Skip to main content
Epicurious
Bon Appétit

Citrus-Cured Salmon

5.0

(2)

Image may contain Sliced and Plant
Photo by Vincent Cross, Food Styling by Sue Li

This 24-hour method will transform uncooked salmon into a side of firm, silky fish. Buy the best you can afford.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 4

Ingredients

5 ounces kosher salt (1 cup Diamond Crystal or 1/2 cup Morton)
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup (packed) light brown sugar
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 pound skin-on, boneless salmon fillet, preferably wild king
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
½ teaspoon finely grated orange zest

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine salt, granulated sugar, brown sugar, peppercorns, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. Spread half of curing mix in the center of a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet roughly the same size as the fish. Place fish, skin side down, on curing mixture. Spread lemon zest, lime zest, and orange zest evenly over fish; cover with remaining curing mixture. Bring edges of foil up and over salmon and crimp to enclose. Place another baking sheet on top of salmon and weigh down with several large cans or a heavy pot. Chill, unwrapping and flipping fish halfway through, 24 hours.

    Step 2

    Rinse fish and pat dry; place, skin side down, on a cutting board. Using your longest, sharpest knife and wiping down blade with a moist towel between slices, cut on a diagonal 1/8"–1/4" thick, leaving skin behind.

  2. Do Ahead

    Step 3

    Salmon can be cured 3 days ahead. Cover tightly and chill.

TagsSalmonFishSeafoodCitrusFruitBreakfastBrunchDairy FreeGluten FreeNut FreeEasyMeal PrepMake AheadNo-CookBon Appétit

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App in July
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
Mango Chicken Summer Rolls
Rotisserie chicken makes quick work of these no-cook rolls with a spicy peanut sauce.
Paella de Pollo con Verduras
A crowd-friendly, crisp-edged chicken and vegetable rice from chef José Andrés.
José Andrés Recipes Worth Bookmarking
Like carrot farro salad and chicken paella.
Plum Karpatka (Polish Cream Puff Cake)
With dramatic choux layers and fruit-rippled cream, it’s the drag queen of Polish desserts.
Morning Buns
Tender, buttery breakfast pastries with crisp caramelized edges, a fragrant cinnamon-orange filling, and a crackly sugar topping.
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
13 Types of Nuts and How to Cook With Them
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.