Spicy Arctic Char and Grapefruit Crudo Recipe

This Spicy Arctic Char and Grapefruit Crudo recipe is a bold and refreshing seafood dish that combines delicately cured Arctic char with charred grapefruit, fiery habanero granita, and aromatic spice curing. Featured on Bring on the Karbs, hosts Erica and Josh Karbelnik showcase a vibrant Fire-and-Ice inspired creation that balances sweetness, acidity, heat, and herbal depth in every bite.

The Inspiration

Crudo is one of the most expressive ways to enjoy fresh fish, relying on curing, acidity, and precise slicing to highlight natural flavour without heavy cooking. This dish builds on that philosophy by introducing bold contrast elements inspired by global citrus-forward seafood traditions.

Arctic char, a cold-water fish related to salmon and trout, is naturally rich and buttery, making it ideal for light curing. In this recipe, the fish is gently preserved with a fragrant mixture of salt, sugar, citrus zest, and warm spices including coriander, fennel, juniper, and lime leaf. The result is a clean yet deeply aromatic base that enhances the fish’s natural texture.

Erica and Josh Karbelnik are known for transforming simple ingredients into visually striking, restaurant-level dishes that feel both playful and refined. This crudo embodies that philosophy by blending curing techniques, live flame charring, frozen elements, and fresh garnishes into a single cohesive plate.

Ingredients

For the Cured Arctic Char

1 arctic char fillet
1 cup (250ml) sugar
1 cup (250ml) kosher salt
Zest from 2 grapefruits
2 tbsp (30ml) coriander seed
1 tbsp (15ml) fennel seed
1 tsp (5ml) juniper
2 g lime leaf
1 bunch cilantro
Thin slices of Fresno and serrano peppers, for garnish

For the Charred Grapefruit

1 grapefruit

For the Habanero Granita

2 cups (500ml) water
1/4 cup (60ml) sugar
1/2 cup (125ml) lime juice
1 red habanero, cored, seeded, and rough chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and rough chopped

Method

Make the Habanero Granita

Heat water and sugar until dissolved. Place everything in a blender and blend until smooth. Strain and pour on a tray and place in the freezer until frozen. Remove and shred with a fork to serve.

Char the Grapefruit

Cut off the grapefruit skin and slice out segments, leaving the membrane behind. Char the grapefruit segments with a torch.

Make the Arctic Char Crudo

Grind coriander, fennel, juniper and lime leaf in a spice grinder. In a mixing bowl add sugar, salt, zest, and freshly ground spices and stir to make the curing mix. Place fish on a tray and cover with curing mix. Place the fish in the fridge for 2 hours to cure.
Remove the fish from the fridge, wash off the curing mix under running water and pat dry. Cut cured fish into ¼ inch slices at a 45 degree angle and serve on an ice block along with the charred grapefruit, granita, and pepper slices.

Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Arctic Char and Grapefruit Crudo is best served as a refined appetizer or first course in a multi-course seafood dinner. Its bright acidity and icy granita make it especially suitable for warm-weather entertaining or tasting menus that focus on fresh, clean flavours.

Pair this dish with crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, or Grüner Veltliner, which enhance the citrus and spice elements without overpowering the delicate cured fish. Sparkling water with grapefruit or lime also makes an excellent non-alcoholic pairing that mirrors the dish’s citrus profile.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Arctic Char and Grapefruit Crudo recipe is a masterful expression of balance, contrast, and precision. Every element—from the delicately cured fish and charred citrus to the icy habanero granita and fresh herbs—works together to create a dish that is both visually stunning and deeply flavourful.

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