Cured Arctic Char Recipe

Name: Cured Arctic Char
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 whole large skin-on arctic char, (1-1 1/2 pound), bones removed; 1/3 cup kosher salt; 1/3 cup sugar; 2 teaspoons mustard seeds; 2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest; 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest; 2/3 cup finely chopped fresh dill; 2 tablespoons aquavit; 1/4 small red onion, chopped; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 2 teaspoons sugar; 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; Creme fraiche and dill sprigs (for serving); Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)

Servings: persons

1 whole large skin-on arctic char, (1-1 1/2 pound), bones removed
1/3 cup kosher salt
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons mustard seeds
2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
2/3 cup finely chopped fresh dill
2 tablespoons aquavit
1/4 small red onion, chopped
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
Creme fraiche and dill sprigs (for serving)
Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)

1
Rinse char under cold running water; pat dry with paper towels. Mix salt, sugar, mustard seeds, orange zest, and lemon zest in a small bowl, then massage into char. Place skin side down in a baking dish; top with dill and drizzle with aquavit. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, pressing directly onto fish. Chill, turning 2-3 times and pouring off any accumulated liquid each time, until flesh is very firm and almost translucent, 2-4 days (it will get saltier and firmer the longer it sits). Thoroughly rinse char and pat dry with paper towels.
2
DO AHEAD: Char can be cured (and rinsed) 1 week ahead. Cover and chill.
3
Place onion in a small heatproof jar. Bring vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons water to a simmer in a small saucepan, stirring to dissolve. Pour over onion. Cover and chill until onion is bright pink, at least 8 hours and up to 2 days.
4
Thinly slice char and serve on lefse topped with creme fraiche, dill, pickled onion, and sea salt.

kcal

Calories

Carbs

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 whole large skin-on arctic char, (1-1 1/2 pound), bones removed, 1/3 cup kosher salt, 1/3 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons mustard seeds, and more.

Yes, Cured Arctic Char falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Cured Arctic Char

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions