Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 oz. fresh salmon fillet
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp. black peppercorns
- 1 large cucumber
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1 tbsp. fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Plastic wrap
- Baking sheet
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Small bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, granulated sugar, and black peppercorns.
2. Place the salmon fillet on a piece of plastic wrap and generously sprinkle the salt mixture over the top, making sure to cover the entire surface.
3. Wrap the salmon tightly in the plastic wrap and place it on a baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours, or up to 48 hours for a firmer texture.
4. Once the salmon is cured, remove it from the plastic wrap and use a sharp knife to thinly slice it into strips.
5. Cut the cucumber into thin strips using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
7. To assemble the rolls, spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each cucumber strip, then place a slice of cured salmon on top.
8. Roll up the cucumber strips tightly around the salmon, securing with a toothpick if necessary.
9. Serve the rolls chilled, garnished with additional dill if desired.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Curing time: 24-48 hours
- Cooking time: None
Temperature:
- Refrigerate the salmon during the curing process and serve the rolls chilled.
Serving size:
- Makes approximately 16 rolls, serving size is 2 rolls per person.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of fresh dill, you can use other fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or basil.
- You can substitute smoked salmon for the cured salmon if desired.
- If you don't have cream cheese, you can use goat cheese or ricotta cheese instead.
Variations:
- Add a thin slice of avocado to each roll for extra creaminess.
- Use thinly sliced radishes or carrots instead of cucumber for a different flavor and texture.
- Top each roll with a small dollop of caviar for a more luxurious presentation.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to use a sharp knife when slicing the salmon and cucumber to ensure even, thin strips.
- If the cream cheese mixture is too thick, you can add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out.
- You can make the rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
- These rolls are best served chilled and do not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the rolls on a platter and garnish with fresh dill or other herbs.
- Serve the rolls on individual plates with a side salad or other appetizers.
Garnishes:
- Fresh dill or other herbs
- Lemon wedges
- Caviar
Pairings:
- Serve these rolls with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad
- Grilled vegetables
- Crusty bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the salmon is too salty after curing, rinse it under cold water before slicing.
- If the cucumber strips are too thick, they may be difficult to roll. Use a mandoline slicer or a vegetable peeler to get thin, even strips.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use fresh, high-quality salmon for this recipe.
- Always wash your hands and any utensils or surfaces that come into contact with raw fish.
- Keep the salmon refrigerated during the curing process to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Food history:
- Cured salmon has been a popular dish in Scandinavian countries for centuries, where it is known as gravlax.
Flavor profiles:
- The salty, slightly sweet cured salmon pairs perfectly with the cool, refreshing cucumber and tangy cream cheese mixture.
Serving suggestions:
- These rolls make a great appetizer for a party or a light lunch or dinner.
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