transfer to a bowl. Add the butter, 1 tablespoon of fennel fronds, tarragon, orange zest and pepper. Stir to combine.
• To serve, spread fennel-orange butter on slices of pumpernickel. Wipe off most of the marinade from the salmon and slice off the skin. Thinly slice the fish, pile it on the pumpernickel, and sprinkle with salt, more black pepper and a little lemon juice. Top with fennel fronds.