Beet and Dill Arctic Char Gravlax Recipe
This Beet and Dill Arctic Char Gravlax recipe is a beautifully cured seafood dish featuring earthy beets, fresh dill, and silky Arctic char, paired with a refreshing yogurt chive dressing. Featured on Fish the Dish, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant, restaurant-quality gravlax that’s perfect for special occasions and gourmet entertaining.
The Inspiration
Inspired by traditional Scandinavian gravlax techniques, this dish reflects the Nordic approach to curing fish with salt, sugar, and herbs to enhance natural flavour rather than overpower it. On Fish the Dish, host Spencer Watts brings this classic preparation into a modern context by incorporating beetroot for both colour and subtle sweetness, creating a visually stunning and flavour-rich presentation.
Arctic char is an ideal fish for curing due to its delicate texture and mild, buttery flavour, which absorbs the curing mixture beautifully. The addition of gin adds aromatic complexity, while dill and lemon zest brighten the overall profile. Paired with a cool yogurt chive dressing, this recipe balances richness with freshness, making it a refined appetizer or centerpiece for a gourmet spread. It’s a dish that celebrates patience, technique, and the art of transformation through curing.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) of Arctic Char, skin-on
- 2 medium red beets
- ½ cup (120ml) of kosher salt
- ½ cup of white sugar
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- ¼ cup (60ml) of gin
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) of black peppercorns
Method
- Blend beets in a food processor.
- Mix beets, salt, sugar, peppercorns and dill in a large bowl.
- Pour gin on both sides of the fish and let rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- Coat the arctic char entirely with the cure mixture and add the lemon zest on top.
- Wrap the arctic char with plastic wrap and place in fridge for 24-48 hours.
- Every 12 hours, drain any excess liquid in the container.
- Once it is done curing, remove the arctic char from the container, rinse completely under cold water and pat dry on both sides.
- Remove the skin from the arctic char, and cut gravlax into thin strips.
Ingredients
Yogurt Chive Dressing
- ½ cup (120ml) of plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) of olive oil
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) of chives, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon (2ml) of sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon (2ml) of black pepper
Method
- Whisk all ingredients together in a mixing bowl.
- Serve with Cold Potato Noodles. See recipe.
Serving Suggestions
This Beet and Dill Arctic Char Gravlax recipe is ideal for elegant brunches, holiday gatherings, or refined appetizer platters where presentation matters as much as flavour. Serve thin slices of gravlax chilled, arranged beautifully on a platter with the yogurt chive dressing drizzled lightly on top or served on the side for dipping. The vibrant beet colouring makes this dish visually stunning, making it perfect for festive occasions like Easter brunch, Christmas appetizers, or upscale dinner parties.
For a complete gourmet experience, pair it with cold potato noodles, rye bread, or toasted sourdough to complement the silky texture of the cured fish. You can also serve it alongside pickled vegetables, capers, and fresh herbs to build a Scandinavian-inspired spread. Beverage pairings such as chilled white wine, dry rosé, or sparkling wine enhance the dish’s delicate balance of earthy and bright flavours. Whether plated as a starter or part of a larger seafood table, this gravlax delivers sophistication and impact in every bite.
Final Thoughts
This Beet and Dill Arctic Char Gravlax recipe is a true showcase of patience, precision, and culinary craftsmanship. The curing process transforms simple Arctic char into a silky, flavour-infused delicacy that feels both traditional and modern. The earthy sweetness of beets, the aromatic dill, and the brightness of lemon and gin create a perfectly balanced profile that elevates the dish beyond expectations.
Inspired by the techniques featured on Fish the Dish, this recipe highlights how time and technique can turn humble ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether you’re preparing it for a special celebration or simply exploring cured seafood at home, this gravlax is a rewarding dish that impresses both visually and in flavour.