Gin and Tonic Cured Salmon with Dill and Citrus

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicately cured salmon infused with bright gin and tonic flavors, accented by fresh dill and zesty citrus for a light appetizer. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 15 minutes pairs kosher salt, granulated sugar, crushed juniper berries for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp kosher salt, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tbsp crushed juniper berries, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp orange zest, and 1 tsp crushed black peppercorns.
  2. Step 2: Place 1 lb skin-on salmon fillet on a large piece of plastic wrap. Sprinkle half of the salt and sugar mixture evenly over the flesh side of the salmon.
  3. Step 3: Pour 1/4 cup gin and 1/4 cup tonic water over the salmon flesh, then sprinkle the remaining salt mixture evenly on top.
  4. Step 4: Wrap the salmon tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a shallow dish. Weigh it down with a plate and refrigerate for 48 hours, turning the salmon over after 24 hours.
  5. Step 5: After curing, unwrap the salmon and gently rinse off the cure under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
  6. Step 6: Slice the cured salmon thinly against the grain and serve garnished with fresh dill and additional citrus zest if desired for a bright, aromatic appetizer.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Gin and Tonic Cured Salmon with Dill and Citrus take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Gin and Tonic Cured Salmon with Dill and Citrus?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep kosher salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Gin and Tonic Cured Salmon with Dill and Citrus?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Gin and Tonic Cured Salmon with Dill and Citrus for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Gin and Tonic Cured Salmon with Dill and Citrus?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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